Shoreline Community College welcomes new Executive Director of Communications and Marketing

(Shoreline, Wash., March 14, 2023) – Shoreline Community College (Shoreline) is thrilled to announce the hiring of Cat Chiappa as the new Director of Communications and Marketing. Drawing from a diverse background in the arts and education rooted in creative storytelling, she is eager to lead the college’s efforts to enhance its reputation and outreach to the community.

“I look forward to working with faculty, staff and students to share the rich diversity of stories Shoreline has to offer,” said Chiappa. “I believe in dreams that are bright and bold, joyful learning and the enduring power of story to change perspective and inspire audiences worldwide.”

In her new role, Chiappa will oversee all aspects of the college’s communications and marketing, including media relations, social media, web content and advertising. She will also work closely with

the college’s leadership to develop and implement strategies that support student recruitment and retention, fundraising and community engagement.

Originally from the East Coast, Chiappa brings experience in both formal and informal educational settings. Prior to earning a Master of Arts in teaching at George Washington University, she began her career in enrollment management. She later served as adjunct faculty working with new students at the University of Maryland University College. From there, Chiappa spent over a decade at the Monterey Bay Aquarium developing a wide range of programming to educate the public about the ocean and communicate consistent conservation messaging. Her work there as Manager of Public Programs helped drive attendance and engagement.

Since arriving in the Seattle area in the fall of 2019, Chiappa has been building her own company, Cat

Chiappa Creative, where she has worked with clients, including the Seattle Aquarium, the Seattle Children’s Museum, Launch Learning and Aligned Yoga. Her work combines of stunning visuals and a compelling narrative to create lifestyle and documentary photography, filmmaking, and brand strategy for businesses, non-profits and families, helping them discover and share their untold stories.

Outside of work, Chiappa enjoys adventure days with her family, traveling to far-off places, singing and performing onstage, crafting and creating art, voraciously reading a wide range of books and taking pictures. She currently lives in Shoreline with her husband Joe and their daughter Isla, son Theo and Olaf, their Australian Shepherd.

Chiappa will start her new role at Shoreline on March 20, 2023.