Kate Mattos currently serves as NEA Communications Counsel, leading all communications for the national organization. She represents NEA on the Board of the Learning First Alliance, a permanent partnership of the executive directors from 18 pro-public education organizations. Mattos also plays a role on NEA special projects.
From 1998 to 2003, Mattos served as Director of Communications for the National Education Association. She directed the design and implementation of the Association’s communications programs in support of NEA’s strategic focus. She managed message development research and analysis, advertising, media relations, crisis communications, video services, speech writing, web and cyber services, and member publications, including NEA Today, the nation’s largest education publication. She orchestrated the Association’s liaison with fellow communications staff in 52 state affiliates.
Mattos’ career has focused on public policy communications and reputation management. In 1996, she became the first managing director of the Washington office of New York-based Osgood O’Donnell & Walsh, a strategic communications consulting firm.
Earlier, Mattos co-founded and become president and chief operating officer of the public affairs firm, The Hawthorn Group, where she designed communications programs and managed diverse grass roots, community relations and image programs for corporate and not-for profit clients. From 1986-1990, Mattos was director of public affairs for the American Federation of Teachers, reporting to AFT President Albert Shanker.
Mattos was vice president at Hill and Knowlton, working in its Chicago and Washington, DC offices. She also served at Ogilvy & Mather Public Affairs. Mattos began her work as a Fellow at the National Science Foundation, worked for three members of Congress and two presidential campaigns.
Mattos has been an adjunct professor at American University’s School of Communications and is an advisory board member of its Institute for Strategic Communications. She served as Board president for Connect for Kids, a children’s advocacy organization. Mattos has published in Adoptive Families magazine.
Mattos is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She lives in Arlington, Virginia with her delightful daughter, Eleanor.