Cathy Johnson

What She Does Best

As the Chief Growth Officer at Beacon Digital, Cathy helps clients think through their business and marketing goals to develop programs and campaigns that produce measurable impact. Leveraging her extensive background in marketing, events, and public relations, she guides teams in creating resonant narratives that strategically connect clients with their target audiences.

Cathy’s experience lies within the risk management, security, and investigations sectors. For two decades, she has held pivotal roles in laying the groundwork and expanding marketing and communication functions for notable, international firms. Her tenure includes senior leadership roles in globally recognized risk management organizations both in Washington, DC and London, such as TDI, Stroz Friedberg, Kroll, and Control Risks.

In addition to her professional achievements, Cathy has been actively involved in volunteering, currently serving as President of the American Marketing Association's Washington, D.C. chapter, and chairing the Women in Security Engagement Subcommittee as a part of the State Department’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC).

Origin Story

Before pivoting to marketing and communications, Cathy's voice was a familiar echo on the radio. She spent four years as a Creative Services Director–writing, voicing, and producing commercials and station imaging. She capped her broadcasting career as a News Director and Morning Show Co-host.

Cathy holds a Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Marketing Communications from Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies, a BA in Radio & Television from the University of Central Florida, and in 2023, she completed the “Leading Professional Services Firms” program at Harvard Business School Executive Education. 

When she’s not in the office, you’ll find Cathy traveling or at a concert. She believes concert tickets are a basic need.