Heather Hiltzik

About Heather Hiltzik

I bring the discipline, resilience, and competitive drive of a 20-year gymnastics career into my professional life as a strategic marketing leader. After competing in NCAA gymnastics and graduating from the University of Illinois, I transitioned my passion for performance into building and leading high-performing marketing teams that deliver measurable impact.As VP of Client Operations, I oversee our entire client services department, who manage all of SmartBug’s retainer and project accounts - driving efficiencies, optimizing operations, and aligning cross-functional teams to exceed client goals. I believe in leading by example: rolling up my sleeves to solve complex challenges, modeling accountability and adaptability, and showing that preparation and persistence pay off. My approach has delivered proven results, including scaling SEO programs that increased share of voice by 677% and website traffic by 527%, and accelerating demand generation with triple-digit growth in qualified leads for global B2B SaaS companies.Beyond results, I’m deeply committed to leadership and mentorship. Recognized with SmartBug Media’s “Meaningful Mentor” and “Just Do It” awards, I thrive on developing talent, fostering collaboration, and empowering individuals to achieve their personal and professional best—just as my coaches did for me.At the core, my approach is simple: bring the same focus, adaptability, and grit from the gym into business - helping organizations scale smarter, perform stronger, and win together.

Experience

1. VP, Client Operations

   SmartBug Media

   Oct 2025 — Present · Charlotte, NC, US

   Lead SmartBug’s HubSpot division, overseeing a team of Sr. Directors, Strategists, and Specialists responsible for delivering best-in-class digital marketing and CRM strategies that drive client satisfaction, retention, and revenue growth. Serve as a key member of the executive delivery leadership team, focused on operational excellence, talent development, and strategic alignment with SmartBug’s long-term growth plan- Direct client strategy and service delivery across the full customer lifecycle, ensuring measurable ROI and award-winning client experiences- Drive client satisfaction, retention, and profitability through deep relationships, trust, and exceptional performance- Hire, develop, and retain top talent within the HubSpot ecosystem, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence- Partner with HubSpot executives to align SmartBug’s services with the evolving platform roadmap and capabilities- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve efficiency, scalability, and client outcomes through data-driven insights and process innovation- Act as an executive sponsor for top-tier accounts and a champion for SmartBug’s “unreasonable customer service” philosophy.

Education

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  Master's degree, Business Administration (MBA)

  2020 — 2022

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  Bachelor's degree, Business Communication, Certificate in Public Relations

Skills

• Digital Media
• Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Teamwork
• Social Media
• Website Design
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Athletics
• Social Networking
• Leadership
• Sports
• Creativity Skills
• Communication