Voice of the Conservative Vote: Heather Pfitzenmaier

As director of the Heritage Foundation's Young Leaders Program, Heather Pfitzenmaier oversees The Heritage Foundation’s efforts to reach out and promote our mission to the next generation of Americans. These programs include a rigorous but welcoming internship program, campus outreach and events for young professionals.

Herself an alum of Heritage’s intern program, Pfitzenmaier joined Heritage in 2007. Previously, she was intern coordinator for the Young Leaders Program, running various components of Heritage’s premier internship experience. YLP is part of the think tank’s External Relations division.

Pfitzenmaier was the recipient in November 2012 of the Young Conservatives Coalition’s Buckley Award, which recognizes individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 who have made “a significant contribution to the conservative movement.” In December 2012, Forbes magazine named her one of “30 Under 30” young Americans who are making the greatest impact on law and policy. Pfitzenmaier was born Heather Sexton in Royal Oak, Mich., and grew up in Livonia, Mich. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from the University of Michigan.

"Each semester, we bring together more than 60 young leaders from across the country to participate in our internship program in DC. They are given the opportunity of practical experience working on policy research, marketing, and business, to training on marketing, blogging, and public speaking."