What was your first job, and what did it teach you about yourself?

My first job was as a camp counselor. I learned so much—primarily that taking risk fosters personal growth and that embracing fun is essential at every stage of life.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Heather Naviasky began her tenure as Chief Operating Officer with Baltimore’s Promise in July 2024. Her greatest hope for humanity is that everyone has access to high-quality education and can learn and explore with openness and enjoyment.  

She gets out of bed each day with the belief that everyone deserves and should have access to the resources they need to reach their fullest potential.

Prior to joining Baltimore’s Promise, Heather served as the Senior Executive Director, Youth Development, for the Y in Central Maryland. In this role, Heather provided operational and strategic oversight for a diverse portfolio which included the Y’s grant-funded teen portfolio, including High School Community Schools; college and career readiness programming; leadership and advocacy work; and expanded workforce development opportunities. Her role extended to managing a consulting team which indirectly supported more than 35,000 families across Maryland.

Heather has also held positions at the Family League of Baltimore, where she managed a network of Community Schools and Out-of-School Time Programs, and contributed to national educational networks and conferences at the Institute for Educational Leadership. With over 15 years dedicated to youth development, Heather brings a wealth of experience to her current role.

Heather holds a degree in Political Science with a focus on Public Policy from The George Washington University, and an MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, where she received the Martin J. Sullivan Award for Exemplary Executive MBA Graduate. She is also a graduate of the Education Policy Fellowship Program. Heather loves all things Baltimore – Go O’s!