Dr. Amy Hecht serves as the vice president for student affairs at Florida State University.  A professional in higher education leadership since 2001, Amy has extensive experience leading and managing within higher education.  She earned her bachelor’s degrees from Florida State University in mass communications and her master’s degree and doctoral degree from the University of Pennsylvania.  Amy has published books and articles focused on organizational change, learning, and leadership.  Amy’s second daughter, Isabel (Izzy) Macchio (2 years old) was born with pulmonary atresia, a serious congenital heart defect (CHD), which was diagnosed hours after her birth.  After learning more about CHD’s Amy wanted to get involved and was connected with the Children’s Heart Foundation.  She is excited to be a part of rebuilding the Florida Region and giving back to improve the outcomes for all children born with CHDs.  Amy and her husband, Anthony Macchio, have an older daughter Josie (6 years old) who was diagnosed with leukemia (ALL) in 2019.  They also give back to Shands Hospital in Gainesville to support the excellent care both their children receive.  Josie runs an esty shop, selling her paintings to raise money for other children with cancer.  As Izzy grows up, we look forward to helping her find her own way to give back and make a positive difference.