FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER

Heather Horton is a driven and accomplished woman who has made a significant impact on her community through her work in the Arts, Culinary Arts, and Small Business worlds. Heather earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pittsburg State University before going on to complete a Master's degree in Communication at the same institution.

At the helm of TOAST llc & Pittsburg Bread Company, Heather is a powerful force for innovation and growth, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the culinary arts and small business worlds locally. Her focus on community, dedication to quality, local ingredients, and creative culinary techniques have earned her both the Women of Distinction award in 2016 and the Small Business of the Year award in 2018.

Heather's passion for supporting her community extends far beyond her businesses. She is a founding member of the Pittsburg ArtWalk, an event that showcases the work of local artists and helps to promote fine arts in the area. Additionally, Heather is a founding board member of the Downtown Advisory Board in Pittsburg, which works to revitalize the city's downtown area and promote economic growth.

As a culinary educator, Heather is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and passion for food with others. She has taught cooking classes at both the college and community level, working with Greenbush, Pittsburg High School and other entities to provide mentorship opportunities and internships for aspiring hospitality & culinary industry students.

In her spare time she enjoys drawing & illustration as a creative outlet and stress reliever. She’s married to her business partner and they live Downtown with their two dogs and infamous turtle Basil. The Horton’s love to travel- enjoying other cultures, food, drink and entertainment.

Through her various endeavors, Heather’s dedication to the arts and small business has had a significant impact on her community, and her contributions have been widely recognized and celebrated. Although Heather is a native of Girard, KS the City of Pittsburg has been home for over twenty years with no plans to change that anytime soon.