About Us
Heather Starr is the owner of North Starr Communications, L.L.C. Heather is an award-winning public relations specialist with more than a decade of experience in writing, media and fundraising. She is the former development and communications director at two major nonprofit organizations. She has helped nonprofits raise millions of dollars and has brought public attention to their missions. Her writing has appeared in local and national magazines and newspapers.
Unique Approach
Heather Starr's approach is straight forward, smart and friendly. She offers the experience and skills of a seasoned and proven communicator/fundraiser without the expense of a full-time staffer or an agency.
Small budgets are Heather's forte. With 10 years of nonprofit experience, she understands the budget constraints on small companies and charities. Heather is accustomed to creative approaches that reap maximum reward with humble investment.
As a former Des Moines Register reporter, Heather can spot a good story and pitch it to get placement. She knows what reporters and editors want. She has successfully pitched her clients to both local and national media outlets.
Education
Heather graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in journalism and she has a master’s degree in public administration from Drake University.
Accolades and Affiliations
- As the development and communications director at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Heather led the effort to raise the final $4 million of the shelter’s $6.5 million capital campaign goal while increasing support of the annual fund (nearly $1 million) with a two-person development staff.
- Heather managed a successful $11 million capital campaign for Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa as the director of major gifts.
- Heather received the Prime Award for Crisis Communications from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for her media strategy following an anthrax scare at a Planned Parenthood clinic.
- The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) gave top honors to Heather for her research paper on the impact of media language on public opinion. She presented her findings at the 2000 National AEJMC Conference in Phoenix.
Memberships
- Des Moines Young Professionals Connection, member
- Veterinary Rapid Response Team, Iowa Department of Agriculture, member
- Association of Fundraising Professionals, member
- Animal Rescue League of Iowa, volunteer
- Certified Pet First Aid Instructor, American Red Cross
- Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Level 2 student