Catherine Bates

Catherine Bates is an accomplished communications professional with extensive experience in strategic public relations and communications across various sectors. Currently serving as a Senior Communications Manager at J.R. Simplot Company and a Communications Consultant at Slade Strategies, Catherine partners with organizations to develop impactful communication strategies. Previous roles include Senior PR & Communications Manager at Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific, where Catherine directed PR efforts for a long-established brand, and Communications & Program Manager at Idaho School Boards Association, focusing on enhancing communications with educational stakeholders. Catherine's background also includes significant academic roles, having taught at multiple institutions and developed programs aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Catherine holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Arizona State University and dual Bachelor's degrees in English and Women's Studies, as well as Creative Writing from Florida State University.