We are delighted to Welcome Catherine to the Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay team. As the new Chief Executive Officer, Catherine is eager to lead Habitat to even greater impact in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Catherine shared,
“I am honored and humbled to start today as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay. Our local affiliate here in Monterey Bay has been working tirelessly on affordable home ownership, teaming up with local stakeholders, building community, and supporting a group of incredible volunteers. Habitat for Humanity will continue to play a critical role in helping local families and folks build an affordable home throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. I am delighted to play my part in leading this incredible effort and working with our tremendous community of supporters and dedicated Habitat staff.”
Catherine is a distinguished leader, adept community builder, campaigner, and advocate. Over the past five years, Catherine has successfully led two global nonprofit organizations; the Open Knowledge Foundation and Creative Commons. Her visionary thinking, strategic focus, and financial acumen propelled both organizations to noteworthy success.
With a career including two decades at the forefront of European policy creation and decision making, as a Member of the European Parliament representing Scotland, she uniquely bridges regulation and innovation, helping organizations understand compliance and achieve their strategic goals. Catherine also served as the 52nd Rector (President) of the University of St Andrews and was the first elected Senior Lay Member of the governing body of the University where her expertise in board governance and effectiveness have been praised.
Catherine is excited about making a practical difference in her new local community. Her husband grew up in Monterey County and they moved back from Scotland with their family in 2021. She currently serves as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at Stevenson School and sits on the Filecoin Foundation Advisory Board.