Watertown Area Community Foundation Hires Laura Heathcote as New Community Engagement Director
- Steve Jurrens
- May 28
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Community Foundation has named Laura Heathcote as its new Community Engagement Director, a leadership role created to expand the Foundation’s work with local nonprofits, community partners, and philanthropic initiatives.
Executive Director Cammie Mengwasser said Heathcote’s experience and relationships across the region make her a strong fit for the position. “Laura’s strong community relationships, collaborative leadership style, and passion for community impact make her an excellent fit for this role as we continue strengthening connections throughout the Watertown area,” Mengwasser said.
Heathcote is well known in the community for her leadership at the Watertown Area United Way, where she guided three successful fundraising campaigns and helped strengthen partnerships with local organizations. A 2005 graduate of Watertown High School, she also brings experience in management and banking.
She was recently honored as one of Watertown’s 4 Under 40 and played a key role in the installation of the Born Learning Trail at McKinley Park, a collaborative project focused on literacy and family engagement.
Heathcote and her husband, Javon, live north of Watertown with their three children: Aiden, Asher, and Aubrey. She will officially begin her new role on June 1.
“I’m honored to join the Watertown Area Community Foundation and be part of an organization with such a strong history of investing in our community,” Heathcote said. “I look forward to supporting local nonprofits and initiatives, and helping connect our generous donors with opportunities that continue to strengthen the Watertown area.”
Founded in 1979 as South Dakota’s first community foundation, the Watertown Area Community Foundation supports the region through grantmaking, donor services, scholarships, nonprofit resources, and community leadership initiatives.
More information is available at watertowncommunityfoundation.org.
