Watertown Area Community Foundation Announces Laura Heathcote as Community Engagement Director

The Watertown Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of Laura Heathcote as its Community Engagement Director, a newly created leadership position established to further strengthen the Foundation’s work in community leadership, nonprofit engagement, and strategic philanthropy across the Watertown area.

“For nearly five decades, the Watertown Area Community Foundation has served as a trusted community partner and convener, helping lead collaborative initiatives, steward charitable resources, and maintain a deep understanding of the region’s changing needs and opportunities,” said Cammie Mengwasser, Executive Director of the Watertown Area Community Foundation. “Laura’s strong community relationships, collaborative leadership style, and passion for community impact make her an excellent fit for this role as we continue strengthening connections throughout the Watertown area.”

Heathcote is a respected community leader with a strong history of nonprofit leadership and community involvement in Watertown. Previously serving as Executive Director of the Watertown Area United Way, she successfully led three community fundraising campaigns while helping strengthen partnerships and support for local organizations and programs.

A 2005 graduate of Watertown High School, Heathcote brings professional experience in management and banking. She was recently recognized as a recipient of Watertown’s 4 Under 40 award and played an instrumental role in the installation of the Born Learning Trail at McKinley Park, a collaborative effort focused on literacy and family engagement in Watertown.

Heathcote and her husband, Javon, reside north of Watertown and are the parents of three children: Aiden, Asher, and Aubrey.

Heathcote will officially begin her role as Community Engagement Director on June 1, 2026.

“I’m honored to join the Watertown Area Community Foundation and be part of an organization with such a strong history of investing in our community,” said Heathcote. “I look forward to supporting local nonprofits and initiatives, and helping connect our generous donors with opportunities that continue to strengthen the Watertown area.”