FOCUS St. Louis is pleased to announce the addition of Heather M. Sims, M.A., to the team as Director of Philanthropy. In this role, she will serve as the organization’s chief fundraising strategist, managing major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, event sponsorships, and membership.

Throughout her career, Heather has focused on building meaningful relationships that connect organizations, businesses, and philanthropic partners with opportunities to make a lasting impact. Her experience includes major gifts, planned giving, grant development, donor stewardship, and collaborative initiatives that support education, workforce development, and community advancement.

Previously, Heather served in advancement at the St. Louis Community College Foundation, where she helped cultivate philanthropic partnerships, coordinate fundraising initiatives, and secure support for programs that expand educational access and student success.

Heather holds a master’s degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.