Vice President of Marketing and Communications

heather.rue@supportum.org | 406-243-4609

Heather Rue joined the University of Montana Foundation as Vice President of Marketing and Communications in December 2017. In her role, she is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Foundation’s communications and marketing efforts encompassing brand management, print and digital marketing, media relations, donor stewardship and special events in support of the Foundation’s strategic and annual operating plan. Heather leads a team of seven professionals and serves as a member of the Foundation’s executive management team.

Prior to joining the UM Foundation, Heather served as the Director of Marketing at The Ranch at Rock Creek where she led an integrated team to achieve substantial growth in brand consideration and loyalty among of a range of consumer and industry audiences, to exceed revenue goals and to garner numerous media awards and industry accolades. Heather has served as an independent consultant advising global brands, entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations and has supported strategic communications initiatives for UM’s College of Business.

Heather has executed national and global strategic marketing programs for brands including MCI Telecommunications, Philips Electronics, Norelco and Sonicare. At International Management Group (IMG) she served as a lead consultant to IMG’s largest client, Philips Global Brand Management, in its re-positioning of the brand to several consumer segments in the U.S. marketplace. She has launched and implemented sponsorship campaigns and hospitality programs with Major League Baseball, the U.S. Soccer Federation, the Goodwill Games, and Aspen Skiing Company and has pioneered cause-marketing initiatives through innovative partnerships.

Heather strives to bring her experience and enthusiasm to many community organizations, especially those that advocate for children and promote education enrichment and career preparedness. She has served on the board of trustees for her local elementary school and writes grant applications and raises funds for rural nonprofit organizations. 

After living in several U.S. cities, Heather moved to Montana in 2003. She is a graduate of Kenyon College.