Heather Proctor
Visionary Leader and Advocate for Community Health and Well-Being
About Heather Proctor
Heather Proctor is a dynamic and accomplished executive leader with over two decades of experience in consulting, strategic planning, marketing, operations, and process improvement. As the Founder and CEO of #WeHealUS, Heather has spearheaded innovative, trauma-informed initiatives that have united diverse stakeholders across healthcare, government, nonprofits, and businesses to address mental health challenges and promote healing-centered solutions. Heather’s career is defined by her unwavering commitment to serving others and creating inclusive, healing-centered environments. Her professional journey spans leadership roles in nonprofit, public, private, and government sectors, where she has consistently driven organizational growth, fostered collaboration, and delivered measurable results. Heather’s unique ability to build strategic partnerships and optimize workflows has made her a sought-after leader in addressing societal challenges and empowering communities.
A Life of Service and Advocacy
Heather’s passion for advocacy is deeply rooted in her life experiences. Growing up on the mission field and as a former military spouse, she developed a profound understanding of the importance of connection and service. Her advocacy work spans homelessness, mental health, and trauma-informed awareness, including spearheading Illinois Senate Resolution SR0301, which aims to make Illinois one of the first healing-centered states in the nation. As a certified Train-the-Trainer in Trauma-Informed Care, Heather has led national campaigns for Mental Health and Trauma Awareness Month, mobilizing communities and providing free resources to individuals and organizations. Her grassroots efforts have broken down silos and reduced stigma, creating public-private partnerships that have transformed how mental health and trauma are addressed on local, state, and national levels.
A Vision for the Future
Heather Proctor is eager to bring her passion for philanthropy, strategic vision, and commitment to community health to the Community Memorial Foundation. Her leadership will focus on fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and creating measurable impact to ensure that all residents of the western suburbs of Chicago have access to high-quality health and human services.
Speaking Engagements
SHARE: Supporting Healing through Awareness, Resilience, and Empathy
Building Inclusive Communities Conference, Western Springs, Illinois, February 2025
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Trauma and Mental Health Awareness Capitol Day, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, May 2024
Scars to Stars Summit, International Virtual Summit, May 2024
Let's Talk Home Care, with Aishling, Podcast, August 2023
Trauma-Informed and Healing-Centered Communities
Trauma-Informed and Mental Health Justice Summit, Countryside, Illionis, May 2023
Trauma-Informed States
HEAL PA Conference, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, May 2022
Memberships
Board Vice-Chairperson, The Lucky Foundation, October 2022 - Present
Advisory Board Member, The Lucky Foundation, August 2022 - October 2022
Commissioner, Community Relations Commission, City of Springfield, Illinois, March 2016 - February 2018
Professional Achievements
- Strategic Leadership: Developed a comprehensive three-year strategic plan for the Lyons Township Mental Health Commission, focusing on trauma-informed and healing-centered community approaches.
- Innovative Campaigns: Founded the #WeHealUS movement, uniting healthcare organizations, businesses, and government entities to provide free resources and training during Mental Health and Trauma Awareness Month.
- Operational Excellence: Improved workflows, financial transparency, and operational efficiency in leadership roles across various organizations, including the DuPage Housing Authority and Brininstool + Lynch.
- Community Impact: Organized international summits addressing justice reform, societal trauma, and mental health challenges, and led initiatives addressing homelessness, economic development, and constituent services.
Notable Achievements
- Founder of #WeHealUS, a national trauma awareness campaign, uniting diverse stakeholders to address mental health challenges.
- Recognized for creating innovative, healing-centered solutions that drive organizational growth and community impact.
- Successfully led strategic initiatives for government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations.
- Spearheaded Illinois Senate Resolution 0301, as Founder of the Illinois Light Initiative, positioning Illinois to join a national trauma-informed movement and become the first officially declared Healing Centered State, with a focus on closing the empathy gap and establishing a lasting foundation for systemic change.
