Board of Directors > Biography
Heather Dannhardt
Heather Dannhardt is Executive Director of HR Shared Services at MSA – The Safety Company. In this role, she leads a wide range of critical human resources operations, including executive and global compensation, global benefits, talent acquisition, and HR compliance. Heather also oversees the HR People Experience team, where she manages employee relations, supports conflict resolution, and handles high-visibility HR initiatives with precision and care.
Heather’s journey with MSA began in 2002 as a Mechanical Engineer, where she played a pivotal role in designing and implementing innovative enhancements across MSA’s diverse product portfolio. In 2014, Heather advanced to an Engineering Management position. In this capacity, she distinguished herself by leading technical teams responsible for securing government agency approvals for groundbreaking personal protective equipment and advanced gas detection devices. Heather further streamlined and optimized global product approval strategies, showcasing her ability to drive efficiency and innovation.
In 2017, Heather was promoted to Global Director of Product Engineering, where she spearheaded the development of cutting-edge safety products designed to protect first responders and industrial workers. Her steadfast commitment to achieving strategic goals and embracing new challenges has been instrumental to the organization’s success. In 2022, she advanced to the role of Executive Director of HR Business Advisory. As a trusted advisor to senior leaders, she focused on enhancing organizational and people performance while aligning talent strategies with the business’s objectives.
Heather’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in Leadership from Duquesne University. She is also a certified executive coach, accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF), and a participant in the Leadership Pittsburgh (LP) XLI program, set to complete in June 2025. Beyond her professional achievements, Heather is a certified foster parent in Pennsylvania and resides in Cranberry Township, PA, with her husband and two sons.
Heather is deeply honored to serve on the board of WQED, an organization she has admired since childhood in her beloved city of Pittsburgh. She is especially passionate about WQED’s Community Engagement initiatives and is committed to ensuring that STEM opportunities flourish for middle and grade school students in the Pittsburgh region.