As Assistant Dean for Budget and Administration in the Foster College of Business at Bradley University, Heather L. McCord helps set strategic direction for the college, oversees its budget, prepares financial analyses, supports faculty and staff, and manages administrative processes and facility renovation projects. She also represents the college on numerous committees and serves as its liaison to other university offices.

Earlier this year, McCord played a key role in the renewal of the Foster College’s AACSB accreditation—an honor held by fewer than two percent of business schools worldwide. Working with architects and other stakeholders, she has spearheaded efforts to ensure student needs are considered during planning and construction of the new Business and Engineering Convergence Center. A Six Sigma Green Belt and Certified Global Business Professional, she has also played an integral role in the activities of the Illinois Small Business Development Center and International Trade Center at Bradley.

As vice chair of the national board of directors for the Peoria-based Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp (soon restructuring into United Stroke Alliance), she is helping to set strategic direction for the rollout of the reorganized alliance in 2017. A founding member and former chair of the Emerging Philanthropists Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, she helped build the program from the ground up. She also cofounded and served as president of Impact Peoria, which helps people build a bond with the community through volunteerism.

A former Chamber of Commerce ambassador and graduate of the Community Leadership School, McCord has served organizations ranging from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria and Easter Seals to the Red Cross. She recently began participating in the Rotary Readers program at Trewyn School, in addition to volunteering for the Parents’ Council at Peoria Academy. Her previous recognitions include the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Illinois Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth Association and the 25 Women in Leadership Award. iBi