Biography
As director of Extension external relations for the OSU Division of Extension and Engagement, Heidi Luquette leads development and management of the division’s strategy to engage with elected and appointed officials and other key constituencies to increase their understanding of and support for OSU’s Extension and engagement work. She advises in development of the division’s local, state and federal priorities and serves as an internal expert resource on advocacy.
Heidi has over 15 years of leadership experience in higher education and agricultural communications. She holds a master’s degree in leadership and communication studies from Gonzaga University and a bachelor's degree in communication from Washington State University.
Prior to joining OSU, she served as the vice president of administration and college relations for Tillamook Bay Community College (TBCC), a rural community college in Oregon. In that role, she oversaw administration, public affairs and resource development efforts. In addition to her work in higher education, for nearly a decade, Heidi served as the corporate communication manager for Tillamook County Creamery Association, the largest farmer-owned dairy cooperative in Oregon. She has formal training in crisis communications and media relations, and an extensive background in fundraising, grant writing and community relations.
Heidi has worked directly with Oregon legislators and government officials on public policy and is passionate about advocating for equitable funding for higher education in Oregon. Her experience includes working collaboratively with local, state and federal delegates to problem solve issues that impact economic advancement for rural communities.
In 2016, Heidi led a successful capital campaign to fund the Partners for Rural Innovation Center in Tillamook, Oregon, which serves as the home for the OSU Extension Service on the TBCC campus. She is the current president of the American Association of University Women-Tillamook Branch, an appointed member to the Tillamook County Housing Commission and is seated on the Neah-Kah-Nie School District budget committee. Heidi has taught classes in the business management program at the TBCC Small Business Development Center and owned a small farm for over 10 years in Tillamook County.