LaFonda Heidel serves as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend, where she provides strategic leadership for the organization’s programs, operations, community partnerships, and continued growth throughout the Big Bend region. She has been part of the Kids Incorporated team since 2004 and has served in a variety of roles during her tenure, giving her a deep understanding of the organization, its programs, and the children and families it serves. She has led the organization as CEO since 2018.

LaFonda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management from Saint Leo University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Project Management. Her professional experience, combined with more than two decades of service to Kids Incorporated, has shaped a leadership approach centered on strong relationships, organizational excellence, and meaningful community impact.

She is actively involved in the Tallahassee community and serves on several nonprofit and civic boards, including United Partners for Human Services and the Florida Head Start Association. She is a graduate of Leadership Tallahassee Class 39, serves as a board member of the Capital City Kiwanis Club, and is President of the Alpha Upsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She also volunteers with Meals on Wheels through Elder Care Services. In 2026, LaFonda was recognized by the Tallahassee Democrat as one of its 25 Women You Need to Know.

Community service and creating positive outcomes for children and families are central to LaFonda’s leadership and have guided her career for more than 20 years. Her commitment to Kids Incorporated reflects both her passion for early childhood services and her belief in strengthening families and communities through meaningful support and opportunity.

Outside of work, LaFonda enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and volunteering.