Heather Marshall
Heather Marshall is a seasoned educational leader with over 30 years of experience in the field, beginning her career as a kindergarten teacher and growing into roles that include school founder, principal, and superintendent. She is passionate about creating equitable learning opportunities and specializes in individualized academic growth, working to remove barriers for students and fostering strong relationships with staff and families. Her work emphasizes data-driven strategies and innovative approaches to support historically underperforming student populations.
As the founding leader of Sutter Peak Charter School, Heather led the K-12 public charter school for seven years, building programs that prioritized student-centered learning and measurable academic growth. She currently serves as Senior Director and Superintendent at the Pacific Charter Institute, where she oversees multiple schools and implements programs designed to elevate achievement among diverse student groups. Heather has also contributed to education consulting, including Common Core implementation, and has experience in strategic planning and staff development.
Heather holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration and is completing her doctorate, with ongoing participation in leadership programs such as Harvard Business School Executive Education. She is a licensed Charter Business Officer and active in professional and community organizations, including mentorship programs and local volunteer partnerships. Recognized for her dedication to educational innovation, Heather has been featured as an influential woman in Sacramento and continues to champion opportunities for students and educators alike.
• Charter Business Officer
• University of California, Davis- Bachelor's
• Cal State Monterey Bay- M.S.
• National University- M.Ed.
• Harvard University
• Harvard Business School Executive Education
• 30-year service award with Pacific Charter Institute
• Selected as mentor for South by Southwest (March 2026)
• Running for RET
• Pacific Charter Institute
• Charter Management Organization
• South by Southwest mentorship program
• Local clothing and jacket drives for students
• Paul's Place
• Running for RET
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, persistence, and an unwavering focus on the students I serve. Balancing personal challenges—like raising three children as a single mother—with a demanding career in education taught me resilience, while my commitment to individualized support and lifelong learning has driven both my students’ achievements and my own growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering education to lead with a genuine passion for students and a clear sense of purpose. Focus on what’s best for each learner, build strong personal relationships with staff and families, and be ready to make thoughtful, sometimes difficult decisions to remove barriers and help students thrive.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in education today include navigating changing federal and local funding landscapes and addressing non-academic barriers that prevent students from thriving, such as hunger, transportation, and safety. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to expand individualized academic supports and create second‑chance programs that help underserved students succeed.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are putting students first and ensuring equity, while building strong, personal relationships with staff, families, and students. I also prioritize resilience, hard work, and modeling lifelong learning—showing that it’s never too late to pursue something extraordinary.