Heidi De Laubenfels

Committees: Development (Co-chair), Executive, Governance

Heidi is a communicator, leader, strategist and journalist who is passionate about helping organizations achieve their full potential. More than two decades in various roles in news media and in corporate leadership honed her ability to articulate purpose and vision, engage and inspire teams, and reach key stakeholders with compelling communications.

As Nyhus’ chief operating officer, Heidi is responsible for business excellence, team leadership and superior client service. Working closely with Nyhus CEO Roger Nyhus, Heidi runs the day-to-day operations of the firm. Prior to joining Nyhus, Heidi served as vice president of communications and external relations at McKinstry, where she led brand stewardship, internal and external communications, marketing, and philanthropic and community-engagement efforts.

Her journalism career before McKinstry included 14 years at The Seattle Times, where her most recent role was as deputy managing editor for strategy and product development. In that capacity, Heidi was based in the newsroom and led interdisciplinary teams to inspire change and develop strategic business initiatives, new products, and marketing and communications projects. 

In addition to The Times, Heidi has worked in numerous capacities at The Denver Post, The Phoenix Gazette (Ariz.) and The Bellingham Herald (Wash.).

Heidi is a committee member for the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications and serves on the board of the Foundation for Seattle Colleges.