MCC Proud: Meet Heidi Quinlivan

October 28, 2026

In recognition of National Manufacturing Month, we are proud to feature Heidi Quinlivan of the FWD Center.

Heidi Quinlivan is the Program Development/Curriculum Manager for Monroe Community College’s Finger Lakes Workforce Development (FWD) Center. In this role, she collaborates with industry partners to develop non-credit curriculum, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized credentials for advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, and IT. She also supports the STEP UP initiative by identifying semiconductor and skilled trades curriculum.

Quinlivan has been a member of the MCC team for 4 years. During that time, she earned a Project Management Certificate, appeared on the FWD Center’s “Good Day Rochester” segment, and collaborated with Willis Major to secure the FWD Center’s SACA Gold Certification.

Interestingly, Quinlivan’s career has come full circle. She began her professional journey with an educational consulting firm focused on assessment before spending more than 25 years in administration, finance, sales, and marketing within the advanced manufacturing sector, including industries such as digitization, semiconductors, micromotors, and robotic grippers. Her desire to return to education and leverage her workforce development expertise ultimately led her to MCC, where she is passionate about helping students gain new career opportunities, develop in-demand skills, and advance into higher-paying jobs. As a proud member of a “SUNY family,” with her husband, son, niece, and nephew all SUNY graduates, she is also committed to contributing to New York State’s public higher education system.

Although she joined MCC only a few years ago, Quinlivan has found tremendous fulfillment in helping others unlock new opportunities. “…I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that industry-recognized credentials can have on students’ lives,” she said. “It opens doors for them that have remained closed for years.”

She added that many individuals have used these industry-recognized credentials to secure well-paying jobs, while others have used them to upskill and advance their careers, increasing their earning potential and professional growth.

When asked what advice she would give prospective students, Quinlivan emphasized the importance of finding the right fit. “…if I am speaking to people that are considering taking programs at the FWD Center, I usually ask a series of questions to help them identify the best path for them,” she said. “If they simply don’t know, I suggest a foundational program like ‘Intro to Skilled Trades’ or ‘SACA C-101 Advanced Manufacturing’.”

Outside of MCC, Quinlivan enjoys staying connected to her community through her church, spending time with fellow car enthusiasts, and supporting the Humane Society of Livingston County.

Quinlivan attended Chenango Forks High School in Binghamton, NY, before spending her freshman year at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. She later earned her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Geneseo. A self-described “forever leaner,” Quinlivan has continued to expand her knowledge through coursework at MCC and Empire State University, as well as sales and marketing workshops offered by organizations such as SME.

Fun Facts About Heidi

Courtney: If you had to eat the same meal at least once a day, what would it be?
Heidi: Steamed Rice
Courtney: What is your biggest fear?
Heidi: Not getting to experience life at its fullest.
Courtney: Is there anything about you that people are surprised to learn?
Heidi: I lived in Japan for 3 years when I was young. My dad worked at Tokyo Electronics. We lived within the community. I went to a 1-room schoolhouse because there wasn’t room for me on the U.S. military base.
Courtney: Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you.
Heidi: Try again.
Courtney: What destination do you hope to visit one day?
Heidi: Japan again, and specifically Mount Fuji.
Courtney: What activities do you participate in over the weekend?
Heidi: Camping in the Adirondacks. Drive my 2006 GT Ford Mustang for fun and to car shows. We have a hobby farm with over 32 fruit trees. So, I pick fruit, can, cook, and bake.

Heidi Quinlivan