Meet Katrina Heller | Executive Director of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katrina Heller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katrina, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Working in a museum or in any non-profit capacity is quite an adventure! It’s a journey filled with challenges, but the rewards are always absolutely worth it. We wear many hats – our Lighthouse team is small yet mighty! Nonprofit employees are multitasking wizards, constantly diving into new and exciting experiences.
One of the most intriguing aspects that often surprises people is the unique way in which our operations are funded. Our nonprofit’s financial engine is a blend of grants, sponsorships, and other forms of support. But what truly powers us is our incredible community. Every dollar spent at our museum isn’t just a transaction; it’s a vote of confidence in our mission. It fuels the preservation of our historic structures and drives the continuation and expansion of our educational programming. Our community keeps our “Light” bright!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
To give you more of a background and the history about where I work, the Loxahatchee River Historical Society preserves, protects, and interprets the unique historical, cultural, archaeological, and natural characteristics of the Loxahatchee River region and its 8,000 years of documented history, including the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum (where I serve as the Executive Director) and works alongside the Bureau of Land Management as a managing partner of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area. The nonprofit provides expertise to and collaborates with partner organizations and government entities, ensuring that the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse remains one of the best kept lighthouses in the country.
I started my career at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum nearly nine years ago as our Visitor Services Manager, where I was responsible for managing museum operations including visitor services, volunteer coordination, ticketing and admissions, museum store operations, membership, fundraising activities, facilities management/rentals and special events. Amidst navigating the challenges of the Covid outbreak, including overseeing a temporary site closure and orchestrating a successful reopening, I was honored to be promoted to the role of Director of Operations, a testament to our team’s resilience and adaptability during unprecedented times. In 2023, I was delighted to assume my current role as Executive Director.

I’m most proud of my tenure at this beautiful landmark and the impact we’ve been able to have on the community. It’s so special coming to work and not only having the best “work view” but also being able to contribute to the preservation of our natural habitat – not many people know our site has 120 acres of federally protected land! I am equally thrilled our amazing team fosters connections between our Jupiter community and the visitors through events, recreational activities, exhibits, and educational programs. We aim to make the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum our area’s own “Central Park!”

Each day, I’m motivated to make the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum grounds even more well-known. I am super passionate about my job and non-profit work, and I love learning. Even though I’ve been working here for close to a decade, I am always learning something new, which really excites me!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, I’d take them to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum (of course!). We’d start the day by climbing 105 stairs to the top of the Lighthouse to the best views of the Palm Beaches – where you tower over gorgeous homes, the incomparable Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, and see the sun beating down on the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. After a few photo opportunities, I’d give my best friend a tour of the grounds with our historian, Josh Liller, who knows everything about Florida history and lighthouses – seriously, quiz him the next time you see him! We’d see the Tindall Pioneer Homestead and the Seminole Chickee.
Next, we’d change into our sneakers and go for a walk on both trails at the Outstanding Natural Area, which features 25 special-status species, cultural evidence of 5,000 years of human occupation, and a lagoon overlooking three Florida habitats. Not many people know, but all 120 acres are home to exclusively native Florida plants!

When we’re done with our morning adventures, we would head across the Loxahatchee River over to Lucky Shuck so we can enjoy a delicious meal (I’d recommend the seafood there!) while we overlook the beautiful Lighthouse. I would also recommend grabbing a drink at the Square Grouper Tiki Bar, before heading to Juno Beach to see the sea turtles at Loggerhead Marinelife Center!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m incredibly grateful for the outstanding team I have the privilege to work with at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. Their hard work, support, and collaboration have been invaluable to my growth both professionally and personally. They continually inspire me to strive for excellence in my role as an employee and leader.
Throughout my time at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with a multitude of remarkable individuals, including our guests. Every encounter, whether it’s brainstorming with my colleagues or engaging with visitors exploring our historical landmark, leaves a lasting impact on me.

The fulfillment I find in our non-profit work here stems not only from the daily activities but also from the meaningful connections forged and the knowledge gained through these experiences. It’s truly the people and the stories they bring that make this journey so enriching.

Website: JupiterLighthouse.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jupiter_lighthouse/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-heller88

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JupiterLH

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jupiterinletlighthousemuseum

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCDI6kDBDShTbgGv6XdXFQ

Image Credits
Credit to Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum