Heather Lee, Director of Disaster Response for Heart to Heart International was named one of Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know for 2020.
Heather started as a volunteer with Heart to Heart International, answering phones at the front desk. She soon was asked to volunteer in Houston, TX, in the response to Hurricane Harvey and then in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Heather’s work on these responses ultimately led to her becoming Director of Disaster Response. In her work at HHI, she has traveled around the world, including Guatemala, the US/Mexico border, and the Bahamas. She is currently leading HHI’s response to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Before joining HHI, Heather spent 10 years as an Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot. She said her time in the military has helped her in her work in the humanitarian and disaster response world.
“I am grateful for my time in the military because it exposed me to challenging leadership roles at a young age. There were times in my military career, especially while deployed when I had to make a decision quickly based on the knowledge at hand. I draw back to these experiences all the time while in the field for a disaster.
I was afraid I would miss the camaraderie of the military, but I have been so inspired by the professionalism and perspectives of other humanitarian workers. I am so thankful that HHI has given me the opportunity to have new and fulfilling shared experiences.”
Congratulations to Heather! We are proud of your work and your dedication to helping others!
Congratulations to additional Heart to Heart International connections featured in the same issue, including:
Bob Lambrechts – former Chairman of the Board of Directors for Heart to Heart International
Dr. Lee Norman – Secretary of Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Heart to Heart International Board Member Emeritus
Read more in Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know issue.
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