Heather Koester
Heather Koester, MBA, is a business consultant, strategic innovator, and author dedicated to amplifying community impact and organizational excellence. As CEO of Invigorate Nexus Consulting, she partners with businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to streamline operations, strengthen leadership, and build resilient systems that endure. With over 20 years of leadership experience and a proven track record in transforming complexity into clarity, Heather thrives at the intersection of innovation, resilience, and impact.
Beyond her consulting work, Heather serves as the Disaster Resilience Officer for United Way Suncoast, coordinating preparedness initiatives across a five-county region and spearheading the launch of the Manatee County COAD. She has guided more than 60 organizations in creating disaster preparedness plans and regularly interfaces with FEMA, local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions to enhance community readiness. Her expertise also extends to leadership development, strategic consulting, and fostering cross-sector collaboration to strengthen community networks.
An accomplished author and speaker, Heather published Energy Audit: A Six-Week Guide to Revitalize Your Life and delivers insights on resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Recognized as an Academician for the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, she has received multiple awards including the Women Who Roar Award and Rising Star Award from the Lakewood Ranch & Business Alliance. Known for her high-energy, disciplined, and compassionate approach, Heather balances professional rigor with mentorship, volunteer work, and personal passions such as marathon running, teaching yoga, and developing a community farm in Maine.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate
• Catalytic Thinking
• Public Innovator
• Grant Writing
• Non Profit Organizational Management
• Post Rehabilitation Fitness
• Yoga Alliance 200 hour ERYT
• Northwood University (DeVos Graduate School) - M.B.A.
• Women Who Roar Award
• Rising Star Award – Lakewood Ranch & Business Alliance
• Book an Appointment
• Strive
• ST. ARMANDS KEY LUTHERAN CHURCH, INC.
• American Red Cross
• Sarasota Military Academy
• Junior League of Sarasota
• Deputante (Sarasota Youth Orchestra)
• Youth philanthropy initiatives
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the discipline I developed during my early military service, my unwavering commitment to service, and the example set by my grandmother, who embodied resilience, leadership, and generosity long before it was widely recognized. My ability to remain calm under pressure, build trust across diverse sectors, and transform complex challenges into actionable systems has enabled me to lead effectively in high-stakes environments.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that setbacks are often signals, not stop signs, and that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the willingness to move forward despite it.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is: don’t wait for permission. Embrace every failure as a learning opportunity, stay curious, and trust that your voice belongs at the table. Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, adapting, and lifting others as you rise.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe the greatest challenge in my field is complacency—assuming disasters are unlikely until they occur. At the same time, the biggest opportunity lies in proactive planning, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and educating communities to build resilience before a crisis strikes.
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 are service, integrity, courage, preparedness, generosity, and impact. I believe leadership is about creating clarity, empowering others, and leaving systems stronger than you found them—whether in disaster response, business, or community life.
Locations
Invigorate Nexus Consulting Firm
Sarasota, FL 34238