Heather Baughman
About Heather Baughman
Heather Baughman is a Category Manager at American Electric Power, where she oversees categories with an annual spend exceeding $50 million. She has a background in logistics, supply chain management, and economic development, with experience in various roles within the company and other organizations.
Current Role at American Electric Power
Heather Baughman serves as a Category Manager at American Electric Power, a position she has held since 2013. In this role, she manages categories with an annual spend exceeding $50 million, which includes labor and materials for fossil and hydro generation, transmission, and distribution. Her responsibilities encompass the MRO, Environmental, Safety & Health, Supply Chain, and Fleet categories, contributing to the operational efficiency and sustainability of the organization.
Previous Positions at American Electric Power
Heather Baughman has held multiple positions at American Electric Power prior to her current role. She worked as an Administrative Associate from 2002 to 2004 and as a Contract Assessment Associate from 2004 to 2006. Following that, she served as a Strategic Sourcing Analyst from 2006 until 2013. These roles provided her with extensive experience in contract management and strategic sourcing within the energy sector.
Education and Expertise
Heather Baughman has a diverse educational background. She studied at The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Social & Behavioral Sciences with a focus on Communications from 1996 to 1999. She later attended Ohio University, where she studied Mass Communication/Media Studies from 1994 to 1996. Additionally, she obtained a Master of Science in Logistics & Supply Chain Management from Wright State University from 2007 to 2008.
Professional Involvement and Leadership
Heather Baughman is actively involved in various professional organizations. She is an alumnus of Leadership West Virginia and a member of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC). Her leadership experience includes serving as a project director for a local economic development organization in West Virginia and managing business retention and expansion efforts at the West Virginia Department of Commerce. She also holds board positions with the Polymer Alliance Zone and the West Virginia Economic Development Council.
Achievements in Economic Development
Heather Baughman has made significant contributions to economic development, securing more than $1 million in grants and fundraising to support business recruitment initiatives. Her efforts have played a role in fostering economic growth and sustainability in the regions she has served, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing local economies.