Dana Heffern
About Dana Heffern
Dana Heffern is a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Optimax Systems, Inc. in the Rochester, New York Metropolitan Area, with a diverse background in academia and the arts, including roles as a professor and director of an art gallery.
Work at Optimax Systems
Dana Heffern serves as a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Optimax Systems, Inc., a position held since 2022. Located in the Rochester, New York Metropolitan Area, Dana focuses on recruitment strategies that align with the company's goals. The role involves creating connections within the community and enhancing recruitment processes through a combination of artistic skills and project management expertise.
Education and Expertise
Dana Heffern studied at the Rochester Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Photography and a Bachelor of Science in Film/Cinema/Video Studies. This educational background provides a strong foundation in both visual arts and media, contributing to a creative approach in the field of talent acquisition. Dana's expertise is further enhanced by experience in project management and community engagement.
Background in Academia and Arts
Dana has a diverse professional background that includes significant roles in both academia and the arts. Dana worked at Champlain College as a Professor and as the Director of the Art Gallery from 2015 to 2022. Additionally, Dana served as Chair of Art and Design at Burlington College from 2013 to 2016. This blend of experiences informs a unique perspective in talent acquisition, emphasizing the importance of creativity in recruitment.
Previous Experience in Scenic Arts
Before transitioning to talent acquisition, Dana Heffern worked as a Scenic Artist at Hudson Scenic Studio from 1998 to 2010. This role involved transforming raw ideas into visual representations, which has contributed to Dana's ability to steer cultural direction in leadership roles. The experience in scenic arts enhances Dana's creative problem-solving skills in recruitment.
Community Engagement and Project Management
Dana is driven by opportunities to create connections within the community through teaching, recruitment, and project management. This focus on community engagement is integral to Dana's approach in talent acquisition, where fostering relationships and understanding cultural dynamics play a vital role in successful recruitment strategies.