Catherine Townsend
Catherine Townsend
President and CEO
Catherine Townsend is President and CEO of the Trust for the National Mall, the leading nonpartisan philanthropic partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring, enriching, and preserving the National Mall and Memorial Parks, as well as supporting the division responsible for President's Park and the White House Grounds. Since 2016, she has led the organization's vision, strategy, fundraising, and external affairs, significantly expanding its impact through transformative restoration projects, educational initiatives, volunteer engagement, and public-private partnerships. Under her leadership, the Trust has strengthened stewardship of America's Front Yard while deepening connections between millions of visitors and the nation's history, civic life, and public spaces. She currently leads the Trust's historic multi-million-dollar Our Monumental Moment: The Campaign for the National Mall, mobilizing philanthropic support for the National Mall in honor of the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026.
Prior to joining the Trust, Catherine led the DC Public Education Fund and operated a nonprofit consulting practice serving mission-driven organizations and leaders. Earlier, she spent 18 years helping build Share Our Strength, the nonprofit behind the nationally recognized No Kid Hungry campaign, into one of the nation's leading anti-hunger organizations, developing innovative fundraising, cause-marketing and partnership strategies that raised millions of dollars to combat childhood hunger in the United States and abroad.
An accomplished communicator and advocate, Catherine engages and inspires audiences ranging from community groups and volunteers to philanthropic, civic, and business leaders. She is a graduate of Scripps College, a member of the Greater Washington Leadership Class of 2014, and founder of HoopGirlsDC, a youth basketball and empowerment program established in 2004 to help girls develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills through sport.
Born and raised in Southern California, Catherine has been a longtime resident of Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, where she has built her career, raised her family, and remained deeply engaged in her community. She is the proud mother of four grown and successfully launched children. In her spare time, she enjoys cycling, photography, cooking, and exploring the arts, culture, and culinary experiences that bring people together.