Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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HEATHER LADY

Alexandria

Summary

Dynamic professional with a proven track record at Ford’s Theatre, excelling in major donor engagement and campaign strategy. Expert in graphic design and visual storytelling, I foster stakeholder relationships and drive impactful fundraising initiatives. Adept at cross-functional collaboration, I deliver compelling presentations that inspire giving and enhance brand visibility.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN & MAJOR DONOR ASSOCIATE

Ford’s Theatre
Washington
01.2006 - 01.2010
  • Partnered with Ford's Theatre's Board of Directors, senior leadership, and public relations consultants to plan and execute all fundraising strategies for the $60M Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Campaign.
  • Designed and delivered major donor engagement events—including the Presidential Gala, cultivation receptions, Opening Nights, and trustee appreciation events—to strengthen donor relations and drive campaign success.
  • Developed campaign branding, messaging, and communication materials that inspired giving, and reinforced campaign visibility.
  • Researched, authored, and maintained detailed donor profiles and prospect reports to support cultivation and solicitation strategies.
  • Managed tracking and analysis of campaign expenditures and contributions, ensuring accurate reporting.
  • Conducted VIP tours of Ford’s Theatre—including the historic Presidential Box—for distinguished guests and dignitaries.

SALES & MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE

The Andersons, Inc.
Maumee
01.2003 - 01.2006
  • Managed 40+ short-line railroad accounts, negotiating leases, and building relationships that significantly increased renewals and new agreements.
  • Selected for the corporate strategic planning group 'Rail Vision 2015' to develop a 10-year growth plan approved by executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
  • Acted as the primary liaison with private rail car investors, managing inventory, negotiating leases, and resolving financial and maintenance issues to improve profitability.
  • Led marketing initiatives, including industry publications, promotional redesigns, customer surveys, and onboarding materials.
  • Drafted and reviewed leasing contracts with general counsel to ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Project Manager

Marathon Marketing
Tucson
01.2001 - 01.2003
  • Acted as a liaison and public relations representative for non-profit clients, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, Ronald McDonald House, PGA, and LPGA.
  • Successfully managed annual fundraising events such as black-tie galas, golf and pro-am tournaments, wine tastings, and silent/live auctions.
  • Coordinated the design, printing, and distribution of all event collateral in collaboration with designers and external vendors.

DESIGN LEAD

Raytheon Missile Systems
Tucson
01.1997 - 01.2001
  • Designed classified defense proposals with Top Secret clearance, collaborating with cross-functional teams to create high-impact presentations, technical illustrations, and proposal graphics.
  • Partnered with engineers and military clients to interpret complex technical information into clear, persuasive visuals.
  • Ensured all materials met aerospace industry standards, defense regulations, and project security requirements.

Education

M.S. - Psychology

Canisius University
Buffalo, NY

B.F.A. - Graphic Design

Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY

Skills

  • Graphic and information design
  • Visual storytelling and data visualization
  • Adobe Creative Suite proficiency
  • Presentation and proposal design
  • Brand development and marketing
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Project management
  • Stakeholder engagement

Timeline

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN & MAJOR DONOR ASSOCIATE

Ford’s Theatre
01.2006 - 01.2010

SALES & MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE

The Andersons, Inc.
01.2003 - 01.2006

Project Manager

Marathon Marketing
01.2001 - 01.2003

DESIGN LEAD

Raytheon Missile Systems
01.1997 - 01.2001

M.S. - Psychology

Canisius University

B.F.A. - Graphic Design

Rochester Institute of Technology

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