Victoria R.T. Heard is rector of Church of the Redeemer in Irving, Texas. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Virginia Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1983.
She first served at St. James’, Leesburg, Virginia, as assistant and, briefly, priest in charge. In 1987, she served the Diocese of Virginia on staff in strategic development and Pohick Church in Lorton, Virginia. In 1989, she started St. David’s in Ashburn.
In 1990, she and her husband moved to Vicenza, Italy. Mother Heard initiated Episcopal services at the U.S. Army Garrison Italy in Vicenza, and served as canon to the Bishop of the Armed Forces while living in Germany.
Returning to the United States in 1993, she served as associate and interim rector at St. George’s, Arlington. From 1997 to 2006, she was missioner for church planting in Virginia.
During her tenure, the Diocese of Virginia planted 17 new churches. In 2006, she became canon for church planting in the Diocese of Dallas.
She teaches on evangelism, hospitality and church planting, and congregational development. She is married to David Ridgely, an attorney. They have three children.
