Kate Meyer Joins APA as the New Chief Communications Officer (CCO)
Kate Meyer has joined the American Planning Association (APA) as the Chief Communications Officer (CCO). The highly strategic, award-winning executive is charged with leading and unifying APA's internal and external communications, marketing, and public affairs strategy.
Her passion for purpose-driven environments aligns perfectly with APA's mission of creating great communities for all.
Kate Meyer, APA's new Chief Communications Officer
With a proven track record, Meyer brings more than 20 years of experience and leadership in strategic communications, brand management, and public affairs from complex, mission-driven organizations. Most recently in corporate affairs and enterprise media at Amgen, she strategically aligned communications with global business objectives and leveraged data analytics and AI-powered tools for measurable impact.
Previously, during her tenure as vice president of global communications at the Alzheimer's Association, Meyer's strategic communications leadership significantly grew and strengthened the organization's global reputation and engagement with key constituents and broad audiences.
Throughout her career, her expertise has been sought by CEOs, executive and c-suite leaders, and board volunteers, providing crucial counsel and spearheading proactive initiatives to enhance the organization's reputation.
In her role as CCO, Meyer will focus on ensuring a unified, consistent brand identity and messaging across all touchpoints, audiences, and programs. Reporting directly to Joel Albizo, FASAE, CAE, she will lead the alignment of APA communications across multiple priority audiences — members, policymakers, elected leaders, and the public — to improve understanding about the important work of our members and the value of APA.
Meyer holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a concentration in public relations from Purdue University. She is the recipient of multiple awards for her work, most recently the Chicago Women of Impact Award in 2023, honoring women in communications delivering impact.
Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to civic engagement, serving as a governing board member for Resilience, a nonprofit dedicated to the healing and empowerment of sexual assault survivors, and is a volunteer and member of Impact Grants Chicago. She has volunteered with multiple organizations to address food insecurity, including Nourishing Hope (formerly Lakeview Pantry).
A resident of the Lakeview neighborhood in Chicago, she can regularly be found walking — with a coffee in hand — the city's side streets, Lakefront, and even through Graceland Cemetery, a historical landmark, certified arboretum, and final resting place of legendary urban planner Daniel Burnham, namesake of APA's annual National Planning Award for a Comprehensive Plan.
Welcome Kate to the APA team!