Who is Heather Kompanek from Jeopardy? Product Support Manager’s Age, Job, Family & More

Heather Kompanek is a seasoned professional based in New York, New York, with over 20 years of experience in product support and project management. For most of her career, Heather has worked with Cambridge University Press, where she has made significant contributions to the development and maintenance of electronic products, particularly within the academic sector. Her work has primarily focused on managing online platforms for academic libraries, collaborating with various stakeholders, and overseeing the testing and release of new product features.

Heather’s roles have ranged from product support manager to project manager and technical support supervisor. Throughout these positions, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues, ensuring that products meet the high standards of quality and functionality that academic institutions require. Her work often involves coordinating the development of internal tools and academic platforms, ensuring that feature requirements are documented effectively, and communicating fixes to relevant teams. As a result, Heather is well-regarded for her problem-solving abilities and her technical expertise.

Educational Background and Certifications

Heather Kompanek’s educational background is rooted in the humanities, with a focus on English and History. She graduated from Columbia University in the City of New York in 2004, earning a BA in English and History. During her time at Columbia, Heather was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including being a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Society and working at the Postcrypt Coffeehouse. She also excelled in the Alpha Delta Phi Literary Competition, where she won first place in poetry in 2004.

In addition to her degree, Heather has furthered her education by earning several certifications that reflect her technical expertise and project management skills. She holds a Prince2 Practitioner certification and is a Certified Scrum Product Owner, a title that enhances her role as a manager at Cambridge University Press. She has also completed a course on Python for research from HarvardX, which complements her strong foundation in problem-solving, technical support, and agile methodologies. These certifications have helped solidify her position as a skilled and knowledgeable leader in her field.

Heather’s Role at Cambridge University Press

Throughout her tenure at Cambridge University Press, Heather has played a pivotal role in ensuring the development and success of academic products used by students and educators around the world. In her most recent position as the Academic Product Support Manager, Heather has been responsible for coordinating the ongoing development of internal tools and academic platforms. She works closely with various teams to document feature requirements, troubleshoot issues, and communicate fixes to all relevant stakeholders.

Heather’s work also includes overseeing the testing and release of new product features, ensuring that everything runs smoothly from concept to launch. This has required her to be a strategic thinker and an effective communicator, liaising between internal teams and external stakeholders to meet project deadlines and ensure product quality. Her leadership in these efforts has helped Cambridge University Press maintain its reputation as a leading provider of educational resources.

A New Chapter at NYU Press

On October 7, 2024, Heather Kompanek will be embarking on a new chapter in her career as she steps into the role of Director at NYU Press. This transition marks an exciting new opportunity for Heather to take on greater leadership responsibilities and further her impact on the academic publishing industry. Her move to NYU Press comes after two decades of success at Cambridge University Press, and she is excited to bring her experience in product support, project management, and team coordination to this new role.

Her extensive experience with online platforms, product development, and stakeholder collaboration will no doubt serve her well as she navigates her new position at NYU Press. As a director, Heather will be responsible for overseeing product strategy and development, continuing to innovate in the realm of academic publishing.

Heather’s Commitment to Professional Growth and Industry Engagement

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Heather is an active member of her industry, maintaining a strong presence on LinkedIn with over 440 connections. She frequently engages with posts related to her field, sharing updates about her career and industry developments. Heather is also committed to continuous learning and personal growth, regularly contributing to her personal blog and website, where she shares insights about her professional journey and her ongoing projects.

Heather’s dedication to professional development extends beyond her formal education and certifications. She consistently seeks out opportunities to stay current with industry trends and developments, further positioning herself as a leader in the academic product support and project management fields. Through her work, Heather has earned the respect of her colleagues and peers, and her passion for continuous learning serves as an inspiration to others in the industry.

Conclusion: A Seasoned Professional Ready for the Next Step

Heather Kompanek’s impressive career in academic product support and project management is a testament to her expertise, dedication, and leadership. With over two decades of experience at Cambridge University Press and an upcoming transition to NYU Press, Heather has proven herself as an invaluable asset to the academic publishing world. Her education, certifications, and professional experience have prepared her for the next chapter in her career, and her passion for continuous learning ensures that she will continue to thrive in her new role.

Heather’s journey is a reminder of the importance of adaptability and growth in any career. Whether leading product development teams, troubleshooting technical issues, or contributing to academic publishing strategies, Heather’s story exemplifies how dedication and a commitment to excellence can shape a long and successful career.