Heather Tidwell is an executive-level grant administrator, housing strategist, and researcher with over a decade of experience transforming complex funding streams into tangible community impact.

As founder and president of Pivot Forward Properties LLC, she brings a unique combination of academic rigor and practical development expertise to affordable housing solutions.

Currently completing a doctoral degree in Prevention Science at Wilmington University, Heather's doctoral research examines the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability, exploring innovative approaches to preventing homelessness through the preservation of affordable housing. Her academic work is grounded in real-world application, bridging the gap between research and actionable community development strategies.

Professional Experience

Heather's career spans multiple facets of affordable housing development and administration:

Housing Development Leadership: Heather has led financing and compliance for major projects totaling over $25 million, including the successful closing of a 48-unit, $18M LIHTC-financed development. She has coordinated complex funding structures involving PHFA, HOME, PHARE, AHTF, and private funders, while navigating HUD audits and guiding CHDO partners through the entire funding lifecycle.

Federal Grant Administration: With extensive experience in federal grant management, Heather has administered over $9 million annually in federal grants, including CDBG, HOME, ESG, and CoC funding. She has reformed grant application systems, increasing nonprofit participation by 20%, and introduced streamlined monitoring practices that cut administrative delays by 30%.

Educator & Thought Leader: As a higher education instructor, Heather developed and taught courses on civic engagement, entrepreneurial thinking, and grant writing. She created "Disagree Better," a civic dialogue model for respectful policy debate, and served as Course Lead for Civic Mind, helping students understand government engagement and policy analysis.

Research & Presentations

Heather is a recognized voice in housing policy and evidence-based prevention strategies. Her presentations include:

• "From Burnout to Balance: Rebuilding the Human Behind the Case Manager" - National Lived Experience Leadership Conference (November 2025)

• "Anchoring Efficiency: Navigating Administrative Seas with AI in Human Services" - National Human Services Data Consortium (October 2025)

• "Is Housing First Enough?" - Prevention Science Research Summit (January 2025)

• "AI in Social Work: Innovations & Implications" - Tri-State Symposium (June 2024)

• "Creative Grant Utilization" - Alumni Annual Meeting (May 2024)

Education & Credentials

• Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science (ABD, defense expected Spring 2026), Wilmington University

• Master of Professional Studies in Community & Economic Development (2020), Penn State University

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication (2011), Penn State University, Harrisburg

Certifications: SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access & Recovery), Mental Health First Aid, Certified Online Teaching Specialist

Community Engagement

Beyond her professional work, Heather is a member of the Harrisburg Rotary and the Central PA AMA, serves on multiple boards and volunteer committees, including development roles with nonprofit organizations and professional associations.

A Prevention-Focused Approach

What sets Heather apart is her upstream thinking.

Rather than responding to housing crises after they occur, she designs strategies that create stability before problems escalate.

This prevention-focused philosophy (rooted in her doctoral research) drives Pivot Forward Properties' mission to build resilient communities through inclusive development, strategic funding, and evidence-based policy engagement.

Contact: heather@pivotforwardproperties.com | 717-805-2147