Women in Leadership | Celebrating Advancement

Quility’s CONNECT initiative is a way for women to amplify their impact in the workplace and the world. Just as a rising tide lifts all boats, the achievements of one woman benefit and inspire all those who surround her. With that said, let’s get to know and celebrate Heather—Quility’s new V.P. of Creative Services.?

Born & raised: ?

I was born in Birmingham and moved to the North Country (upstate New York) in the 5th grade.?

Alma mater:??

Sage College of Albany?

Home base:?

Asheville, NC?

Can you tell us a little bit about what led you to a career in design???

I come from a small rural town where design was hardly recognized as a hobby, let alone a career.??

While I eventually shifted my major to design, I began college with a focus on photography—hoping to one day produce compelling images and post-production edits for a creative magazine.?

After leaving my first corporate job in package design, I worked for a small in-house team where I was responsible for design and oversight of a b2b magazine and the campaigns to promote it. I worked with a wide spectrum of media for branding and marketing—from print and interactive design to motion graphics and digital campaigns. I was able to hone in on areas of design where I was both passionate and challenged, and my appreciation and love for the process grew.??

Congratulations on your promotion to Quility’s V.P. of Creative Services. Was this a day-one goal or a natural evolution of your position??

Over the years, while I continued to be passionate about my field, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the people I worked with didn’t understand the value of design. That all changed in early 2018 when I began working with Symmetry Financial Group (now Quility). For the first time, my expertise was recognized, celebrated and truly fostered from the top down.?

Now, as a VP of creative services I’ve been able to apply design’s problem-solving fundamentals to everything from building a brand to design ops. I’m surrounded by innovative creatives who consistently remind me of why I’m in this field. And as a leader, I’m able to help them navigate new challenges and foster growth.?

So while VP was never part of the plan, I’m incredibly grateful to be in a role where design and creative services are valued, allowing us to truly have an impact on the business.???

How we start the day can be a setup for success. Any rituals or mindset moments before the clock strikes 9:00? ?

For me it’s crucial to take care of myself first. I know it makes a lot of folks cringe, but I love getting up before the sun and hitting the gym before I start my work day. There’s something magical about being on the road before dawn—the roads are empty, and the general ambiance is truly cinematic.????

What shift do you feel is needed in terms of leadership??

More diversity. Of course we need more women, but to fully live into diverse leadership we need to see representation across races, cultures, abilities, etc.?

Rapid Fire Five:?

Tea or coffee – Tea?

Mountains or the beach – Mountains?

Text or talk – Text?

Sunrise or sunset – Sunrise?

Kindle or bound books – Bound, but I rarely read (embarrassed face)?