Heather Lechner is a seasoned Strategic Creative Consultant with over 25 years of expertise in graphic design, brand development, and marketing strategy. Known for her ability to craft compelling, differentiated stories that drive measurable impact, Heather excels in shaping strategic messaging for senior executives and cross-functional teams. Her portfolio reflects a unique blend of creativity and business insight, equipping her to guide organizations in achieving both market presence and ROI.
Currently, Heather partners with Google Retail’s sales team to support high-stakes product launches, implementing messaging strategies that resonate with retail merchandisers and reinforce brand positioning in a competitive landscape. Her role involves aligning messaging across departments to ensure cohesive brand communication, strengthening relationships between marketing, sales, and product teams for maximum engagement. Heather also plays an instrumental role within the Acosta Group’s In-Store Services team, where her focus on internal and external messaging has unified teams and amplified their market position in a fast-evolving industry.
Heather’s expertise in investor and board-level communications includes her work for AT&T’s Board of Directors annual meetings and Analyst Meetings for clients like Visa, AT&T, and Emerson Electric on Wall Street. Her role in these high-profile events underscores her ability to craft narratives that appeal to top-tier stakeholders, helping companies present strategic initiatives, financial outlooks, and brand vision with clarity and impact.
As co-founder of Ballyhoo Blue Workshop, a full-service creative agency in St. Louis, Heather built a business known for its customized brand solutions and high-quality creative strategy. In her role as Lead Creative Director and Client Relationship Manager, she spearheaded brand development initiatives for global leaders like Dell Technologies, Rackspace Technology, and Edward Jones, helping these companies define and share their unique narratives. One of Heather’s most impactful projects involved managing the presentation design for Rackspace Solve events in 15 international cities, where her ability to adapt content to various cultural landscapes reinforced Rackspace’s brand as a thought leader in tech services. The events’ success contributed to Rackspace’s competitive positioning, strengthening customer loyalty and brand equity in diverse markets.
Heather began her career at FleishmanHillard, a global communications powerhouse, where she honed her expertise in public relations, creative strategy, and executive communications. Starting as a graphic designer, Heather quickly ascended to Vice President and Senior Creative Director, where she led the presentation group and directed content for high-stakes accounts, including AT&T, Visa, and Emerson Electric. Notably, she played a critical role in the AT&T and Apple iPhone partnership launch, crafting presentations that communicated the partnership’s strategic importance and effectively supported the iPhone’s market debut. This experience highlighted Heather’s ability to work at the intersection of creativity and business strategy, a skill that has remained central to her career.
A forward thinker, Heather is passionate about integrating technology into creative processes, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence. She advises organizations on leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency and creative potential, consulting on ways to merge innovative technology with traditional branding efforts. Heather’s experience and thought leadership make her well-suited to support discussions on the strategic integration of AI within marketing, helping organizations adopt AI solutions that enhance brand reach and customer engagement.
Heather’s attended the University of Mississippi, complemented by a semester abroad in Cortona, Italy, through the University of Georgia, where she studied Italian art and design. These experiences enriched her design perspective and added a global dimension to her approach. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and other contemporary design tools, Heather is recognized for her expertise in strategic communication, event planning, and project management—skills she utilizes to manage complex projects from concept through execution.
Beyond her consulting work, Heather is dedicated to fostering the next generation of creative professionals. She has a strong background in teaching and mentoring, engaging with students and young professionals through mentorship programs and educational workshops. Her commitment to nurturing talent reflects her belief in empowering others to succeed and contribute to the industry’s evolution.
Outside of her professional life, Heather’s adventurous spirit is evident in her interests in travel, photography, and scuba diving. She has explored regions across Europe, Mexico, and Australia, experiences that have not only broadened her perspective but also inspire her creative work. Heather also applies her design skills to support the American Heart Association, contributing her expertise to their campaigns and events in alignment with her commitment to health and wellness advocacy.
Heather’s vision is clear: to empower businesses through strategic storytelling and innovative branding, ensuring they thrive in an increasingly dynamic marketplace. Her extensive experience in high-stakes communications, investor relations, and brand development makes her an invaluable asset for any Board of Directors seeking a leader in marketing and messaging. Heather’s unique blend of creative insight, strategic foresight, and business acumen positions her to contribute meaningfully to Board discussions, guiding organizations in navigating today’s competitive and technologically driven landscape.
Character
Heather Lechner embodies a unique blend of professionalism and likability, known for her collaborative approach and commitment to empowering teams and clients alike. With a genuine passion for fostering creativity and innovation, Heather brings energy, focus, and a strong sense of teamwork to every project.
Knowledge
With over 25 years of experience in graphic design and brand development, Heather has honed her expertise in integrating technology with creative strategies to elevate brand visibility. Her insights are not only creative but are also grounded in a sharp understanding of business dynamics, making her an asset in both creative and strategic discussions.
Strategic
Heather’s proven track record includes managing high-stakes presentations and campaigns for leading global brands, demonstrating her ability to craft and execute strategic initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences. Her business-savvy approach ensures that creative efforts are aligned with measurable results, enhancing brand impact and audience engagement.
Communication
A skilled storyteller, Heather excels in translating complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives tailored to any audience. Her communication style is both approachable and effective, making it easy for clients to feel confident in their voice while standing out in a competitive marketplace.
