Councilwoman Heather O'Dell Ward 2

Ward 2 Councilwoman Heather O’Dell represents the southern areas of Wappinger which consists of Chelsea and Swartwoutville hamlets, Cedar Hill, Fleetwood Manor, Osborne Hill Road, Smithtown Road, Meadowwood, Lookout Point, Watch Hill neighborhoods, White Gate and Pavilion complexes, and the southern part of the US Route 9 corridor. Councilwoman O’Dell began serving on the Town Board in 2026.

The Town of Wappinger is governed by a Town Board consisting of the Supervisor and four Council members. The Supervisor is the presiding officer. The Board adopts resolutions, ordinances and local laws, and approves the annual budget and tax levy. The Council Members are elected to represent their ward for a two-year term.

The Town Board meets bi-weekly on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 7:00 PM at Wappinger Town Hall. 

Heather O’Dell is a dedicated nonprofit leader whose career has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to serving young people and strengthening the communities around them. With more than two decades of experience in youth development, education, and organizational operations, Heather brings a thoughtful blend of compassion, analytical skill, and mission-driven leadership to her work.

Heather’s foundation in service began early. A Beacon High School valedictorian, she pursued her passion for learning at Cornell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Her academic path sharpened her ability to understand complex systems, think critically, and approach challenges with curiosity and care—skills that have guided her throughout her career in education and youth-focused nonprofits .

She began her professional journey as an educator, teaching science and math in schools across South Dakota, Arizona, and England. In every classroom, she worked closely with diverse student populations, including English Language Learners, ensuring all students felt supported, capable, and connected. These early experiences cemented her belief that every child deserves access to caring mentors and enriching environments that nurture both confidence and curiosity .

Heather’s impact deepened during more than a decade with Vacamas Programs for Youth, where she served as an education coordinator, after-school program leader, and longtime summer camp staff member. She recruited students from underserved communities, mentored educators, and coordinated academic support and summer opportunities for thousands of children each year. Her work helped bridge gaps between families, schools, and community partners—all in service of expanding opportunity and creating welcoming spaces for young people to grow .

Since 2014, Heather has served as Operations Manager at SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education), where she plays a pivotal role in delivering camp scholarships to youth nationwide. She oversees grant allocations, donor gift processing, reporting systems, partner communications, and event support—ensuring that resources reach children efficiently, transparently, and with care. Her leadership strengthens SCOPE’s mission of providing life-changing summer camp experiences that build confidence, connection, and long-term success .

Through every chapter of her work, Heather has remained grounded in a simple but powerful belief: community changes lives. Her dedication continues to create meaningful pathways for young people, helping them access supportive environments where they can learn, thrive, and imagine brighter futures.

Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm