Heidi Clarke is the Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International which focuses on developing the Caribbean and improving the lives of its people through the areas of education, environment, and community.
Heidi’s primary responsibilities include the management of development projects across nine islands. She leads a team of regional change makers led by Sandals and Beaches Resorts team members, guests, travel agents, local and international corporate and non-profit partners. Her goal? To have her company be a true example of how tourism can be a force for good.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Heidi has extensive experience in the education, social services, and business management fields. She attended the University of Miami, where she studied child psychology and education. As an avid water sports enthusiast, she has both a personal and professional interest in marine conservation and as such is a certified Game Warden with the National Environment and Planning Agency and a member on the board of the Fish Sanctuary Network in Jamaica.
A few of her most notable achievements have included her working alongside the Coca-Cola Company to increase access to clean potable water in multiple schools across 5 islands. She has established and continues to support the management of two of Jamaica’s first marine sanctuaries, and she has developed new ways for travelers to Sandals and Beaches Resorts to connect to the Caribbean by developing an artisan retail line and community tours that allow for an authentic cultural experience as well as support local livelihoods.
Heidi is a board member of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation, and a Director on the board of Nudge Caribbean. Above all, she is a wife and the mother of two children of which she is very proud.
