I’m Cat, an entrepreneur, product and design professional, startup operator, and lifelong learner based in Sacramento, California.  

I am known for my recent role as Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at HealthSherpa, where I integrated tech, design, healthcare, and marketplaces. My leadership and individual contribution were crucial in elevating the company to become the top private marketplace for ACA-subsidized health coverage.

  • Achieved 15 million enrollments (32% of the Federal Marketplace for the plan year 2023)

  • Won a first-place $1 million prize at the Salesforce Hackathon (Dreamforce) in 2013

  • Established thought leader; featured in major news publications and panel speaker at industry events

Hello!

My Specialties

With over 20 years of experience in product and design for both mobile and web, including native applications, I have designed and shipped products for D2C, B2C, B2B2C, and SaaS users.

I seamlessly adapt between hands-on roles and leadership positions, ensuring I align with a company's vision and objectives.

  • Product Design

  • Product Management

  • Product Strategy

  • User Research

  • Thought Leadership

  • Team Operations

  • People Management

  • Culture and Values

Testimonials

  • As the Cofounder and Chief Product Officer at HealthSherpa for eight years, Catherine has consistently demonstrated remarkable leadership. She's adeptly steered complex projects to success, championed the growth and cohesion of our multidisciplinary teams, and promoted a culture of diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning. Her influence has significantly boosted our market presence and fostered a nurturing work environment. Catherine's vast expertise makes her an invaluable asset to any organization.

    — George Kalogeropoulos, CEO of HealthSherpa

  • Learning from Cat was a transformative experience. Her guidance offered me deep insights into product sense, teaching me how to effectively engage with users and efficiently devise solutions. Beyond her direct teaching, observing her work ethic was a lesson in itself. She honed my management abilities, emphasizing the art of constructive feedback, accountability, and effective communication. Cat's unwavering persistence showcased the importance of resilience, quick iterations, and the exploration of varied solutions to meet challenges head-on.

    — Ning Liang, CTO of HealthSherpa

  • “I experienced the epitome of inclusivity, and much of that credit goes to Cat’s leadership. She consistently pushed the product team and the entire company toward excellence. As a Founder, she navigated tough conversations with grace. What stands out most is her authentic role modeling; she is hands-on, leads by example, and never expects from others what she wouldn’t do herself. Above all, she was a champion for me, always ensuring I felt seen and heard.”

    — Alicia Werres, Staff Product Manager at HealthSherpa

  • “HealthSherpa’s success and unique culture bear Cat’s indelible mark. Collaborating with Cat over the years has been transformative. She has been instrumental in showing me the ropes of startup dynamics, and the lessons learned are invaluable. I’m confident Cat’s next endeavor will be nothing short of extraordinary."

    — Jeff Kriege, Staff Product Designer at HealthSherpa

CONTACT

VALUES

INCLUSION - I champion a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute.

RESILIENCE - Drawing from personal challenges, I recognize and value resilience as a pivotal strength in overcoming obstacles.

EMPATHY - I advocate for kindness through transparency, intentional dialogue, and a genuine desire to understand others' perspectives.

TEAMWORK - I believe in harnessing the power of collaboration, creating an inspiring and balanced journey for all involved.

GROWTH - I uphold the notion that continuous growth comes from mutual learning, irrespective of one's position or tenure.

INITIATIVE - I lean towards proactivity, placing a high premium on tangible results rather than words.

For my next role

I’m excited about joining companies with a culture of collaboration, kindness, and belonging. I’m seeking a senior individual contributor role and / or management position. I prefer remote opportunities but am open to hybrid.