City of Columbia welcomes DeAnna Heard as new Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement program manager

The City of Columbia’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) welcomes DeAnna Heard, MBA, as its new Program Manager. Heard officially joined the office on September 28, 2026.

Heard brings extensive experience in community engagement, violence intervention and prevention, mental health advocacy, and strategic partnership development. Her background in community-based initiatives and collaborative leadership will support ONSE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen neighborhood relationships, promote community safety, and address the factors that contribute to violence.

Prior to joining ONSE, Heard served as the Ceasefire Coordinator with the Columbia Police Department, where she led focused deterrence and community engagement initiatives aimed at reducing violence. Her work included coordinating partnerships among law enforcement, community organizations, service providers, and residents to connect individuals and families with supportive resources and opportunities for positive change.

Heard holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her experience in trauma-informed practices and mental health advocacy brings an additional perspective to community safety and violence prevention efforts. 

Outside of her professional work, Heard is the founder of National Wear Your Pearls Day, a mental health awareness initiative that promotes hope, resilience, and healing for individuals navigating depression, anxiety, grief, and other life challenges.

Through her work in public service and mental health advocacy, Heard is committed to building meaningful partnerships, supporting individuals and families, and helping communities overcome challenges. Her appointment reflects ONSE’s continued commitment to developing collaborative strategies, strengthening relationships with residents, and advancing initiatives that promote safer, healthier neighborhoods throughout Columbia.

For more information about the City of Columbia’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, visit crimeprevention.columbiasc.gov.