Heather Bell is an accomplished and resilient leader with a diverse background in business, entrepreneurship, community engagement, and philanthropy. She has a strong educational foundation, having earned an AAS in Business Administration with a concentration in Customer Service from Berkeley College and a BAS in Organizational Management from Nyack College, where she achieved a 4.0GPA while balancing work and single parenthood.
Her career began at Heineken USA in corporate affairs, where she honed her skills in community and government affairs. However, after her sons joined the United States Marine Corps, Heather decided to pursue her entrepreneurial passion and founded A Perfect Plan, a successful event planning business that received several prestigious awards.
Giving back to the community has always been a priority for Heather, inspired by her early experiences with her mother's involvement in Meals on Wheels. She actively volunteered for organizations like Wounded Warrior Project, The Food Bank for Westchester, and Hope's Door, a domestic violence non-profit, where she later became a victim herself. Heather also held a significant role as the Associate Executive Director at the YMCA White Plains, helping the organization regain relevance and achieving state-wide recognition for the Youth and Government program she led.
In 2019, Heather joined the Orange County Chamber of Commerce team as the Director of Membership and was later promoted to Interim President & CEO in 2021, with the permanent appointment as expected shortly thereafter. Under her leadership, the chamber's membership grew even during the pandemic. She is passionate about mentoring small businesses and has spearheaded the Orange County Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Resource Center to support and empower entrepreneurs.
Heather's approach to leadership is characterized by collaboration and involvement in various boards and committees, such as the Orange County Economic Development Task Force, Stewart Air Service Development Committee, Orange County Workforce Development Board, and many more.
Overall, Heather Bell's journey is a testament to her determination, adaptability, and commitment to making a positive impact on her community and the business world. Her unique perspective and practical knowledge make her an ideal candidate for discussing post-pandemic business dynamics and growth strategies.
