Heather Hardinger

Director of Workforce Strategy & Programs, Taney County Partnership

Heather Hardinger is the Director of Workforce Strategy & Programs with Taney County Partnership at the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and is accountable for moving the needle on Branson’s unique workforce and economic development challenges. Heather believes the Ozark Region’s workforce development challenges are complex but solvable and looks forward to tackling the tough issues. She works closely with employers, economic developers, workforce and education partners and leaders across the region to identify workforce needs, apply sustainable solutions and strategies for growth, and advise on equity, diversity, and inclusive policies. In addition to organizing local employment efforts in Branson, Heather also serves as Chair of the City of Springfield’s Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights & Community Relations, was appointed by Gov. Parson to the 2020 Missouri (Census) Complete Count Committee, and is also Vice Chair on the board of directors of Bread for the World, a national non-profit organization tasked with ending world hunger. Heather holds a B.A. degree in International-Multicultural Studies from Evangel University and a M.A. in Political Science with an emphasis on Public Policy.