Heather Nanney
Heather Nanney is a dedicated Career Coach at Blount County Alabama Schools, bringing over a decade of experience guiding high school students toward meaningful career paths. Specializing in technical programs and career development, she provides students with comprehensive support in career exploration, college admissions, financial aid, and workforce readiness. Through classroom presentations, recruitment activities, and hands-on guidance, Heather empowers students to make informed decisions that align with their personal and professional goals. In addition to her career coaching, Heather is an accomplished content creator and educator. She has co-developed professional publications with her partner, Kaley Hollingsworth, including the Blount County Career Technical Center Magazine and the Blount County Education Foundation Magazine, highlighting student achievements, innovative programs, and community partnerships. Her work in content writing, photography, graphic design, and event coordination reflects her commitment to celebrating student success and promoting technical education opportunities. Beyond her professional roles, Heather has over 20 years of experience as a professional photographer and enjoys creative pursuits such as laser crafting. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Montevallo and a Master of Education in Elementary Education and Teaching from the University of Phoenix, and she is certified in Facilitating Career Development. Passionate about mentoring, creativity, and community engagement, Heather continues to inspire students and colleagues alike through her dedication, expertise, and multifaceted talents.
• Facilitating Career Development Certification
• PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR CERTIFICATE
• University of Phoenix - M.Ed.
• Univeristy of montevallo
• Alabama Education Association
• Chi Omega Fraternity
• Make-A-Wish, Habitat For Humanity, & Red Cross
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to multitask effectively and deliver results across diverse areas. I take pride in guiding children toward the best career choices while also supporting adults in achieving their professional goals. I like to think of myself as a dedicated problem-solver who creates positive impact for everyone I work with.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Early in my career, a mentor reminded me that success isn’t defined by the position you hold but by the impact you leave. That mindset changed everything for me. It taught me to lean into service, to lead with empathy, and to choose roles where I could help people discover their own potential.
That advice has guided every chapter of my career, from scientific research, to education, to career coaching, to creative work like photography, writing, and program development. It gave me permission to evolve, to learn new skills, and to build opportunities for others, especially the students I serve.
At the end of the day, your career should stretch your heart as much as it stretches your abilities. When you follow the path that helps others rise, you rise with them.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My greatest advice to young women stepping into this field is to embrace the power of being both knowledgeable and compassionate. In education, career development, and any people-centered profession, your expertise matters, but your empathy is what changes lives.
Don’t wait until you feel perfectly prepared to pursue an opportunity. Some of the most meaningful breakthroughs in my career came from saying yes before I had every detail figured out and trusting myself to learn as I went. Growth rarely happens in comfort zones. Build relationships everywhere you go! Young women bring fresh perspective, resilience, and heart into this work, so don’t dim that to fit a mold. Use it to reshape the mold entirely.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
With technology, workforce demands, and career pathways evolving faster than ever, one challenge is making sure that our programs stay relevant. Securing funding for critical CTE resources, like advanced fabrication tools and industry‐aligned internships, is often a barrier. That means grant-writing, data-driven proposals, and building local industry relationships must become everyday skills for education professionals.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Service is at the heart of everything I do. My career has been built around helping people move toward their goals, whether that’s guiding a high school senior toward college or helping a community partner find ways to support students. I believe the most meaningful success comes from lifting others.
Locations
Blount County Alabama Schools
Locust Fork, AL 35097