Heather Peeples, Fiscal & Operational Support Manager, Orange County Convention Center
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Peeples as its new Fiscal and Operational Support Manager. Peeples was officially appointed by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and the Board of County Commissioners during the Jan. 13 board meeting.
Peeples will be responsible for day-to-day oversight of the OCCC’s financial and administrative functions including budgeting, client billing, procurement, internal audits, payroll, and the continuation, development, and implementation of fiscally responsible operational practices within the Center. She will function as the division’s manager ensuring fiscal operations, contract administration, sourcing, lease administration, and quality assurance sections operate as a unified system.
“Heather has consistently demonstrated the insight, integrity and strategic thinking needed to guide our fiscal and operational functions,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “Her appointment reflects our confidence in her ability to support the Center’s long‑term success and ensure we remain strong stewards of public resources.”
Peeples has served the OCCC since January 2023 as a Quality Assurance Specialist, where she strengthened operational efficiency and policy development across the organization. In that role, she conducted reviews of administrative and operational functions, recommended improvements, supported the development and refinement of Center‑wide policies and procedures, researched industry best practices and emerging technologies, collaborated with staff to develop and monitor performance metrics, and served as the primary liaison to the Orange County Comptroller’s Office on audit inquiries.
Prior to joining the OCCC, Peeples held key public‑sector roles including Parks Support Service Manager for Brevard County, Florida, and Senior Policy Analyst for Leon County, Florida, where she gained extensive experience in policy analysis, operational planning, and organizational improvement.
Peeples is a two‑time alumna of Florida State University, earning bachelor’s degrees in English Literature and Political Science, followed by a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy Analysis.
