About
Cate Irvin is a sociologist, public health specialist, urbanist, and engagement expert.
Specializing in uniting place-based and health-oriented initiatives through comprehensive research and community engagement, Cate is dedicated to creating vibrant, healthy environments and fostering thriving local economies. Her core belief is that everyone should have access to a dynamic, healthy neighborhood with a prosperous local economy, ensuring opportunities for education, economic stability, and a healthy lifestyle.
Cate graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in urban sociology from Emmanuel College and earned her Masters in Public Health with a specialization in International Health and Development from Tulane University. She pursued extensive doctoral coursework and research in urban sociology, cultural geography, and data analysis and design at Tulane University. Cate, representing the ideals of the xennial and millennial generations, embodies idealism, independence, adaptability, and pragmatism.
With a background encompassing sociologist, public health specialist, and creative placemaker roles, Cate seamlessly integrates health, urban planning, and research. She possesses a diverse history in the urban policy, higher education, health, and transportation sectors. With over a decade of mixed-method and qualitative research experience, Cate excels in in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observations, ethnography, and statistical analysis.
Driven by a passion for research and learning, Cate thrives on innovation, adaptability, and facilitating change. Her intricate understanding of community engagement and policy development principles has been honed through roles such as the Director of Economic Development with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Director of Placemaking with the Oakland Business Improvement District, and the Public Engagement and Policy Coordinator at the Chattanooga Department of Transportation.
Notable strengths include detailed and thorough research, effectiveness in dynamic environments, analytical problem-solving, team leadership, and unwavering integrity. Cate's mission-driven approach is a key asset to any organization.