About Heather
Heather Dehart is a dynamic professional known for her strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and exceptional ability to elevate brands across various industries. Whether she's crafting a compelling press release, designing engaging marketing collateral, or leading high-profile communications campaigns, Heather excels at delivering impactful results for her clients.
Heather’s journey in the industry spans from freelance PR and marketing work to leading communications initiatives at prominent organizations. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a knack for tailoring messages that resonate with audiences, building media relationships, and driving business growth through innovative campaigns.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Heather is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She has volunteered with numerous organizations, demonstrating her passion for making a positive impact. As a Board Member for the Ocean Springs Baseball Organization, she worked to foster youth sports and community engagement. Heather was also involved with Renew Our Rivers, helping to protect local waterways, and has supported Everything Greyt, an organization dedicated to rescuing retired greyhounds. Her dedication extends to Meals on Wheels, The Lord is My Help Food Pantry, and Comeback Coolers, where she contributed to feeding and supporting individuals in need. She is a proud supporter of Gulf Coast United and worked with the MGM Resorts Foundation, reinforcing her commitment to both local and global causes.
”Heather is an engaged team member, proactively serving on the SIS council, taking on new programs and platforms, volunteering for early morning and late-night shifts, and serving as a role model within our department, division and property. Heather proactively participates in training and volunteering career development programs and has managed high-pressure situations professionally and effectively. I could not be more proud of her accomplishments and contributions. She is an outstanding asset to Beau Rivage and MGM Resorts."
- Mary Cracchiolo, Beau Rivage Communications Director
Work Experience
With a passion for delivering strategic PR solutions that elevate brands and inspire audiences, Heather continues to help organizations tell their stories in a way that resonates and drives success.
Freelance Marketing Communications & PR Professional
January 2013 – Present
For the last 12 years, Heather has been a trusted freelancer for diverse clients across a variety of sectors, including real estate, entertainment, and community-focused organizations. She has helped businesses craft both long- and short-term marketing plans, designed and produced marketing collateral, and delivered high-impact PR initiatives on time and on budget. Her success lies in her ability to understand client needs and develop effective strategies to meet their goals.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino – Communications Specialist
November 2022 – July 2024
At the renowned Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Heather was instrumental in executing strategic communications programming. She worked closely with the MGM Corporate divisions to create compelling press materials, coordinate media relations, and support brand initiatives. As an executive council member of Beau Rivage’s Social Impact and Sustainability Council, Heather also played a vital role in championing key social causes, winning Beau Rivage's “Star of the Show” award for outstanding contributions to the organization.
February 2022 – November 2022
As Marketing Manager for Expect Realty, Heather spearheaded digital and traditional marketing campaigns that boosted SEO visibility and drove leads for the boutique real estate firm. She played a key role in developing content, measuring marketing effectiveness, and planning events to cultivate client relationships.
Marketing Manager – Expect Realty
Marketing Manager – Ocean Marine Group
January 2017 – January 2018
Heather managed marketing efforts for one of the Boating Industry Top 100 dealerships on the Gulf Coast. Her digital marketing strategies and event planning contributed to the dealership's most successful year in its 20-year history.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino – Public Relations Specialist
June 2018 – February 2022
In this role, Heather managed media relations and proactive outreach efforts for Beau Rivage and its sister properties. She developed and pitched media stories, wrote press releases, and collaborated closely with advertising and social media teams to maximize publicity and support events. Notably, she was part of the MGM Reopening Task Force, helping coordinate media relations during the historic reopening of MGM properties post-pandemic.
Communications Manager – Easter Seals TriState
June 2015 - December 2015
As Communications Manager, Heather was responsible for raising awareness of Easter Seals TriState's mission through media relations, advertising, and community outreach. She managed the organization’s websites and social media channels, growing the agency’s Facebook and Twitter followers by nearly double within the first four months. Heather also served as the editor and designer for key materials, including the annual report, internal newsletters, and fundraising/event collateral. Additionally, she assisted in the planning and execution of agency events and fundraisers.
January 2014 - May 2015
In the role of Marketing and Enrollment Manager, Heather led marketing, recruitment, and public relations initiatives that positioned St. Mary School System as the school of choice. She conducted one-on-one and small group presentations to prospective students, emphasizing the return on investment of private education. Heather coordinated the school’s marketing plan within budget, oversaw website content and social media, and managed advertising efforts across multiple platforms, including billboards, radio, print ads, and targeted emails.
Marketing and Enrollment Manager – St. Mary School System
May 2007 - January 2013
As Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Heatherworked closely with the President on crisis communications, publicity opportunities, and public relations strategies. She oversaw the school’s marketing and advertising initiatives, including the creation and execution of ad campaigns. Heather wrote, edited, and designed The Odyssey, the school’s semi-annual magazine, as well as the annual report. She also managed the design of collateral materials for fundraising events, class reunions, and capital campaigns while ensuring brand consistency across all visual elements, including the school’s website and social media presence.
