My career spans marketing agencies, professional training organizations, and diverse B2B industries, giving me a unique perspective on what drives growth across different business models.
As Executive Director at CI Design, I lead a team of 7 specialists while serving as editor-in-chief of our content marketing program. Previously, I managed $6M marketing budgets at Crisis Prevention Institute and drove comprehensive campaigns that consistently exceeded lead generation goals.
With an Executive MBA from Quantic and deep expertise in marketing automation platforms like HubSpot, Marketo, and Salesforce, I bring both strategic vision and hands-on execution to every initiative.
Read a profile on me at my current employer (a direct report interviewed me)! Or, watch me in a podcast episode with the Owner/CEO.
"Heather has been one of the best managers and leaders I’ve ever had. It’s important to note that I didn’t say boss, because that term doesn’t do her any justice. There are bosses and leaders and she is a shining example of what a leader should be. She is kind, understanding, empathetic and inspiring. "
- Jordan Block, Practice Lead, Digital Marketing at CI Design
(current direct report of 3+ years)
“...the only thing I regret about leaving CID was not getting to work with you [Heather Vaughn] more. I felt like it was the first time since I was in college where I had an actual potential mentor. What you knew, how you carried yourself, everything was so inspiring to me even in that short time.”
- Milan Zori, Creative Director at Margle Media
(former teammate at CI Design)
"She believed in me, challenged me, and encouraged me throughout my three years at CI Design. Through the good, bad and the ugly, she always had my back. My success came from her support and challenge, and I will be thankful for her always."
- Morgan Carnell, Associate Marketing Manager at Stronghouse
(former direct report at CI Design)
"She brings strategy, drive, leadership, team-building, analytics, humor, and compassion to her role. She's a relationship builder who works across the organization to bring teams together that deliver results. Her ability to work collaboratively and bring the best out of the team is amazing. She's a leader who leads by example, never shies away from difficult conversations, but does so with kindness and turns each one into a learning opportunity."
- Matt Juzenas, Director of Strategic Operation at Islands of Brilliance
(former colleague at CPI and Fullhouse)