Heidi Gaither
Board Member
Born and raised in Klamath Falls, Heidi Gaither grew up as a part of the Miss America Organization, first participating as a "Little Sister" in 1995. She went on to compete as a Teen and Miss contestant from 2004-2007, winning a variety of scholarships and awards. Heidi later volunteered as a contestant hostess before joining the Women's Scholarship Foundation of Klamath County's Board of Directors, where she currently serves as the Judges Chairwoman.
Utilizing scholarship dollars that she earned by competing in the Miss America Organization, Heidi graduated Cum Laude from Oregon Tech with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology, emphasizing in Organizational Development and Human Services, also earning a minor in Human Communication. Heidi later attended Portland State University, graduating with honors with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Heidi works as the Director of Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services, where she and her team support individuals who experience intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Heidi is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and provides consulting and counseling services in the Klamath Basin. In 2024, she was honored to receive the "Inspiring Leader of the Year" award, presented by the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce, and became the "Dancing With Your Klamath Stars" champion during the same year.
Heidi credits the Miss America Organization with playing a pivotal role in shaping her leadership skills and deepening her commitment to community service. She shares that by participating in this organization, she learned how to communicate with confidence, advocate for causes she cares about, and lead with both purpose and authenticity. She is deeply grateful for the decades of support and mentorship from the volunteers of the Miss Klamath County-Miss City of Sunshine program, both past and present, and is proud to pay its legacy forward to the next generation of local young women competing.
In her spare time, Heidi enjoys traveling with her husband of 17 years, Stephen, spoiling her pets, nephews, and godchildren, tending to her backyard chickens and garden, and creating custom crochet and cross-stitch projects for her friends and family.