Heather King

Heather joined the Council as Executive Director in March 2022. She has more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, most recently as Deputy Director of Willamette Riverkeeper, where she was responsible for fundraising, staff development, and supervision, and with 350PDX, where she helped rebuild the organization’s fundraising program. Heather has founded two nonprofits: Pride Zone, a center for LGBTQA+ young people in Northampton, MA, and Brandywine Roller Derby, in Downingtown, PA. A lifelong social justice advocate, educator and leader, Heather has a strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI).

Heather holds a Master’s in Social Justice Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an MBA in Nonprofit Management and Social Policy from the Heller School at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA. An east coast native with a lifelong interest in the outdoors and exploring the world, Heather quickly developed a love of the Pacific Northwest. She is passionate about connecting volunteers, partners, and donors to the outdoors and the importance, vitality, and joy of Oregon’s natural resources, especially her waterways.

A nomad at heart, Heather enjoys spending free time exploring the PNW and beyond, camping and/or canoeing. She loves getting to know new cultures and meeting people, as well as cooking, baking, Legos, Dungeons and Dragons, and reading a good book.

Most want to see at the Slough: Raptors and other birds—I enjoy learning about their migration and seasonal patterns.

Favorite thing about the Slough: Right now, I’m most excited about the potential the Slough has for introducing and engaging people in the outdoors through direct participation.