Katie was raised in Mill Valley and graduated from Tamalpais High School in 1978. She attended Sonoma State University, receiving degrees in Liberal Studies and English. For the past 20 years, Katie has lived in San Anselmo where she raised her three children.
Katie’s engagement in public service long pre-dates her tenure with County government and is the foundation of her understanding of the depth of residents’ concerns for their neighborhoods, schools, community benefit organizations and open space.
Protection of Marin’s environmental resources is a core, long-standing value for Katie. Growing up surrounded by and actively engaged in the outdoors and environmental causes, Katie is committed to the protection of our natural resources. She is a proud graduate of the 31st class of the Marin Environmental Forum, a renowned environmental leadership training program.
As District 2 Supervisor, Katie played key roles in a number of successful initiatives, most notably the establishment of the Ross Valley Watershed Preservation and Flood Protection Program. This initiative resolved a 30 year impasse to establish a regional approach to chronic flooding in the Ross Valley. The solutions now available have the capacity for significant and multiple community benefits – not only flood protection, but also environmental restoration, recreation and community infrastructure improvements. Implementing the projects will require collaborative leadership and the ability to promote and sustain broad community involvement.
The full range of her experiences – a personal family history of deep community and environmental service, growing up in Marin, work as a journalist, personal commitment to community service, activities in County government – form Katie’s understanding and working knowledge of the people, places and needs of Marin, reflect her love for this place, and underpin the drive to make a difference in and to protect the future of our County.