Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, McDonald’s USA
Kathy is responsible for leading the McDonald’s U.S. Impact strategy, focused on enhancing and protecting the McDonald’s brand through state and local government relations, brand and business communications and sustainability.
Kathy brings more than 25 years of experience across Fortune 500 companies, government, nonprofits, media, and leading agencies. Most recently, as Chief Communications Officer at The Washington Post, Kathy modernized the communications function and led initiatives advancing community engagement. She oversaw brand marketing, live journalism, and talent development—and her leadership amplified the brand across platforms and strengthened both stakeholder relationships and employee engagement. Prior to this, Kathy led global purpose communications at Nike, spearheading civic engagement campaigns, elevating diverse voices, and launching innovative employee storytelling platforms.
Across her career, Kathy’s approach to leadership is rooted in advocacy, strategic storytelling, cultural fluency, and a deep commitment to empowerment. Kathy is Sicangu Lakota and Oneida. She is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Kathy serves on the Board of Directors for the American Indian College Fund and is deeply committed to advancing inclusion and social impact. She holds an MBA from Georgetown University, a BA from George Washington University, and was a 2025 Sulzberger Fellows at Columbia School of Journalism.
