Kate Gardiner

Kate Gardiner is the founder and CEO of Last Word, formerly Grey Horse, a mission-driven communications agency. A journalist turned strategist, she helps people and organizations shape public conversations, respond to crises, and tell stories that reach the right audience. Her work spans crisis communications, brand positioning, thought leadership, audience engagement, and media strategy.

Kate's approach grew from the newsroom. She was PBS NewsHour's first social media producer and later helped Al Jazeera, New York Public Radio, and Newsweek adapt their editorial and distribution strategies for digital audiences. Forbes named her to its 30 Under 30 list in 2016. She holds a master's degree in journalism and a certificate in Media Management from Northwestern University's Medill School.

Her public work includes projects for Gretchen Carlson, the United Nations, TED Countdown, Amnesty International USA, and The Ocean Agency's Chasing Coral. She has supported women at the heart of #MeToo and speaks on crisis response, media change, and the challenges facing women leaders. Kate is a member of The Explorers Club and serves on the board of Geneva Lake Conservancy. Through Last Word's 80/20 model, she reserves twenty percent of agency time for public-interest work