An advocate for good public policy, Heather’s professional career has focused on government finance, economic development and education reform efforts.  She has managed the budgets of state agencies in Illinois and Wisconsin where she improved customer service and reduced costs.  Heather successfully launched programs to increase housing and asset development and promote job growth in Chicago.  She has also directed urban economic development initiatives for the Civic Committee and developed the Chicago Public Schools’ multi-year strategic plan that produced education reforms.