Heather Kilpatrick

Heather Kilpatrick was born in Decatur, Georgia. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgia College & State University in 2006 and a graduate degree from South University in 2012. Kilpatrick’s career experience includes working as a director of operations.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Heather was born at Dekalb General Hospital (now Dekalb Medical Center) in Decatur and raised in Snellville. After graduating from South Gwinnett High School, Heather earned an Associate degree in General Studies from Georgia Perimeter College, then a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. Subsequently, Heather earned a dual-Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration from South University in Savannah, Georgia. In pursuit of her career goals, Heather has obtained a multitude of certifications which have uniquely qualified her to understand the issues facing the district and beyond. These certifications include: Certified Medical Practice Executive, Crisis Prevention and Intervention Certification, Certified Medical Coding Specialist, Certified Mental Health Coding Specialist, Certified HIPAA Privacy Specialist, and CPR / First Aid Certification. When she was 15 years old, Heather began a long career in healthcare at a local Eckerd drug store in Snellville as a Pharmacy Technician. In 2010, she helped a local psychiatrist launch Life Healing Center as Director of Operations and Management. In 2018, Heather became the Director of Operations for AlphaCord/CryoChoice in Atlanta. Heather’s career across healthcare has spanned 20 years and has included a broad range of specialties, from pharmacy and orthopedics to long term care.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I have 20 years experience in caring for Georgians and their health. I know the struggles they face, and have numerous ideas on how to solve them.As a lifelong Georgian, I care deeply for the constituents of my District.My purpose is to serve Georgians and the rest of the American people. I was born to help people, and, in this moment, a new voice for the 11th district is what Georgia needs the most.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

We need new blood in Congress; willing to work together to fight the existential crisis that is climate change; to address the student debt crisis that is crippling this nation’s young adults. We need go-getters willing to tackle the corruption in politics such as gerrymandering, ensuring free and fair elections, abolishing the electoral college, and establishing term limits.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My mom. My mother has endured a cornucopia of pain, trauma and hardships and has come out on the other side stronger and more determined than ever. She is my hero. If I am half the woman she is, I will have succeeded in life.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

My motto is simple and it guides everything I do: Lead with kindness.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Ethics

Empathy

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Duty to Country & people.

What legacy would you like to leave?

If people look back and remember me with a smile, I could not ask for anything more.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The OJ Simpson trial and verdict. I remember that I was in middle school; sixth or seventh grade; and that they played the news reporting the verdict of the school speaker.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked for Eckerd Drugs as a pharmacy technician for nearly two years. I absolutely loved it and remember most of those skills to this day.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Jane Austen - Pride & Prejudice

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Iron Man.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Road Less Traveled - Lauren Alaina

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

self-acceptance

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

This is where the bills that will ultimately become laws are written. This is where the magic initially happens; where the ideas are formed and then written out. This is where great minds come together to find solutions to some of the greatest problems facing our Country. It's incredible.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Not necessarily, no. I believe that it is necessary for our representatives to represent the people of the United States in all forms. We need representatives that come from all areas of life, knowledge, experience, education, diversity, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, sex and expertise because that is what makes up America. Anyone can be taught and learn what they need to know about government. If someone cares about the people and has the will to help people and the drive to make a difference, that is what you need.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Overcoming Trumpism, white supremacy, and the aftermath of COVID.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Ethics committee for sure. Health, Education, Intelligence, Judiciary, Science, Oversight, Modernization, Administration

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I honestly do believe they should be longer simply because a campaign race takes about two years so if you have two years in office, you never really stop running for re-election and that makes it more difficult to focus on your job and responsibilities.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Katie Porter without question.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Not as of yet, but it is still early!

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

I'd say let's get to work!

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