Heather Gardner

About Heather Gardner

I am a purpose driven IT and talent acquisition leader who genuinely loves connecting great people with great companies. As the Founder and Head of Talent and Client Partnerships at High Sierra Talent, I focus on people first recruiting solutions built on trust, clarity, and a deep understanding of today’s technical hiring landscape.I partner closely with clients to help them grow strong, high performing teams by aligning skills, culture, and long term goals. For me, recruiting is about more than filling roles. It is about creating meaningful matches, delivering a positive experience for both candidates and clients, and building relationships that truly last.Giving back to my community is a core part of who I am. I serve on the El Dorado County Fish and Wildlife Commission, where I support local conservation efforts and community focused initiatives. I am also a member of the El Dorado County Commission for Youth and Families, contributing to programs and conversations that support children, families, and community wellbeing. In addition, I have volunteered with Foothill Dog Rescue, helping support animal welfare and rescue efforts, which ties closely to my background in animal science and my lifelong love of animals.I bring a thoughtful, empathetic, and collaborative approach to everything I do, whether advising clients on IT hiring trends, supporting candidates through career transitions, or giving back to my local community.If you are looking to build an exceptional technical team or explore your next career opportunity, I would love to connect and start a conversation.

Experience

1. Founder Head of Talent & Client Partnerships

   High Sierra Talent

   Jan 2025 — Present

   As the Head of Talent & Client Partnerships at High Sierra Talent LLC, I lead a values-driven recruiting practice focused exclusively on connecting top-tier IT professionals with innovative companies. I partner with clients to grow high-performing teams with precision—and help candidates land roles aligned with their goals, values, and long-term potential.My approach is personal, strategic, and rooted in integrity. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter hiring. Whether it’s placing a hard-to-find software engineer or scaling a startup team, I tailor every search to each client’s culture, mission, and team dynamics.What sets me apart isn’t access to tools or databases—most recruiters have those. What makes the difference is how I work:Values-Driven Recruiting: I lead with integrity, prioritize quality over quantity, and believe in long-term success over quick wins.Strategic Partnership: I invest in understanding the why behind each role—your goals, team structure, and company culture—not just the job description.Transparent, Human Communication: I believe in clarity, honesty, and consistent follow-through. I don’t ghost candidates or sugarcoat challenges.Track Record of Meaningful Placements: I focus on placing talent that grows with your team—people who stay, contribute, and align with your mission.Too often, recruiting becomes transactional—focused on speed and numbers, not people and purpose. My mission is to build something better: a recruiting firm where relationships come first, and every placement is made with intention.If you’re looking for a trusted recruiting partner who delivers with heart and hustle, let’s connect.

Education

• University of California, Davis

  Bachelor's degree, Animal Sciences

Skills

• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Supply Management
• Coaching
• Team Building
• Management
• Interpersonal Skills
• Microsoft Excel
• Leadership
• Food & Beverage
• Customer Service
• Organization Skills