BIOGRAPHY
Kate Greene works with project champions at the local level to create, support, and share visions and strategies to help communities grow. Her background as a community organizer and economic development specialist gives her a fierce mix of heart and skillset to effectively move things forward.
In her 20+ years of professional life, Kate has been rooted in economic development. Her early career was focused on the tourism industry in a state-driven by the recreation economy. More recent years have been dedicated to the revitalization of small-town economies facing decline but determined to survive and thrive despite the challenge. Most notably, Kate designed a program that would showcase opportunities in under-represented communities, putting them on the map for development and attracting capital for meaningful investment. The program was recognized for its success and implemented at the state level, becoming a critical tool in the community redevelopment toolbox.
In the midst of her professional growth and development, Kate took a stand as a project champion in her own community. She was living in a small, underserved mountain town and found herself leading the charge to advocate and champion for access to mental health services for her community. With no background in health care and no experience in community organizing, she learned by listening, by showing up, and by doing. Kate rallied a team of community members and together they fought to be served and they won. It was this experience that showed her the true power of determined people and shifted her professional path from tourism to community development.
Born and raised in small-town West Virginia, Kate grew up itching to move away from home. Like most kids in rural places, the dream of something bigger and more exciting was a constant draw, so with college on the horizon, she made the leap, moving to another small town in Iowa (not big but bigger!). After a brief stint at Iowa State (Go Cyclones!), the small-town trend continued. Kate headed west for the mountains of Montana and settled into another rural mountain community for seventeen years.
In 2011, Kate and her family left the Rocky Mountains for the rolling Appalachian hills that she always called home. The desire to leave a small town is often matched by the desire to return! Today, she lives in north-central West Virginia with her husband, two beautiful boys, and three mischievous and entertaining cats. She’s in perpetual training for a 5K (someday!) and spends as much time on the river and trails as possible.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts Fairmont State University
Economic Development Certification, 2018
AWARDS & HONORS
Spirit of West Virginia Award, 2014
Marion County Visionary Award, 2014
State of Montana Swimming Upstream Award, 2011
Subject Matter Expert at WV + National Speaking Engagements
EXPERIENCE
Community economic development
Real estate development
Equity crowdfunding
Development finance
Data-driven development
Brownfield redevelopment
Connectivity/relationship building
Business development
Grant writing
Property management
Nonprofit strategic planning
Group facilitation
