Published: April 7, 2025

Staff Spotlight: Kate Redding

Get to know the Academy’s Director of Marketing and Strategic Messaging.

Welcome to our monthly Staff Spotlight, where we recognize the dedicated individuals behind the scenes at the Academy. This month, we feature Kate Redding. With a passion for storytelling and strategic communication, she plays a key role in shaping how the Academy engages with its members and the broader community. Let’s learn more about Kate!

[From left] Kate and Communications colleagues, Tina Maggio, and Jackie Cole, enjoy a riverboat ride at the 2017 Annual Meeting in Chicago.How long have you been at the Academy?
I have been at the Academy since 2016.

What do you do as the Director of Marketing and Strategic Messaging?
As the Director of Marketing and Strategic Messaging, no two days are the same—and that’s what I love most about my job! I lead our marketing strategy, messaging, email marketing, website content, social media, digital ads, and everything in between. My role is all about collaboration—working with all the different business units to understand their goals and partnering with Communications to create impactful campaigns that drive results.

A family photo with husband Bryan and daughter Anna.Where is your happy place in or near the Academy’s headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia?
I’m lucky to call Alexandria both my hometown and my workplace! Old Town is my happy place—I love spending weekend mornings here with my family, grabbing breakfast, strolling along the river, and popping into all the lovely shops. It’s the perfect way to start the day!

What is something readers might be surprised to know about you?
I’m a big fan of reality TV—if it’s on Bravo, I’m probably watching it! Lately, I’ve also picked up embroidery as a new hobby. It’s been a fun and creative outlet, and I love using it to make personalized gifts for my daughter, family members, and friends!

Tell us about one of your most memorable moments working for the Academy.
Kate (second from right) and colleagues take in the sights on a pre-meeting visit to Indianapolis, Indiana, to prepare for the AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO. See you in Indy!Some of my favorite moments happen at our Annual Meetings. There’s nothing like seeing our members and staff come together in one place—learning, growing, and making connections. The Miami Beach meeting [in 2024] was especially memorable for me. Not only was it set in a vibrant city, but we also got to experiment with some exciting new ideas for our social media strategy. We partnered with a few attendees to capture their unique perspectives in our “A Day in the Life at #OTOMTG24” series, sharing their experiences through short video clips. I loved showcasing these stories and giving our audience a glimpse into the meeting through our members’ eyes. I can’t wait to build on this in the future!