Heidi Riccio is the Superintendent – Director of Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School since July 2017, serving as one of the directors for career agricultural and technical education programs prior to her current position of Superintendent-Director. Dr. Riccio began her career in the hospitality industry as a sales manager for the Marriott Corporation. In 1997, she started her career in vocational-technical education teaching hospitality at Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS). Heidi advanced her career at GLTS earning a variety of leadership roles including department chairperson, academy supervisor, and CTE Director. In 2013, she became the Principal/Director of Medford Vocational Technical High School. While there, she opened 9 new Chapter 74 programs, wrote over $1M in competitive grant funding and worked collaboratively with the comprehensive high school to bring rigorous academic courses to vocational school students.

Heidi is an adjunct professor for Fitchburg State University and an educational consultant with Seaside Educational Consultants. In addition, she is a member of ASCD, MAVA, MASS, and ACTE. Heidi is on the Board of Directors at several organizations including MassHire, Commonwealth Corporation, SkillsUSA, Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Partnership for Youth, Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators, and School Safety Advocacy Council.

Heidi attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence earning a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Sales. After earning her teaching certificate in 1997, she went on to earn a Master of Education from Fitchburg State University and later attended Salem State University where she graduated in 2010 with a CAGS in Educational Leadership. In 2012, Heidi participated in the National Institute for School Leadership with the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. Wanting to develop and learn further, she earned a Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University in 2015.

Heidi proudly grew up in Lawrence and resides in Salisbury, often referred to as “Lawrence by the Sea.” She is married to Chris, also from Lawrence, and has three daughters: Ceili, Maggie, and Meaghan. Heidi likes to read and run. She is currently training for her fourth marathon to support veteran suicide.