Heather W. Clark
Heather W. Clark is a seasoned HR leader and retirement plan strategist with nearly two decades of experience in financial services and employee benefits. Born in Manhattan and raised in Eutawville, South Carolina, she developed an early understanding of how access to financial knowledge can shape life outcomes. Today, she serves as Manager of Retirement Plan Administration at National Gypsum Company, where she leads the design, governance, and compliance of complex defined benefit and defined contribution plans across the U.S. and Canada. Her work is centered on simplifying retirement programs and empowering employees with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve financial confidence and long-term security. Clark’s career journey is rooted in resilience and purpose. After experiencing the financial impact of the 9/11 market downturn early in her career, she was inspired to transition into financial services despite not having a traditional finance background. Over time, she built deep expertise in retirement readiness strategies, fiduciary oversight, and employee financial wellness, holding key roles at TIAA before advancing into her current leadership position. Known for her collaborative approach, she works closely with legal, payroll, advisors, and recordkeeping partners to ensure retirement plans are accessible, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes authenticity, gravitas, and a commitment to helping others retire with dignity. Beyond her corporate role, Clark is a licensed North Carolina Realtor® and holds NC life and health insurance licenses, along with FINRA Series 6 and 63 certifications. She is passionate about expanding financial equity and often engages in community-focused initiatives, including housing, food security, and support for underserved populations. A speaker and advocate for resilient leadership, she shares insights on personal growth, confidence, and navigating change. Across all her endeavors, Clark remains driven by a singular mission: to equip individuals and communities with the resources and confidence to build lasting financial security.
• North Carolina Insurance License
• Series 63
• Series 6
• NC REALTOR
• Strayer University - MBA
• Johnson C. Smith University - BA Communications
• Team Awards for Integrity in Financial Services
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• United Way Campaign
• Women's Shelters and Transitional Housing Support for Unhoused Individuals
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the experiences that shaped my resilience and purpose. Beginning my career in customer service, the financial impact I experienced after 9/11 became a turning point that pushed me to take control of my financial future and help others do the same. Despite not having a financial services background, I pursued my passion by earning my MBA from Strayer University while raising three children as a single mother, demonstrating my commitment to growth and perseverance. I also continue to challenge myself through part-time work in real estate, which aligns with my long-term goal of creating a meaningful impact, particularly in supporting the unhoused community.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most profound career advice I ever received didn’t come from a boardroom or a business school — it came from my late mother. Though she never earned a four-year degree, she possessed a wisdom that no institution could confer. From an early age, she spoke over my life with quiet conviction: You can be anything you want to be.
I carry her voice with me in every room I wasn’t sure I belonged in, every door I pushed open anyway. She taught me that our potential is not defined by what we have access to, but by what we are willing to walk toward in faith.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is simple: recognize that you are called to this work for a reason. Helping people achieve a secure and dignified retirement is not just a career — it is a ministry of stewardship. When you guide someone through their financial journey, you are honoring the years of sacrifice and hard work they have invested in their future. Being in a male-dominated industry, you will face obstacles, but do not be afraid to find your voice and perservere. Walk into this industry knowing your role is both purpose-driven and deeply meaningful. The impact you make will extend far beyond a portfolio, it will shape the quality of someone’s legacy.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the most compelling opportunities in the retirement industry today is also one of the most personal to me, helping women take confident ownership of their financial futures. Research consistently shows that women face unique financial headwinds, including longer life expectancies, career interruptions, and historically lower lifetime earnings, all of which make thoughtful retirement planning not just important, but essential. Yet women remain underrepresented among those seeking and receiving professional financial guidance. After 20 years in this industry, I see this as both a challenge and a calling. I am deeply committed to being a resource and a trusted voice for women who are ready to close that gap, building wealth, planning with intention, and stepping into retirement on their own terms.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life center around collaboration, purpose, and service. I embrace the mindset of “I get to” rather than “I have to,” which keeps me grounded in gratitude for the work I do. I value strong teamwork and take pride in collaborating with cross-functional partners to simplify complex processes, particularly in managing our retirement plan so employees feel informed and supported. I also believe in effective, people-centered leadership and understand that success is always a collective effort. Beyond my professional role, I am deeply committed to giving back—staying involved with community initiatives like United Way and supporting women’s shelters and underserved populations. This passion for service extends into my long-term goal of creating a broader impact, particularly in helping the unhoused community.