Experience

Huggins Consulting Group, LLC

• United States
• Public Relations and Communications Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Vice President

  • Aug 2019 - Present

  After taking a two-year hiatus to serve as Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds' Chief Advisor, Catherine returned to her previous role as Executive Vice President at Huggins Consulting Group in August 2019. She has in-depth experience and expertise in strategic planning, executive leadership development, change / issue management, crisis communications, and marketing to women. Additionally, Catherine leads the firm's corporate practice. She also teaches upper-level advertising and public relations classes at Iowa State University. An insightful and energetic facilitator / speaker, Catherine is available to plan and moderate executive retreats, panel discussions, special presentations or events. Show less



Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds

• Des Moines, Iowa

• Chief Advisor

  • May 2017 - Aug 2019

  When Kim Reynolds became Governor of Iowa and the first woman to be elected to the state's highest office, she appointed Catherine as her Chief Advisor. In this role, Catherine was responsible for community engagement, served as the liaison to the Iowa Department of Human Rights and NAACP, drove the Governor's "Women in Leadership" initiative and managed special projects. As Chief Advisor, Catherine enthusiastically supported Governor Reynolds' vision for creating a competitive business environment; developing the most innovative energy policy in the country; educating our children for the knowledge economy; and training Iowans for the jobs of tomorrow. From 2013-15, Catherine served as then Lieutenant Governor Reynolds' first Chief Advisor and top liaison to the individuals and organizations interacting with her. Show less



Huggins Consulting Group, LLC

• United States
• Public Relations and Communications Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Vice President

  • Aug 2015 - May 2017

  After serving as Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds' first Chief Advisor, Catherine rejoined Huggins Consulting Group and led its corporate communications practice. In this role, she was responsible for strategic planning, branding, executive communications, internal communications, external communications, sales support, crisis communications, event management, sponsorships and charitable giving. During this time, Catherine also taught upper-level advertising and public relations classes at Iowa State University. Throughout her career, Catherine has handled high-profile situations requiring sound judgment, difficult decisions and poise under pressure. Whether it is managing executive announcements, aligning business strategy shifts or supporting visions with focused communications -- Catherine excels in each of these areas. Show less



Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds

• Des Moines, Iowa

• Chief Advisor

  • Nov 2013 - Aug 2015

  In November 2013, Catherine returned to public service when she was appointed Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds’ first Chief Advisor. In this role, Catherine brought nearly 30 years of experience and a strong drive for excellence. As Chief Advisor, Catherine worked with the Lieutenant Governor to share compelling stories about Iowa with people throughout the U.S. and around the world. In addition, she supported the Branstad-Reynolds Administration’s focused effort to create jobs, increase family incomes, and help women achieve more leadership positions. Catherine served as the Lieutenant Governor’s top liaison to the individuals and organizations interacting with the Lieutenant Governor. She also led special projects on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor. Deeply passionate about Iowa, Catherine served as Governor Terry E. Branstad’s Chief Speechwriter and Deputy Press Secretary during the Farm Crisis. In that role, she tirelessly traveled 70 percent of the state. Catherine also was the youngest member of the Governor’s staff and supported First Lady Chris Branstad’s communication efforts. Show less



Huggins Consulting Group, LLC

• United States
• Public Relations and Communications Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Consultant

  • Aug 2012 - Nov 2013

  In 2012, Catherine joined Huggins Consulting Group to lead its corporate communications practice. In that role, she was responsible for strategic planning, executive communications, crisis communications, confidential projects (acquisitions, divestitures, litigation communications, etc.), sponsorships, and charitable giving. Clients included: publicly-held multinational corporation; small businesses; high tech and digital marketing firms. In 2012, Catherine joined Huggins Consulting Group to lead its corporate communications practice. In that role, she was responsible for strategic planning, executive communications, crisis communications, confidential projects (acquisitions, divestitures, litigation communications, etc.), sponsorships, and charitable giving. Clients included: publicly-held multinational corporation; small businesses; high tech and digital marketing firms.



Kum & Go

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Director of Communications

  • Aug 2010 - Aug 2012

  Catherine helped Kum & Go move toward its vision, meet customer needs, surpass market share expectations, and enhance profitability levels. In addition, she diligently protected K&G's reputation, regularly mitigated risks, and identified viable communication solutions to address emerging issues. Catherine led a talented Communications Team that helped provide exceptional experiences for Kum & Go's customers, enthusiastically supported store associates, and consistently told K&G's story through marketing communications, special events, public relations and social media. Also she partnered with advertising agency and public relations firm to continually build and fully leverage K&G's brand. Show less



Aviva

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Director of External Communications

  • Feb 2009 - Jul 2010

  Aviva has 33 million customers and is the only large-scale, multi-line insurer in the United Kingdom. The company has a strong international presence in Europe, Canada and Asia. It is headquartered in London. In 2013, Athene acquired Aviva USA and maintained its headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa. In the United States, Athene is a leader in sales for annuity products. Catherine led Aviva USA’s external communication efforts and regularly supported Legal, Compliance and Marketing Departments (internal customers.) She served as corporate spokesperson and managed crisis communication activities. In first year, Catherine developed the first-ever external communications platform for Aviva USA and launched an inaugural online media center. Show less



Western & Southern Financial Group

• United States
• Financial Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Assistant Vice President of Corporate Communications

  • Sep 2002 - Jan 2009

  With assets in excess of $75 billion, Western & Southern Financial Group (W&SFG) is a FORTUNE 500 company with 10 subsidiaries and 3,400 employees. W&SFG is a nationally recognized leader in consumer and business financial services. It provides life and health insurance, annuities, mutual funds, as well as investment management products and services. W&SFG’s distributes its products through more than 59,000 individuals. Catherine established and managed strategic alliances. She developed and launched integrated marketing communication programs (TV, radio and print) in collaboration with advertising and PR firms. Catherine identified and implemented marketing communication activities that supported major corporate initiatives such as divestitures, acquisitions, mergers, and emerging business lines. She also led cross-functional project teams comprised of professionals in the following areas: Advertising, A/V & Multimedia, Branding, Creative Services, Internal Communications, and External Communications. Show less



Casey Family Programs

• United States
• Non-profit Organization Management
• 300 - 400 Employee

• Vice President of Communications

  • 2001 - 2001

  In her role, Catherine provided marketing communications counsel to Casey’s Board of Trustees and Executive Team. She also participated on the Strategic Planning and Program Development team. Catherine led Casey’s marketing communications and web services department. She also built Casey’s enterprise-wide marketing communications infrastructure and revamped its core communication/web services program areas. In her role, Catherine provided marketing communications counsel to Casey’s Board of Trustees and Executive Team. She also participated on the Strategic Planning and Program Development team. Catherine led Casey’s marketing communications and web services department. She also built Casey’s enterprise-wide marketing communications infrastructure and revamped its core communication/web services program areas.



GuideOne Insurance

• United States
• Insurance
• 500 - 600 Employee

• Director of Corporate Communications

  • 1997 - 2001

  Catherine effectively managed an annual budget ranging between $3 to $5 million; revamped GuideOne’s existing advertising program; created the first corporate marketing integration team at GuideOne; and launched the organization’s first proactive media relations effort and “state-by-state” and federal government relations program. She successfully completed a corporate identity initiative as well as a name modification effort. This initiative encompassed establishing a new name, brand attributes, positioning statement, and corporate symbol. Catherine managed relationships with outside advertising and PR firms. Show less



Metro Waste Authority

• Communications Administrator

  • 1994 - 1997

  Catherine partnered with MWA executives and colleagues to effectively launch the state’s largest curbside recycling program in 1994 to more than 386,000 individuals (116,000 households). She created and implemented a strategic marketing communication program that helped MWA achieve one of the country’s highest monthly recycling rates at between 70 and 75 percent. Note: The national average for monthly participation in a curbside recycling program was 60 percent. She proactively established a government relations program and was the liaison with MWA’s lobbyists. In addition, Catherine testified on behalf of MWA in front of legislative committees. She regularly provided counsel to state representatives and senators on solid waste and recycling issues. In her role, Catherine represented MWA on the Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operators’ government relations task force. She developed a working knowledge of deregulation and its impact on the solid waste industry in the United States, in order to provide credible counsel to MWA’s Board of Directors. During her tenure, Catherine efficiently led MWA’s marketing communication efforts and served as the organization’s official spokesperson. She provided media training to MWA’s board members and management team. Also, Catherine led a staff of three individuals, who executed media relations and public education efforts. She helped cross-train these individuals in advertising and marketing. Measured and evaluated the organization’s media relations efforts. Served on the National Recycling Coalition’s Media Task Force from 1994-1997. Show less



CMF&Z Public Relations

• Account Supervisor

  • 1988 - 1994

  Catherine was responsible for the agency’s largest clients including: Norwest Bank Iowa, N.A. (now Wells Fargo); Firstar Bank of Iowa (now US Bank); Pella Corporation; the Iowa Department of Economic Development; the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Federation; Metro Waste Authority; and Fried/Schegan and Associates. She led diverse account teams ranging from four to seven people and closely collaborated with advertising and direct marketing professionals associated with CMFZ Advertising. Show less



Iowa Office of the Governor

• Chief Speechwriter and Deputy Press Secretary

  • 1986 - 1988

  First elected in 1982, Terry E. Branstad was the nation's (and Iowa’s) longest-serving governor in history. During the Farm Crisis in the mid-1980s, Catherine worked with the Governor to communicate public policy decisions and statewide initiatives. She was required to understand complex issues with relatively short lead-time and effectively communicate them to more than 2 million Iowans. NOTE: In 2017, Terry E. Branstad became the United States Ambassador to China. First elected in 1982, Terry E. Branstad was the nation's (and Iowa’s) longest-serving governor in history. During the Farm Crisis in the mid-1980s, Catherine worked with the Governor to communicate public policy decisions and statewide initiatives. She was required to understand complex issues with relatively short lead-time and effectively communicate them to more than 2 million Iowans. NOTE: In 2017, Terry E. Branstad became the United States Ambassador to China.



Iowa Office for Planning and Programming

• Communications Manager

  • 1985 - 1986

  Catherine served as the official media spokesperson and worked closely with the Governor’s Office on select statewide initiatives. She provided executive communications support to the agency director and the deputy agency director. In addition, Catherine created and executed a comprehensive marketing communications program. Catherine served as the official media spokesperson and worked closely with the Governor’s Office on select statewide initiatives. She provided executive communications support to the agency director and the deputy agency director. In addition, Catherine created and executed a comprehensive marketing communications program.