HEATHER FRENCH HENRY
Leadership Across Influence, Service, and Story
Heather French Henry brings together decades of experience in public leadership, strategic communication, and cultural storytelling. She is a nationally recognized veterans advocate, former Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, and a founder and designer whose work bridges public service, leadership, and product design.
Through her work with the Influential Leader Agency, she advises leaders and entrepreneurs on how to articulate their vision, strengthen their public voice, and build platforms grounded in clarity, credibility, and long term impact. She also collaborates with Global Game Changers to support youth leadership and civic development, including initiatives that serve military connected students and families.
Heather’s work as a designer and founder is rooted in storytelling and meaning. Trained in design and with experience in product development and manufacturing, she has spent decades creating pieces, exhibits, and collections that preserve history, honor legacy, and connect people to something larger than themselves.
Through her brand Haloréa and her curatorial work with the Rosemary Clooney House Museum, she brings a thoughtful, narrative driven approach to design, creating heirloom pieces and experiences that reflect both beauty and purpose.
A widely shared quote from Heather’s early advocacy work...
“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human.
No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.”
-- Heather French Henry
Miss America 2000 | Parade Magazine, 2000
MISS AMERICA 2000 | VETERANS ADVOCATE | NATIONAL SPEAKER | AUTHOR & DESIGNER
FORMER COMMISSIONER KY DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS | MUSEUM CURATOR
Speaking That Connects, Inspires, and Moves People to Action
Heather French Henry brings powerful storytelling, leadership insight, and a lifetime of service to audiences across the country. Drawing on her experiences as Miss America 2000, a national veterans advocate, communications strategist, and public leader, her talks explore the intersection of influence, service, and meaningful connection in a rapidly changing world.
SIGNATURE KEYNOTE
Creating Connection in a Disconnected World
How authentic communication and shared purpose can rebuild trust, strengthen leadership, and unite communities.
In a time when technology has made communication easier
than ever, many leaders struggle to build genuine connection.
Drawing from her experiences in public leadership,
national advocacy, and storytelling, Heather French Henry
shares how authentic communication, service, and shared
purpose can bring people together and inspire meaningful
action.
This keynote leaves audiences energized, hopeful,
and equipped to lead with influence and purpose.
The Power of Influence
How leaders shape culture, conversation, and impact through the stories they tell and the example they set.
Service as Leadership
Lessons from decades of advocacy for veterans and volunteers and why service remains one of the most powerful forces for change.
Owning the Narrative
How individuals and organizations can take control of their story, communicate with clarity, and lead with confidence.
Heather speaks to a wide range of audiences including:
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Leadership conferences
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Universities and student leadership programs
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Women's leadership and empowerment events
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Military and veterans organizations
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Nonprofit and service-focused organizations
Available for keynote presentations, moderating, panels, leadership conversations & emceeing.
FEATURED ON...
NATIONAL PRESS CLUB | GOOD MORNING AMERICA | OPRAH | TODAY SHOW | CNN | FOX NEWS | INSIDE EDITION | ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT | PARAMOUNT STUDIOS
A Life Rooted in Service and Story
Heather French Henry’s work spans more than two decades of public service, veterans advocacy, leadership, and design. From her role as Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs to her work preserving history through exhibits and storytelling, her career reflects a commitment to honoring service, strengthening communities, and creating work that endures.
Her perspective is both personal and professional, shaped by her family’s military experience and her own lifelong dedication to those who serve. Across every role, her work is grounded in a clear purpose: to ensure that service is remembered, supported, and understood.
Founder and Designer
Heather’s work as a founder and designer is rooted in storytelling and meaning. Through her brand Haloréa and her curatorial work with the Rosemary Clooney House Museum, she creates pieces and experiences that preserve history, honor legacy, and connect people to something larger than themselves.
Her design work reflects the same values that guide her public service: intention, craftsmanship, and purpose.
Work That Continues
Heather works with the Influential Leader Agency, advising women leaders across business, nonprofit, and public life on how to articulate their vision, strengthen their public voice, and lead with clarity and purpose.
She also collaborates with Global Game Changers to support youth leadership and civic development, including the development of initiatives that help students better understand and support military connected classmates and families.
Heather's
Veterans
Foundation
Heather has been working in the veterans community for over 20 years.
Prostate
Cancer
Coalition
Heather & her husband founded the Kentucky Prostate Cancer Coalition in 2004.
Rosemary
Clooney Museum
Located in Augusta, KY, the musuem houses the White Christmas Collection!
Future
Fund
Landtrust
The Future Fund has saved over 6000 acres of park space in Louisville, KY!
