Heather Dodgins

Heather Dodgins serves as Deputy Chief of Staff at the North Carolina Department of Labor, where she supports executive leadership in advancing the Department’s strategic priorities and strengthening stakeholder relationships.

With more than 18 years of experience spanning state government, nonprofit leadership, and political organizations, Heather has a strong background in strategic planning and operational management. She has held senior leadership roles focused on program execution, external relations, and organizational effectiveness, working closely with executive teams, boards, and public stakeholders to deliver high-impact initiatives.

Heather previously served in roles supporting statewide marketing and public outreach efforts, as well as leadership positions in nonprofit development and national political organizations, where she led large-scale initiatives and built partnerships across the public and private sectors.

Born in Bunn, North Carolina, Heather earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Carolina and completed The Fund for American Studies program at Georgetown University.

Heather and her husband, Bryan, have been married for 10 years and have a son, Ward. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at Kerr Lake and cheering on the South Carolina Gamecocks.