Heather Kelnhofer: Leading with Vision, Purpose, and Heart at Girls Inc. NSV

At Girls Inc. of the Northern Sacramento Valley, our mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold begins with compassionate leadership. As Executive Director, Heather Kelnhofer brings vision, dedication, and a deep commitment to creating opportunities that help girls build confidence, discover their strengths, and reach their full potential.

Rooted in Community

A longtime North State resident, Heather has spent most of her life in the Redding area, where her passion for serving others has shaped both her personal and professional journey. With a background in grant management, nonprofit leadership, and community development, she has dedicated her career to strengthening organizations that make a lasting difference.

Heather first joined Girls Inc. NSV as Program Director, where her leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission quickly led her into the role of Executive Director. Today, she continues to guide the organization with a focus on growth, innovation, and ensuring every girl has the opportunity to succeed.

Heather earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Human Resource Management from Simpson University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from California State University, Dominguez Hills, combining strategic leadership with a genuine passion for serving her community.

Leading Beyond the Organization

Heather’s commitment to strengthening the North State extends well beyond Girls Inc. NSV. She and her husband co-own a local IT consulting company, and she actively serves on the Board of Directors for Nor-Cal Think Pink and as a member of Soroptimist International of Redding. Through these roles, she continues to champion opportunities that empower women, strengthen local organizations, and build a healthier, more connected community.

Finding Balance in Family and the Outdoors

Away from the office, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and their two sons. Whether camping, kayaking, or making memories at their family’s Broken Arrow Ranch, she values the importance of family, adventure, and the outdoors—experiences that keep her grounded and inspire the balance she brings to her leadership.

Heather believes that every girl deserves the opportunity to discover her strengths, find her voice, and pursue her dreams with confidence. Her passion for empowering others continues to shape the future of Girls Inc. NSV and the lives of the girls and families we proudly serve.