Jennifer Heiner is a retail director at a New Jersey running company. Working closely with the company's founders, Jennifer Heiner assists with the operation of three retail stores that furnish high-end performance apparel. This requires managing inventory control and hiring new associates during peak shopping periods. Additionally, she aids the company's business development initiatives, which include hosting multiple races each year. In this capacity, she offers coaching, race directing, and organizational assistance, from ensuring aid stations are stocked to securing winners' medals. Prior to her current position, Jennifer Heiner helped to coordinate foster families at a dog rescue in New Jersey. As part of her responsibilities, she worked to expand the organization’s impact by recruiting more foster families and volunteers. She also assisted in providing more than 100 dogs a month with foster homes by addressing immediate issues that might arise during the fostering experience. She prepared for her career by earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and ethics from Lehigh University. She earned multiple distinctions as a student, such as achieving the Faculty Invitational for Outstanding Scholars and membership in The National Scholars Honor Society.

Jennifer Heiner is an avid runner - she got into the sport after being a lifelong athlete without an outlet after organized sports in school were over. Now that COVID is waning and more and more races are being put on again, Jennifer has gotten involved with another NYC area running group, NYCRUNS, and is helping with race day events and customer service questions. 

Being able to give back to the running community is a great way to be involved in the sport on a different level, and to give back to other runners. Both NYCRUNS and New York Road Runners have great opportunities to give back to the running community, regardless of whether you are a runner or not!