Heidi Nelson, Special Projects Officer

Heidi Nelson joined The Cape Cod Foundation in January 2026 as Special Projects Officer.  In this role, she is responsible for community partnerships, representing the Foundation on external committees and working groups, and supporting special projects such as convenings, collaborations, and other strategic initiatives. 

Heidi comes to the Foundation after a 40-year career in health care and community health leadership. Most recently, she served as Chief Executive Officer of Duffy Health Center, a health care provider for the homeless based in Hyannis, MA.  She has also been the Executive Director of Heartland Health Outreach, which served marginalized populations in Chicago, and held various positions in hospital and health care administration and community health. 

Heidi received a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Michigan in 1985 and a bachelor’s degree in community health education from the University of Illinois in 1980.  She became a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives in 2008. 

Heidi is an active member of Pilgrim Congregational Church in Harwich Port, where she spends her volunteer time, and enjoys yoga and walking the rail trail. She and her husband Bruce live in Harwich with their two dogs, Buddy and Rayna.