Kate Heffernan says the vision of Anoka County’s Human Services Division is simple: a community where all people are safe and healthy. 

Heffernan joined Anoka County in 2023 as deputy director of the division and is now finding footing in her new role as Chief Human Services Officer. 

She began her career at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center conducting dementia research, later moving on to the Wilder Foundation to work in program evaluation. She then spent more than 20 years in human services at Hennepin County, starting as a planner focused on contracts and outcomes in disability programs, then moving on to supervise social workers, managing financial and data teams, and eventually leading economic supports. 

No matter what her job title has been, Heffernan’s passion has always been helping people. 

“I’ve always been driven to help people— especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve seen how complex our systems can be for both residents and staff and that’s fueled my passion for improving the experience of those seeking help.”

Human Services staff currently face significant challenges, including funding shifts, complex program rules, and potential service disruptions from Medicaid changes. Anoka County’s Human Services team is working to help departments respond through planning, engagement, and leveraging data and policy. 

“My focus is on strengthening collaboration, data-driven decision-making, communication, and processes to achieve that,” Heffernan said. “I want our whole team to build understanding of how the work across Human Services fits together and how residents see and experience us.”

Heffernan is a longtime resident of Minnesota and is married with three kids and a dog. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, reading, and spending time in nature.