Heather Audirsch Haywood Apr

Heather Audirsch Haywood, APR has a diverse background in marketing, public relations, and communications. Beginning their career as a Program Coordinator for the Russellville Chamber of Commerce in 1989, they later served as the Executive Vice President of the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce from 1992 to 1996. Heather then worked as the Director of Public Relations for the Hot Springs School District, where they developed positive public opinion and managed media outreach. From 1998 to 2001, Haywood worked in marketing and community relations for Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, increasing enrollment and fostering community engagement. Heather then operated their own business, Heather Haywood Consulting, where they successfully led a strategic public relations campaign for the Stuttgart Public School District. Haywood went on to serve as the Director of Marketing for the Arkansas Arts Center, managing marketing, communications, and audience services to increase exhibition attendance. In 2013, they joined the Arkansas Insurance Department as the Public Information Manager for the Arkansas Health Connector Division, where they oversaw a successful outreach campaign resulting in increased public awareness of new health insurance options. As the Director of Communications and Marketing for the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace from 2014 to 2015, Haywood managed strategies to increase awareness of the state's health insurance exchange. In 2015, they became the Vice President of Corporate Communications for Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, overseeing internal and external communications as well as digital media strategies. Since 2017, Haywood has held the position of Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C., where they implement strategic marketing initiatives and strengthens brand visibility for the firm. Throughout their career, Haywood has consistently demonstrated their expertise in marketing, public relations, and communications.

Heather Audirsch Haywood, APR earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/Public Relations from Arkansas Tech University, where they studied from 1982 to 1985. In addition to their bachelor's degree, they have obtained several certifications, including a Reputation Management Certificate from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in July 2017 and an APR (Accredited in Public Relations) from PRSA in December 2012. It is also noted that they have completed the Community Development Institute program at the University of Central Arkansas and is a graduate of the LeadAR Class VII program at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. However, the specific completion months and years for these programs are not provided.