As a product of out-of-school-time programs, a long-time member of NAA, and a participant in national youth work, Heidi Ham brings both a historical and national perspective to her role at NAA.

Her passion for afterschool programs and professional job quality drives her to increase NAA's communications, professional development opportunities, and affiliate and member engagement. Her work has been instrumental in a number of the organization's offerings, including the Leading with Emotional Intelligence Fellowship, NAA's Core Knowledge and Competencies 2021 Update, afterschool's first Virtual Convention, and the first series of STEM Micro-Credentials and Digital Badges for afterschool professionals.

Ham earned her K-12 teaching certification and a Bachelor's degree in social science and education from Central Washington University and a graduate certificate in training and development from Central Michigan University. Before her time at NAA, Ham was a Senior Quality and Accreditation Advisor for a large national education company with over 1600 early learning centers and 400 afterschool programs nationwide. At NAA, she fulfills personal and professional commitments to inspire, connect, and equip professionals who meet the critical need to provide quality out-of-school time programs for young people.