We are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter in the growth of COMPASS! After a careful process conducted by the Board, including consultation with staff, past board members and other experts, we are adopting a shared leadership model with Heather Mannix, Kelly Reardon, and Heather Reiff stepping into Co-Executive Director roles. Together, they will guide our strategic direction, operations, and organizational culture to further strengthen our mission of helping science better serve society through intentional, meaningful engagement.
This transition to a shared leadership model underscores our belief in the power of collaboration, inclusive decision-making, and open communication. We know that by working together we can draw on a broader range of perspectives, skills, and experiences, ensuring our work is more responsive to the diverse needs of the scientific community. With this model in place, we are confident that COMPASS will be well positioned to advance our long-term mission and impact.
Meet our Co-Executive Directors
Heather Mannix joined COMPASS in 2014 and has been serving as Director of Strategic Engagement, fostering collaboration between scientists and key partners including decision-makers, journalists, communities and others. Heather brings deep expertise in strategic communication and engagement and a passion for co-creating solutions that drive meaningful change. She is based in the Washington D.C. area.
Kelly Reardon joined COMPASS in 2016 and has been serving as Chief Financial Officer. Kelly brings over 25 years of non-profit experience and oversees the financial, human resources, and administrative systems that keep COMPASS running smoothly, enabling us to innovate and adapt efficiently and effectively. Kelly is based in Portland, OR.
Heather Reiff joined COMPASS in 2010 and has been serving as Director of Capacity Building, working with our staff to continuously innovate COMPASS’s offerings to meet the evolving needs of our community. Heather has worn many hats during her time with COMPASS and brings that context and history to her role. She is located in Monterey, CA.
We are confident that the combined experience, passion, and leadership of Heather, Kelly, and Heather will inspire new levels of creativity, foster collaboration, and enhance the impact of COMPASS’s programs.
We are excited to share this news with you, and we thank you for your continued support of COMPASS past and future. We are excited for the journey ahead and look forward to sharing more updates with you as we move forward under this new leadership structure.
For more information or questions, please contact us at info@compassscicomm.org.
