Prior to joining Capay Valley Vision, Sue Heitman served as the Yolo County Health Department Health Coordinator for Development and Bioterrorism. She directed the 14-county Gold Country Tobacco Prevention Coalition in Sacramento for 10 years and has served on numerous statewide boards and taskforce groups concerned with tobacco issues, including the passage of both Propositions 99 and 10. Heitman taught an international course, "Youth and Tobacco," for the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of North Carolina. She has served as American Lung Asso-ciation Program Director, American Cancer Society Director of Education, and United Way Senior Technical Assistance Advisor for non-profit agencies. Heitman is a published author in the field of human relations in business and the author of The Encyclopedia of Icebreakers.

Locally, Heitman represents District 5 on the First 5 Yolo Board, served on the Board of the Capay Valley Regional Farmer's Market, is a shareholder of the Capay Valley Farm Stand and is the current Secretary to the board of New Sea-son Community Development Corporation. She and her husband have an almond orchard in the Capay Valley and will soon be expanding to grow olives and grapes. This past year, Heitman was the recipient of the SACOG Salutes! Employee of the Year Award for her revitalization efforts in Esparto and rural Yolo County.