CATMEDIA CEO Catherine Downey has been named one of Atlanta Magazine’s 500 Most Powerful Leaders for 2021, the third time in her esteemed career in which she has been recognized on this prestigious list.
CATMEDIA is a full-service creative and marketing agency that has been recognized for numerous awards over the years. The agency has been named an Atlanta’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For four times, and it is one of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 20 Women-Owned Firms in Atlanta.
500 Most Powerful Leaders
Atlanta Magazine’s 500 Most Powerful Leaders recognizes the city’s most reputable CEOs, presidents, government and civic organizations leaders, and non-profit executives, who are respected leaders in their communities that strive to create opportunities for other Atlantans.
Leaders are listed in various sectors according to their respective industries, including Arts, Sports, & Entertainment, Professionals, Business, Real Estate, Education & Healthcare, Religion, Nonprofits, & Advocacy, Government & Infrastructure, and Restaurants & Hospitality.
Leadership in the Community
As a recognized leader who has made significant strides in her career, Downey has been an active participant in leadership development in the Atlanta business community working alongside other highly successful leaders to blaze a trail for aspiring professionals. Joined by her diverse staff of true innovators, Downey strives to uphold and boost CATMEDIA’s status as a leader among government service contractors by delivering outstanding products and services to continually to move the needle.
“As a leader, I encourage my employees to think creatively,” says Downey. “I want them to think critically and independently, tell me what’s not working, and suggest ways that we can improve. I’m all about giving them the tools to help them succeed, encouraging them to take ownership and do great work.”
Downey was accepted into and completed Leadership Atlanta, Class of 2019, a nine-month, executive-level series, in which 85 established leaders are chosen each year to represent a broad cross-section of metro Atlanta. The goal of Leadership Atlanta is to work together as a network of established leaders to improve and strengthen the City of Atlanta long-term. Also, as a member of Vistage, an organization that supports the continued training and development of CEOs and leadership best practices, Downey continues to exemplify the importance of growth in leadership and the ability to adapt to change.
Moving Ahead in 2021
Though 2020 was marked with challenges and uncertainty for many, CATMEDIA persevered by adjusting to the new reality of virtual working. Downey maintained her team’s success by continuing to foster a positive, creative, and productive work rapport, ensuring the delivery of first-class customer service.
“At CATMEDIA, we approach everything creatively,” says Downey. “Yes, we have processes in place, but my team embraces change to make the most impact for our clients.”
After enduring what seemed to be an unrelenting government buying season, CATMEDIA was awarded nearly $14 million in federal contracts in 2020, surpassing its sales goal projections.
Under Downey’s leadership, CATMEDIA’s unwavering commitment to creativity, quality of products and services, and exceptional customer service are indicative of a bright future ahead for the company, and many more successes to come.
ABOUT CATMEDIA
CATMEDIA is an award-winning, Inc. 500 company based in Atlanta. Founded in 1997, the company specializes in advertising, creative services, media production, program management, training, and human resource management. As a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), CATMEDIA provides world-class customer service and innovative solutions to government and commercial clients. CATMEDIA clients include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).