Heather Goetsch is the lead for operations in the U.S. Market Transformation & Development (U.S. MTD) department at USGBC. In her role, she leads specialized projects to optimize the U.S. MTD team’s function. This includes operational focus on key tactics like ensuring resources are available, processes are clear, and minimizing duplicative work. More specifically, managing KPI and budget tracking/planning, goal setting and tracking, activities to strengthen team cohesion, and directing the individual membership and emerging professionals’ programs. Heather brings over 14 years of experience working in highly independent roles that required decision-making, problem solving, strong communication, and resourcefulness in the nonprofit sector. Throughout her career, she has led volunteers, secured and managed grants, wrote strategic plans, produced all sizes of in-person and digital events, presented to a variety of audiences, and was a leader for change management, among many other tasks and projects.
Heather’s past roles and education provided her with knowledge within several specific aspects of sustainability, including food systems, public health, urban planning, transportation, and green building (current role). Her experience and knowledge led to volunteer leadership opportunities at national, state, and local scales. She served on the American Planning Association’s (APA) Leadership Development Task Force; a group tasked with strategizing methods to foster future leaders within APA nationally. She was honored to serve as a judge for APA's 2019 and 2020 National Planning Awards. Heather previously served director of the board for the Wisconsin Citizen’s Utility Board, a state level consumer advocacy organization that works to ensure affordable and equitable energy for utility customers. She also previously served on the Architectural Review Commission in her local community. Heather earned a B.S. in Conservation and Environmental Science, a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and holds a LEED Green Associate credential.