“You Can Be Successful While Being Kind.”

Catherine McKenzie stands as one of the most influential and enduring leaders in American broadcast journalism. With over three decades of experience shaping the nation’s understanding of current events, culture, and humanity through a lens of compassion and editorial excellence, she has continually broken barriers in media leadership. Her story is not just one of professional ascent—it is a narrative grounded in purpose, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling to connect, heal, and inspire.

From her earliest days in Milwaukee to her executive role at ABC News in New York, Catherine’s career has been defined by fearless innovation and unmatched editorial stewardship. As Executive Producer of GMA3 and ABC News Live, she leads the network’s dynamic third hour of “Good Morning America” and its livestream programming, seamlessly blending taped segments, breaking news, and original specials. Her creative imprint is evident in critically acclaimed features such as “Soul of a Nation,” and primetime specials with Michael Strahan, Jon Bon Jovi, and Bruce Springsteen, each crafted with the authenticity and emotional depth that have become her hallmark.

Catherine’s leadership style balances strategic vision with hands-on mentorship. At ABC, she not only oversees multi-million-dollar budgets and high-stakes production logistics but is also deeply invested in hiring and nurturing talent across editorial and technical teams. Her ability to build cohesive, high-performing teams has made her a cornerstone of ABC’s newsroom culture, where her voice is synonymous with trust, fairness, and creative courage.

Before rising to the executive ranks, Catherine served as Senior Producer of ABC News Live, helping launch the network’s 24-hour digital platform. In an era defined by rapid technological evolution and content democratization, she played a central role in designing workflows, managing control room teams, and innovating content delivery strategies. Her foresight during this formative period positioned ABC News as a digital leader while keeping journalistic integrity at its core.

Catherine’s career spans some of the most prestigious roles in American media. At CBS News, she contributed to the groundbreaking launch of CBSN, the network’s digital news channel, helping pioneer the format of streaming broadcast journalism. Her time as Supervising Producer on “The Queen Latifah Show” further demonstrated her versatility, shifting from hard news to culturally resonant entertainment. From crafting celebrity interviews to elevating human-interest stories, she brought empathy and sharp editorial instincts to every segment.

Earlier in her career at “Good Morning America,” Catherine played a key role in producing special events and live remotes that captivated national audiences. Her tenure saw the launch of limited-run shows and the production of critical news coverage with clarity and composure. Her ability to shift seamlessly between studio broadcasts and on-location events reinforced her reputation as one of the most adaptable and impactful producers in the field.

Her foundation was built at WABC-TV, where she rose through the ranks over 13 years, from segment producer to Senior Producer. She shaped coverage of high-profile events including the NYC Half Marathon, the Oscars, and Giants Super Bowl celebrations, coordinating editorial teams across departments. These formative years solidified her understanding of community-based storytelling and laid the groundwork for her national influence.

Catherine’s contributions to journalism have been recognized with multiple Emmy Awards, including for Best Morning Program (“Good Morning America”) and outstanding arts coverage. Her work during the 9/11 attacks earned her a Peabody Award, acknowledging not only her technical excellence but also her humanity during a time of national crisis. These honors reflect a career that consistently meets the highest standards of broadcast excellence.

Beyond the newsroom, Catherine has made meaningful contributions as a board member for institutions such as the Bloomingdale School of Music, MS Hope for a Cure, and SAVE. She previously served on the board of Gotham Theatre Company and remains an engaged member of professional organizations including the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Her presence in these communities reflects her commitment to diversity, mentorship, and public service.

Catherine McKenzie is now at a juncture in her career where she seeks to amplify her impact through strategic board leadership. She views this next chapter as an opportunity to share her wealth of knowledge and values with forward-thinking organizations in communications, technology, media, and health. Armed with exceptional listening skills, a global perspective from collaborations across Latin America and Europe, and a steady moral compass, she is uniquely equipped to advise organizations seeking innovation, authenticity, and purpose.

Character:

Catherine leads with empathy, kindness, and fairness—core values that guide her relationships, leadership style, and professional integrity. Her career reflects a dedication to truth and compassion, establishing trust across diverse teams and audiences.

Knowledge:

With over 30 years in media, she possesses deep expertise in editorial production, live broadcasting, digital transformation, and talent development. Her influence spans traditional and digital platforms, anchoring her as a thought leader in the evolving journalism landscape.

Strategic:

Catherine excels at navigating complex production ecosystems, overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets, and implementing innovative content strategies. Her forward-thinking leadership has repeatedly placed organizations at the cutting edge of digital media.

Communication:

A gifted storyteller and mentor, Catherine has built her career on clear, purposeful communication. Whether in the control room, the boardroom, or the community, she listens deeply and speaks with clarity, compassion, and conviction.