Heather Gilberds

Heather Gilberds currently serves as Chief of Staff at the National Endowment for Democracy, where responsibilities include co-leading a think tank focused on media assistance in developing and democratizing countries. Previously, Heather held the position of Director of Research and Learning at Digital Opportunity Trust, overseeing research and evaluation for several multi-million dollar projects across multiple countries. Heather has also worked as a self-employed Applied Research and Evaluation Expert, and served as Senior Program Manager at Farm Radio International, managing a youth mental health program in Africa. Academic roles include Research Manager at the Centre for Media and Transitional Societies and Undergraduate Instructor in Journalism and Communication. Heather holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Media Studies from Carleton University, along with various certificates and a Master of Arts with Distinction in Mass Communication/Media Studies from the same institution.