Board Member Spotlight: Kate Urbach
Kate Urbach is a passionate communicator with over a decade of experience providing strategic communications counsel for organizations across a variety of industries. As a Vice President at Curley Company, Kate helps clients achieve their strategic communications goals. Kate is a global thought leadership expert and has helped clients deliver impactful programs with measurable, actionable results. Before joining Curley, Kate served as Vice President at Edelman, where she was responsible for developing strategic campaigns across multiple channels for healthcare and pharmaceutical companies with projects spanning thought leadership, executive visibility, media relations and disease awareness.
Prior to Edelman, Kate spent more than four years at Ketchum, where she led communications programs in the public and corporate affairs and healthcare practices. Her experience focused on thought leadership and executive visibility, corporate social responsibility, public affairs, and media relations for several clients ranging from nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies. Prior to Ketchum, Kate worked at Havas PR where she implemented global campaigns for companies and nonprofits devoted to creating lasting social change. She also brings experience leading client events at conferences including the Consumer Electronics Show, South by Southwest and the Cannes Lions International Festival.
She has been recognized by the PR industry including PR News Rising Star in 2014 and more recently as a finalist for WWPR’s Emerging Leaders Mid/Large Agency Category in 2021. Kate graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor’s degree in communications studies.
Tell me about your background and what drew you to your current position.
I’ve spent over 12 years in communications, with the majority of that time dedicated to working with purpose-driven organizations. Throughout my career, I’ve led a wide range of initiatives – from thought leadership to media engagement and integrated campaigns – supporting both businesses and foundations across industries like technology, financial services and healthcare. The breadth of experience has helped me understand how to craft narratives that resonate, build trust and drive meaningful engagement.
What drew me to Curley Company was the opportunity to apply those skills in an environment where I could make a tangible impact. I was particularly excited by the chance to be more entrepreneurial and hands-on – working in an environment where creativity and initiative are essential. The role aligned nicely with my passion for mission-driven work and my desire to contribute to something with real purpose.
What is the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve done recently or in your overall career?
There are so many! I loved working with the United Nations Foundation. It was an incredible opportunity to contribute to a global movement aimed at transforming the world, and I had the privilege of being involved in several high-impact campaigns that were instrumental in raising awareness and driving action on some of the world’s most pressing issues. What made the experience unforgettable was the opportunity to collaborate with teams on the ground across different countries. Seeing firsthand how these goals were translated into local action and how communities were mobilizing for change was eye-opening.
What do you love about being a WWPR Board Member?
One of my favorite things is being able to surround myself with like-minded women in communications and create new connections and opportunities that allow me to learn and grow as a PR professional and woman in business. I love being part of this community and am grateful to be able to contribute as a member of the board.
Is there any book you would recommend?
I don’t get to read as much as I’d like to, but I keep a running list! Right now, I’m making my way through Magic Words by Jonah Berger—it’s a great read for anyone in communications, full of good insights on how language shapes impact.
What do you do outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m usually chasing sunshine, good coffee, or my next favorite workout class – sometimes all at once. Lately, I’ve been on a bit of a Peloton streak and get way too competitive on the leaderboard for someone riding in their living room.
