Heather Justice
Senior Director
Heather Justice joined ESG in 2020 to lead and support the work on career readiness and aligning high quality K-12, postsecondary, and industry pathways. Heather provides deep expertise and technical assistance to K-12 and postsecondary education agency leaders and policymakers at state and local levels, as well support for workforce and employer partners as they seek to connect education with talent strategies. While at ESG, she has led extensive pathways policy and implementation work across diverse geographies, including through her leadership of the New Skills Ready Network.
Prior to joining ESG, Heather served as the Division Director for College, Career and Military Preparation within the Texas Education Agency where she oversaw the implementation of the Texas Regional Pathways Network, high-quality Career and Technical Education programs, work-based learning, industry certifications of value, and College and Career Readiness School Models such as Early College High Schools, Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools, and Texas STEM Academies. During this time Heather also served as the Secretary and Treasurer on the Board of Advance CTE.
Prior to joining the Texas Education Agency, Heather was the Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for the Tennessee Department of Education. She also taught high school accounting and marketing and served as a public relations and campaign finance consultant. Heather holds a Master’s in education from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Florida State University.
Why are you in this work?
Impact. I am passionate about helping students navigate pathways and ensuring they have equitable access to opportunities into college and careers. The work is complex and demanding, but the opportunity to influence systems in ways that improve students’ life trajectories makes it deeply rewarding.
Why ESG?
Connect with Heather
Make contact by email.
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