Heather Foust Cummings
About Heather Foust Cummings
Heather Foust Cummings serves as the Senior Vice President of Research at Catalyst Inc., where she has worked since 2018. She has an extensive background in academia and research, including previous roles at Columbia University and Young & Rubicam.
Current Role at Catalyst Inc.
Heather Foust Cummings serves as the Senior Vice President of Research at Catalyst Inc., a position she has held since 2018. In this role, she leads research initiatives that focus on promoting equity in business leadership. Additionally, she is the Vice President and Center Leader of the Catalyst Research Center for Equity in Business Leadership, a position she has maintained since 2005. Her work at Catalyst Inc. emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Previous Academic Experience
Heather Foust Cummings worked as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia University in the City of New York from 1998 to 2005. During her seven years in this role, she contributed to the academic community by teaching courses related to her expertise in political science and women's studies. Her academic background supports her research focus on equity and leadership.
Professional Background
Before her tenure at Catalyst Inc., Heather Foust Cummings held various positions in the communications and research sectors. She worked as an Account Coordinator at Rountree Group Integrated Communications for one year in 1992-1993. Following this, she served as a Research Supervisor at Young & Rubicam from 1999 to 2001. These roles provided her with foundational experience in research and communications.
Educational Qualifications
Heather Foust Cummings earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political Science and Women's Studies from Emory University, completing her studies from 1993 to 1999. Prior to this, she obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science and Secondary Education from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she studied from 1986 to 1990. Her educational background informs her research and advocacy work.
Engagement in Discussions on Women's Workplace Issues
Heather Foust Cummings participated in a video discussion with Dr. Claudia Goldin, a Nobel Prize-winning labor economist. This discussion focused on the impact of childcare challenges on women in the workplace, highlighting her commitment to addressing issues that affect women's participation and advancement in professional settings.