Cathy Renna joins the National LGBTQ Task Force as Communications Director but is no stranger to the organization. As a longtime supporter and contractor on projects over the years and a regular presence at Creating Change, she has been part of the Task Force’s extended family for decades.
Renna is a veteran in the communications industry and serves as the Principal of Target Cue, an LGBTQ+ focused communications consultancy. Since her time at GLAAD through the 1990’s, Cathy has executed her particular expertise in crisis and strategic communications, playing a central role in shaping nearly all major issues affecting the LGBTQ community, from the beating death of Matthew Shepard in 1998 to the fight for marriage equality and the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”. She most recently worked with the team that coordinated historic coverage for WorldPride/Stonewall 50, working with NYC Pride, the emerging visibility of transgender and non-binary people and is thrilled to elevate the visibility of the Task Force as a strong, inclusive and intersectional voice in the queer movement and a queer voice in the progressive movement.
After leaving her position at GLAAD as National News Media Director, Cathy joined Fenton Communications, where she served as its New York office Media Director from 2004 to 2006 and worked with clients ranging from MoveOn.org to the American Lung Association to Nobel Peace Prize recipient Wangari Maathai.
She went on to found Renna Communications and then Target Cue in 2013. In her near 30 years of media relations and activism experience, Cathy has garnered placements in every major media outlet in the U.S. and internationally, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Associated Press, BBC, and the Washington Post. She continues to be a sought-after spokesperson for LGBTQ+ issues.
Renna lives in Montclair, New Jersey with her wife Karen and their ornery but lovable cat Winston. Renna is currently an adjunct professor at Montclair State University, teaching “The Role of Media, Public Relations, and Communications Strategies for LGBTQ+ Equity and Advocacy.” She is the proud Mom of Mars, who attends HSPVA High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, TX.
Contact Cathy:
[email protected]