A seasoned executive leader and legal professional is joining Cardus this fall as our new Vice President, Operations. Heidi de Vries joins Cardus from Redeemer University, where she currently serves as Legal Counsel and Vice President, Strategic Initiatives.

“We’re delighted to have Heidi join us this fall, as she will strengthen the institutional fibre we are already known for: our creativity, entrepreneurialism, and stability,” said Michael Van Pelt, CEO of Cardus. “Heidi brings the right blend of skills and presence which will allow us to grow our systems and our capacity, in pursuit of our mission to imagine a better society and bring our institutions together for the common good.”

With over 15 years of experience, Heidi’s professional background is defined by her ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams through periods of significant change. At Redeemer, she facilitated the creation of the university’s new, dynamic strategic plan, ensuring that institutional goals are met with operational rigor and mission-aligned clarity. 

During her tenure as General Manager of People, Legislative Services & Planning for the City of Brantford, she led a diverse commission encompassing Human Resources, IT Services, Legal, Clerks Services, Building, and Planning, overseeing an annual budget of more than $12 million. 

Her leadership style prioritizes high-trust relationships as the foundation for operational excellence, utilizing LEAN strategies to empower teams and eliminate institutional friction. Heidi is committed to maintaining professional standards that foster both organizational health and community trust. 

Beyond her professional roles, Heidi is deeply invested in the governance of Christian institutions. She serves on the Judicial Code Committee for the Christian Reformed Church of North America and holds board positions with EduDeo Ministries and Hamilton District Christian High School. A former Adjunct Professor of Business Law, she is a recipient of the Redeemer University Distinguished Alumni Award and is recognized for her ability to articulate the intersection of faith, law, and public life.

Heidi holds a Juris Doctor from Queen’s University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Redeemer University. In her spare time, Heidi can be found planning her family’s next travel adventure, reading a good book, or managing the marketing portfolio for her husband’s pool company.

“I am deeply honoured to join the exceptional team at Cardus,” Heidi said. “I look forward to contributing to Cardus’ vital work in imagining a hopeful and flourishing future for our communities.” 

Heidi begins her new role with Cardus in September 2026.