Experience Grand Rapids
Valerie Heilman has extensive experience in various roles, demonstrating a commitment to community service and education. Currently, Valerie serves as a CTA at Experience Grand Rapids since February 2017. As a Master Gardener with the Master Gardener of Western Michigan since January 2015, Valerie completed a semester of courses through Michigan State extension. Valerie has been a Victim Advocate with the Kent County Sheriff Department since 1997, providing support to families during difficult times. Previously, Valerie worked as an Officer with the US Department of Homeland Security from September 2010 to April 2017 and served as a substitute teacher at Grand Rapids South Christian High School between August 1997 and June 2012. Valerie holds a degree in education with a focus on English from Calvin University and attended Las Lomas.
Experience Grand Rapids
MISSION: Creating an exceptional community by sharing Grand Rapids with the world. What does that really mean? It means that we inspire tourism and conventions through short-term promotions, long-term marketing and sales strategies, and a focus on community developments that will impact the visitor experience. WHAT ARE WE: Experience Grand Rapids is the destination marketing organization (DMO) for Grand Rapids/Kent County, Michigan. We are the only community resource devoted to marketing the destination by raising visitor awareness of the region’s brand characteristics of craft beer, music, family fun, outdoor recreation, art and culture and food. We care deeply about the impression we make on the people who come here. And we are constantly innovating new and creative ways to make the Grand Rapids experience even better.