Heather Vaughan
Heather Vaughan is currently the President of Major League Volleyball's NorCal franchise, bringing a proven ability to turn sports properties into culturally relevant, revenue-generating brands.
Throughout her career, she has led initiatives that expand reach, unlock new audiences, and deepen community connection, spanning brand building, ticketing strategy, partnerships, and integrated marketing campaigns.
In leadership roles with the San Jose Sharks, Pac-12 Conference, and Sacramento Kings, Vaughan has been at the forefront of shaping how teams show up in competitive markets, building momentum that translates into sustained fan growth and engagement. At MLVNorCal, she is focused on establishing a strong market presence and creating an experience that resonates across the region.
As the Vice President of Marketing for Sharks Sports & Entertainment (SSE), Heather Vaughan led the Marketing function that includes brand marketing & activation, performance and database marketing, and marketing program (including Mascot) efforts across all SSE properties, including the San Jose Sharks, SAP Center, and Sharks Ice facilities. Heather's role was instrumental in both supporting revenue generation and strengthening the SSE brand.
Previously, she was the Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Pac-12 Conference, working on the conference brand, development of championship events (including selling out the 2023 Football Championship Game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas), and strategic marketing plans to drive conference revenue growth. She also was able to secure rights to the Olympics rings by working with the USOPC on the "Olympians Made Here" initiative. Prior to the Pac-12, Heather was the Senior Director of Marketing for the Sacramento Kings. She also has advertising agency experience, teaches marketing at the college level, has won numerous PromaxBDA and Telly awards, and is a member of several marketing-related organizations.
Originally from Encinitas, California (Go Padres!), Heather is a Chico State (BA) and CSU Fullerton (MA) alum. Heather's passion for details has led her to being a constant student of events, entertainment, productions, pop culture, trend hunting and creating core memories for fans of her brands. A core memory for her was winning the 2005 WNBA Championship with the Sacramento Monarchs and getting a ring!