Nancy Blum-Heintz

With more than 25 years of experience in economic development, communications, education policy and public affairs, Nancy brings a unique ability to translate complex challenges into implementable strategies grounded in data, best practices and a deep understanding of community goals.

At VisionFirst Advisors, she directs client engagements that align workforce, education, communications and economic priorities—delivering measurable results while helping communities tell their story with clarity and purpose. 

In 2022, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) selected VisionFirst Advisors to help develop and implement Workforce Invest, a new grant program aimed at addressing critical workforce development needs across the region. Nancy led the creation of the program framework and now works closely with TVA staff to oversee implementation and grant awards, ensuring investments align with regional workforce priorities and long-term talent strategies.

She also designed a comprehensive marketing and messaging strategy for Florida’s Great Northwest to promote Triumph Gulf Coast, a $1.5 billion economic development fund focused on transforming the regional economy. Her work elevated the region’s competitiveness among business decision makers and site selectors.

Recently, Nancy guided VisionFirst’s work on the Ardmore 2025 Economic Vision Plan, partnering with the Ardmore Development Authority, Chamber and Tourism Authority to lead the city’s visioning process, stakeholder engagement and strategy development. The result: a strategic roadmap turning disruption—specifically the pending loss of nearly 1,400 Michelin jobs—into a diverse growth agenda centered on entrepreneurship, tourism, downtown revitalization and non-traditional business recruitment.

She is a certified JobsEQ user and an expert in translating labor market data into strategy, messaging and tools that resonate across business, education and civic audiences. Her work has helped clients grow talent pipelines, close equity gaps and attract targeted investment.

Prior to joining VisionFirst, Nancy held executive roles at the Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd), Enterprise Florida and multiple Florida state agencies, where she advanced high-impact initiatives across communications, public policy and stakeholder engagement.

Outside the office, Nancy, a true fitness and sports fanatic, can most likely be found at the gym or spending time with her girls at FSU events.