Kate Bunting is a seasoned advocate and leader in international development policy, with a skill set rooted in strategy, advocacy, communications, and outreach. With over 30 years dedicated to mobilizing action against global poverty, Kate has driven policy change from both NGO and public advocacy perspectives, consistently building support for critical global initiatives. As the CEO of Indigo Advisors, she leverages her extensive experience to guide organizations through complex global issues and inspire impactful change.
From 2014 to 2020, Kate served as the CEO of HelpAge USA, where she championed the rights and inclusion of older people in humanitarian and development efforts worldwide. Her leadership elevated awareness of aging issues and uniquely underscored the gender disparities affecting older women across their lifespans. Under Kate’s guidance, HelpAge USA expanded its donor base, launched pioneering research on gender-based violence affecting older populations, and significantly increased the representation of older persons in global humanitarian programming. Her efforts garnered recognition and awards, amplifying HelpAge USA’s influence and impact.
Earlier, Kate held a senior leadership role at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Public Affairs and Director of Stakeholder Outreach. Here, she played a pivotal role in engaging stakeholders and building support for presidential initiatives in food security, global health, and humanitarian response, significantly advancing USAID’s public engagement strategy.
As Managing Director at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), Kate broadened a bipartisan network of businesses, NGOs, and foreign policy experts advocating for U.S. global engagement. At CARE USA, where she spent 17 years, Kate directed legislative and policy efforts focused on global health and U.S. foreign assistance. She spearheaded the creation of CARE’s Action Network—a volunteer advocacy group supporting CARE’s policy goals—and the CARE Learning Tours, an initiative to educate members of Congress on global development issues firsthand.
Kate holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University and is an alumna of Clemson University, where she earned degrees in Political Science and Spanish. In addition to her professional achievements, Kate is passionate about teaching swimming, especially to adults who lacked access to lessons as children and children with special needs.