Cathedral People Profile: Heather Heyd

"My Dad always hoped that I’d be the first female president of the United States," says Heather Heyd, Grace Cathedral’s new Director of Annual Giving. "He had big aspirations for me. I was class vice-president in high school, at least. I didn’t do a lot of volunteering as a kid, but I felt a responsibility to give back to the community. I’ve been grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and looked for ways to do work that benefits others."

Compassion and community are values that have long resonated for Heather. "I was a Sociology major at UC Santa Barbara, and we were given an ‘observation project’ to complete with a partner. We decided to volunteer at a homeless shelter, serving dinner to people and then interviewing them. It was my first intense experience like that. We found out their stories and learned the factors that played in to their being there. That [homelessness] could happen to anybody really framed it in the context of a common experience of being a human."

After teaching with an environmental education school, Heather moved into a corporate position with a technology firm. "I was very successful selling software, but I felt empty. I enjoyed the problem solving. I love meeting people, discovering the best in them and bringing that out. I looked forward to finding a way back to more connected work and felt I needed to be involved in the non-profit world."

She began working for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, managing special events for the organization. She managed a golf tournament and was successful in doubling the fundraising income in a year and a half with their Man & Woman of the Year campaign.

Heather learned about an available position at the Cathedral, and something just clicked. "I was reading God Has a Dream by Bishop Desmond Tutu, and it’s all about finding hope and inspiration, and connecting with and giving back to the community, even when people are feeling lost and facing bad times. That message of hope is one of Dean Alan Jones’ message too, and it’s fitting with what I’m looking for in my own life. I couldn’t ignore the coincidence of the job opening at the Cathedral, and what I was seeking personally.

"The Cathedral is meaningful to people for so many reasons, providing hope and serenity to so many. The labyrinth, it being a landmark, the services, the beauty of the building and gardens."

Speaking of her work at the Cathedral, Heather becomes very animated. "The first thing that I’ll be managing is the Supper Dance. We’re talking about having a live auction for the first time ever. It’s very exciting. I’m really enjoying working with the committee, and building relationships within the community. They’re so passionate about the Cathedral. I’m looking forward to finding ways to create events that build on that excitement."