Meet Heidi

A career building a healthy future for all.

State Treasurer Fiona Ma appointed Heidi to the Green Bond Market Development Committee, tasked with efficiently raising billions of dollars in new and affordable capital to build climate-friendly infrastructure. Heidi was appointed by CalEPA in 2020 to the Statewide Commission on Recycling Markets and Curbside Recycling, serving two years. She was subsequently elected Chair by her colleagues. In only six months, the all-volunteer Commission submitted 19 substantial policy recommendations to the California Legislature with full consensus votes, resulting in 12 policies actively considered by the state. She also sits on the Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Household Goods and Services Advisory Council, representing the public.

Heidi’s collaborative, tenacious problem-solving approach has delivered unprecedented success in developing recycling programs at national, state, and local levels. She has engaged diverse stakeholder groups to promote product stewardship programs for pharmaceuticals, mercury thermostats, carpets, paint, batteries, and gas cylinders. Nationally, Heidi was instrumental in adopting the Extended Producer Responsibility policies by the National League of Cities (NLC) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Heidi speaks throughout the world and has won several awards and commendations. Locally she received the Sacramento Business Journal 2020 Women Who Mean Business Award for her professional accomplishments and contributions to the Sacramento region.

Heidi is also very locally engaged, serving as a board member for Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento. Heidi served as President of the Sacramento chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness. She hired NAMI’s first Executive Director and pioneered the Walk for Mental Health. She also conducted training for peace officers on approaching people in a mental health crisis, taught family-to-family classes, and facilitated support groups for families. Heidi also served as a Big Sister for six years.

A self-avowed dog-lover, Heidi and her husband Brad have fostered 67 dogs and regularly volunteer with Front Street Animal Shelter.

Sanborn earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science-Public Service from UC Davis and her master’s degree in Public Administration from USC. Heidi and her husband have lived in Sacramento for 35 years.

Organizations & Volunteer Work

  • Chair, California Commission on Recycling Markets and Curbside Recycling (Appointed by Fiona Ma, State Treasurer)

  • Boardmember, Green Bond Market Development Committee, former (Appointed by Director of CalRecycle)

  • Boardmember, California Foundation for the Environment and the Economy

  • Boardmember, Sacramento Children’s Receiving Home

  • Boardmember, Civicwell

  • Founder / Executive Director / CEO, National Stewardship Action Council

  • Founding Director, California Product Stewardship Council

  • President, Sacramento Chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (former)

  • Kiwanis of Carmichael, Co-chair Giving Tree Committee

Awards & Recognitions

  • Award, Sacramento Business Journal 2020 Women Who Mean Business

  • Women Who Inspire Award, Waste360

  • Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, National Recycling Coalition

  • Outstanding Public Agency Award, Solid Waste Association of North America

  • Lawrence Lecturer, Solid Waste Association of North America

  • Women Who Means Business, Sacramento Business Journal

  • Outstanding Policy & Legislative Advancement Award, CalRecycle

  • Friend of Pharmacy, California Pharmacists Association

  • Environmental Excellence Award, Industrial Environmental Association

  • Outstanding Policy Achievement, North American Hazardous Materials Management Association

  • Distinguished Individual Achievement Award, Solid Waste Association of America

  • Outstanding Environmental Stewardship Award, Sacramento Environmental Commission

  • Unsung Hero Award, Solid Waste Association of America

  • Pollution Prevention Award of the Year, Nonprofit- Sacramento Area Business Council

  • Outstanding Policy/Legislative Advancement Award, CalRecycle

  • Climate Changer, Sacramento News and Review

  • Rick Best Environmental Advocacy Award, California Resource Recovery Association

  • Recycler of the Year, California Resource Recovery Association

  • Award of Appreciation, Regional Council of Rural Counties