Heather Young

Heather Young
Vice President for Communication & Public Relations
Nationality: Canada
Credentials
2021
Certified Professional in Agility in Marketing, ICAgile, USA
2020
Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA), Royal Roads University, Canada
2020
Crisis Communications Management Certificate, Institute for Crisis Management, USA
2013
Strategic Communication Management Certificate, Ithaca College, USA
2012
Foundations of Effective Management & Leadership Certificate, Justice Institute of BC, Canada
2011
Building Strategic Relationships in the Public Sector, UBC Sauder Executive Education, Canada
2006
Master of Publishing Degree (MPUB), Simon Fraser University, Canada
2002
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology (BA), McGill University, Canada
Profile

Heather Young is a seasoned and purpose-driven communications professional. With 15 years of experience in the field, her expertise spans corporate communications, public relations (PR), media relations, marketing, public affairs, community relations, corporate social responsibility (CSR), crisis communications, internal engagement, and events. Prior to arriving at OIST, she drove innovation by advancing communications for academic-industry collaborations across Canada and with international partners. Before that, she held leadership positions at a Canadian health and safety agency and at the Special Olympics. 

Creating and implementing best-in-class communications requires a strong team working in alignment toward this goal. This principle is the foundation of Heather’s work, as evidenced by her professional career and supported with international recognition. But excellence does not “just happen.” Successful teams must connect strategy and operations with purpose and integrity. In pursuit of these aims, Heather’s teams have been recognized with awards and accolades from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), PR News, and the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS).

Now at OIST, Heather leads an international and dynamic team who ensure the story of this pioneering graduate university—a catalyst for world-class research, education, and innovation located on the island of Okinawa—is known locally, nationally, and around the globe.

Experience
2014–21
Director, Communications, Mitacs
2010–14
Manager, Public Affairs, WorkSafeBC
2008–10
Marketing-Communications Officer, WorkSafeBC
2006–08
Manager, Communications, Special Olympics BC
2000–07
Various roles, Feather Books and Granville Island Publishing
Service
2017–Present
Lights On Fund, Co-Founder and Executive Director
2013–2021
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), Award Evaluator
2012–2021
Special Olympics, Swim Coach and Mission Staff