Kate Blackburn is the director of marketing and communications at United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, an area nonprofit that mobilizes resources to end poverty.
Blackburn leads strategy and implementation of the organization’s brand identity, events, strategic communications, multimedia marketing, cause marketing, graphic design and photography/videography.
She has professional marketing and communications experience in the local media, resort casino and nonprofit sectors, and is passionate about amplifying the stories and voices of people in our communities.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
Our United Way recently celebrated its centennial by honoring its rich history and looking forward toward its next phase of impact. This milestone was leveraged to co-create a new strategic plan, implement a brand refresh that received national recognition and host signature events that inspired record-breaking philanthropy and community impact.
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Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty?
• Lead United Way’s brand identity refresh to maximize its centennial milestone to catalyze impact in service to our community.
• Annually lead signature fundraising events that collectively raise $1 million-plus to end poverty across the 860 region.
• Galvanizes external and internal stakeholders to ensure resources and opportunities to give back remain available so everyone succeeds.
How are you involved in the community?
Outside of the community work incurred through my role at United Way, I served on my municipality’s youth service advisory board, actively participate in a local nonprofit event planners collaborative that provides mentoring, feedback and advice to members and guest speak at area universities.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy watching my husband perform with the band Eight to the Bar, spending quality time with loved ones (including our beloved pets), visiting area coffee shops and cooking homestyle meals.
Fun Fact: I once rode the elevator with Jimmy Fallon at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.