ABOUT US
Built by people who’ve done the work.
Our story
Pivot Forward Properties was founded in Harrisburg in 2025 by Dr. Heather Tidwell, a prevention scientist with more than 15 years of experience administering federal grants, financing affordable housing and guiding community partners through every stage of funding. We reimagine what properties and organizations can become, then orchestrate the funding and revitalize the places that move communities forward.
OUR EXPERIENCE
Experience on both sides of the table.
Our team has managed public funds, closed complex housing deals and built the partnerships that hold projects together. We know what funders look for, what auditors check and what it takes to get a building open, and we bring that knowledge to every client from the first conversation.
Our values
What we stand for.
Transparency
We share our financial models and lessons learned, successes and failures alike.
Innovation
“That is how it has always been done” is not good enough, so we prove that new approaches work.
Community
We build in partnership with neighborhoods, not despite them, and we work where we are needed, not where it is easiest.
Impact
Every project we take on proves that a different approach is possible.
OUR VISION
Where we’re headed.
A future where every community has the partner it needs to turn its potential into progress, and its vision into reality.
Our team
Meet the team.
Founder and President
Dr. Heather Tidwell
Dr. Heather Tidwell is a prevention scientist, grant administrator and housing strategist with more than 15 years of experience turning complex funding streams into real community impact. She has led financing and compliance for housing developments totaling more than $25 million, including the closing of a 48-unit, $18 million LIHTC development, and has coordinated funding from PHFA, HOME, PHARE, AHTF and private partners.
Heather has administered more than $9 million a year in federal grants, including CDBG, HOME, ESG and Continuum of Care funds. She reformed a grant application process to bring 20 percent more nonprofits to the table and cut administrative delays by 30 percent.
Heather holds a Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science from Wilmington University, where her research examined how short-term rentals affect housing availability and how preserving affordable housing can prevent homelessness. She also holds a master’s degree in Community and Economic Development and a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Penn State. She is an adjunct professor at Penn State Harrisburg, has taught grant writing and civic engagement at the college level, and presents at national conferences on housing, human services and AI. Heather is a member of Harrisburg Rotary and the Central PA chapter of the American Marketing Association.
Fun fact: I love all things Hershey, and Funko Pops. My Frenchie Harley does too!
Arianna Hall
Director of UX, Proposals and Consulting
Arianna leads the proposals behind Pivot Forward’s funding requests and shapes how every client experiences working with the team. She manages day-to-day operations, keeps projects on schedule and makes sure each proposal tells a clear, fundable story. Arianna studied at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
Fun fact: I keep a bioactive terrarium for my baby crested gecko named Oso!
Sarahi Ruiz
Community Outreach Coordinator
Sarahi connects Pivot Forward’s projects with the people they serve. Her background spans community outreach, criminal justice and housing services, including work with local police departments and a nonprofit foundation that helped low-income individuals and families find housing resources. She is also a real estate professional with Coldwell Banker Realty in Hershey, which gives her a firsthand view of the housing decisions families face.
Fun fact: I love country line dancing!
Mariah Christy
Marketing Coordinator
Mariah shares the stories behind Pivot Forward’s work, from social media to project updates. She brings hands-on experience in audience growth and social media strategy from her work as a marketing assistant for the Traveling Golf Diva Podcast.
Fun fact: I have an orange girl kitty named Sosa!
Maggie Davis
Executive Assistant to the President
Maggie brings a rich background in operations with a strong focus on streamlining processes, guiding teams, and rolling out large-scale projects. She leads and coordinates Pivot Forward’s events and community outreach. She is deeply committed to community involvement and actively supports local food security initiatives that enhance food access.
Fun fact: I love getting hands on in the kitchen with home food preservation and water bath canning.