Washington, D.C. – September 4, 2024
Beneath the Service, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting post-9/11 military veterans and their families in their social reintegration needs, is proud to announce the appointment of Heather McCarty as Vice President of Programs. Heather brings a wealth of experience in leadership development, program management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), honed through her extensive career across the nonprofit sector.
In her role at Beneath the Service, Heather will lead the development and enhancement of the organization’s world-class initiatives including the flagship Women Veterans Leadership Program and (re)Orient Identity sessions. These initiatives are designed to address the psychological components of social reintegration by crafting intentional pathways that empower veterans and their families to leverage the strength of their identity to become influential leaders in civilian life.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Veteran Community Success
Heather’s journey in learning and development began in the classroom, where she discovered her passion for cultivating growth in others while teaching students at a Junior Naval ROTC high school. This early experience equipped her with the ability to engage learners effectively, even amidst competing challenges. Building on this foundation, Heather transitioned to focus on adult development, particularly in the areas of management, leadership and DEI, where she has made significant contributions.
Heather's professional background includes eight years at The Mission Continues, a nonprofit that invests in military veterans as change agents in under-resourced communities. During her tenure, Heather was instrumental in designing and managing programs that challenged veterans to develop new skill sets and equip them with the tools needed to drive positive change. She built the L&D function at The Mission Continues, and established high-quality and high-impact experiences rooted in the unique veteran audience. Her work empowered a growing movement of veterans to take on leadership roles in their communities, helping to address social and economic challenges through innovative solutions.
Heather's experience also includes nearly seven years with Teach for America where she created tailored, high-impact learning experiences that addressed the full spectrum of personal and professional development as Director of Learning and Development. She has also provided learning solutions for global clients as a content designer, facilitator, and coach as an independent consultant working with non-profit organizations and corporations.
Niki Marin, Founder and President of Beneath the Service, expressed her excitement about Heather’s arrival sharing, “Heather’s profound commitment to leadership development and her proven expertise in creating transformative learning experiences make her the perfect addition to our team. Her people-centered approach aligns seamlessly with our mission at Beneath the Service and I’m confident that Heather will play an influential role in shaping the future of the organization and expanding our impact.”
Heather expressed, “I’m honored to join Beneath the Service, an organization that is making a transformative difference in the lives of military veterans and their families by focusing on identity and social reintegration. My passion for learning and development has evolved into a lifelong commitment to helping others realize their potential. I’m excited to bring my experience to Beneath the Service and to work alongside such a dedicated team to support our veterans in their journey to becoming leaders in their communities and workplaces.”
Personal and Professional Accomplishments
Heather holds a degree from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and has obtained numerous certifications in coaching and learning including advanced training in DISC and instructional design for adult learners. She is a passionate advocate for creating a culture of learning and brings a comprehensive approach to program development, from design and implementation to evaluation and continuous improvement.
Outside of her professional achievements, Heather is an active member of several honor societies including Delta Kappa Chapter of Chi Omega Fraternity, Golden Key National Honor Society, and Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. She also has served the last four years as the President of a local non-profit, Dance Love, Inc., that focuses on dance as a way to build community involvement and to provide means for kids who have a passion for dance to be involved.
Heather’s journey to leadership was shaped not only by her professional experiences, but also by her background as a dancer. Her dedication and skill in dance led to the extraordinary achievement of performing in the opening ceremony of the Olympic games in Atlanta, Georgia.
Heather resides in St. Louis, MO with her Marine Corps veteran husband of 16 years, their two teenage daughters, Addison and Lyla, and 3 dogs, Cyrus, Huey, and Otis.
About Beneath the Service
Beneath the Service is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Washington, D.C., dedicated to building upon the exceptional qualities of military veterans and their families in their professional and personal reintegration. Beneath the Service focuses on the psychological components of social reintegration, helping veterans build their identity, find purpose, and connect with their communities. Beneath the Service is committed to creating a lasting legacy of leadership and community impact by helping veterans and their families honor their past while shaping their future.
For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:
Email: press@beneaththeservice.org
(718) 496-7536
Washington, D.C.
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