Meet New 1995 Society Inductee Heather Pfitzenmaier!
Meet New 1995 Society Inductee Heather Pfitzenmaier!
Heather Pfitzenmaier serves as the Director of the Executive Leader Program at the State Policy Network. In this role, she helps deliver SPN’s Executive Leader Program, which serves the Network’s CEOs, executive vice presidents, and board members.
Before joining SPN, she worked at America’s Future Foundation as Executive Vice President and the Heritage Foundation as Director of the Young Leaders Program, among other roles. She is the recipient of Forbes magazine “30 Under 30” in law and policy, the Young Conservatives Coalition Buckley Award, and “30 Under 30” recognition by Red Alert Politics.
Pfitzenmaier serves on the Advisory Board of the Forge Leadership Network, on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Prosperity Center, and as a school board member at Canton Charter Academy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science from the University of Michigan. She resides in the great state of Michigan with her husband and their three boys.
Get to know more about Heather below!
What moment or opportunity in your life played the most significant part in getting you to where you are today?
When I was a senior at the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!), I went to DC for a conference. At that time, I had completed an internship at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, looking towards a career as a lawyer. During that trip, I learned about all the incredible organizations in the freedom movement and the variety of positions that exist outside of law and policy. I decided to take a year off to move and work in DC, starting at the Heritage Foundation as their Intern Coordinator. The rest is history…
What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your career so far?
Among the many challenges I’ve faced in my career, the biggest was the transition out of Washington, DC to my home in Michigan. When I made the move back in 2012, working remotely was not a common practice nor widely embraced. I learned how to excel in a remote environment and maintain and deepen connections across the country – and have continued to work remotely for our movement ever since.
What piece of work or accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of leading the Heritage Foundation’s Internship and Young Leaders Program, America’s Future’s chapter programs and leaders, and most recently, State Policy Network’s Generation Liberty Fellowship. I’m proud of all the graduates of these programs and the incredible impact each of them are making in their communities. From starting their own families to running for office to working in the public, nonprofit, and policy sectors, the graduates of all of these programs are advancing liberty in different ways in their spheres of influence and working to make life better for their fellow Americans.
In your words, what motivates your belief in freedom?
I believe in the dignity of every individual and want to see an America where freedom, opportunity, and civil society flourishes. I joined this movement to make life better for my family, friends, neighbors, and for all Americans to build a full life for themselves and the generations to come.
What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing America today?
The greatest challenge facing America today is the consolidation of power in Washington, DC and in the hands of unelected bureaucrats. This divides our nation and doesn’t solve the problems facing our communities to make life better for all Americans.
What is the next big goal or project you’re working on? How can the AF community help? At State Policy Network, I am fortunate to work with the CEOs of our affiliate state think tank network. I run SPN’s Executive Leader Program, which serves the CEOs to help them build durable freedom infrastructure in their states to advance good policy and make lives better for the people of their states. Our network is always looking for talent to join their teams or help partner together to advance liberty in their respective states. Look up your state think tank and get connected!
What advice do you have for those who want to advance liberty and make a difference in our society?
“If you cannot feed a hundred people, feed one.” — Mother Teresa
Serve the people in front of you, and make an impact where you are at. Your circles of influence and ability to make a difference will grow as you learn, personally and professionally.
What are some hobbies/side gigs/secret skills no one knows about? 
Since cheerleading is the best sport on the planet, my favorite side gig has been cheer coach.
What are you watching/reading right now?
I am reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. I love watching my kiddos on the baseball field, basketball court, or whatever activity we are off to for the evening.
Last question: What does winning this award mean to you?
When I first moved to DC, I joined America’s Future as a member and participated in all the programming. As someone new to DC, I grew my network and I met so many friends who are friends to this day thanks to AF. Getting the opportunity to serve as Executive Vice President as America’s Future grew in size and impact, was also a great season of my career. I am incredibly honored to join this incredible group of 1995 award winners.