Meet Kate
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Kate first came to Montgomery County in 1995, renting a house on Philadelphia Avenue with her husband Jon. Several years later, they moved to a home in Takoma Park, where they raised their two children, Jamie and Bridget; both recent graduates of Montgomery Blair High School.
Kate was elected as the Mayor of Takoma Park in 2015 and has proven her ability to lead— even as so many communities, like hers, have had to handle issues ranging from the COVID-19 crisis, underlying economic inequalities, racial injustice, and climate change. Her record shows that effective government is the product of effective leadership and she wants to see her larger community served by leaders who roll up their sleeves in the face of steep challenges.
Kate was first elected to the Takoma Park City Council in 2014 in a special election to become the Ward 3 representative and was elected Mayor just one year later. She led efforts in the city to…
Adopt a racial equity framework for City decision-making
Respond to the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis to support residents and small businesses
Establish a strategic housing plan followed by on-the-ground programs to address housing affordability
Commit the City to sustainability goals and support key initiatives designed to help reach those goals
Push forward police and public safety reforms
In addition to serving as Mayor, Kate serves as the Vice-Chair of the Board of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) and chairs an MWCOG Taskforce to Develop Racial Equity Trainings for Regional Leaders. Prior to that, she served three years as the Secretary-Treasurer for MWCOG and served on the MWCOG Taskforce on DC Statehood. Kate also formerly served as co-chair for the National League of Cities Racial Equity And Leadership Council (REAL) and on the board of the Mayors Innovation Project, a national organization of mayors.
Kate is a Principal at ConwayStrategic, where she develops communications strategies and works to shape public opinion on issues related to reproductive rights. Previously, Kate served as the Executive Vice President of Advocates for Youth, an organization that works to empower young people to make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health while advocating for their rights. Before Advocates, Kate was a partner at a research and communications firm where she provided strategic advice to a range of progressive organizations. She received her BA from Haverford College, her MS from the University of Maryland, and taught as an Adjunct Professor at American University.