Catherine McKenzie
NEW YORK CITY,NY
Summary
Multi-Emmy and Peabody Award-winning Executive Producer specializing in live entertainment, culture-driven specials, and multi-platform storytelling. Deep expertise in talent relations (A-list musicians, actors, political figures), high-budget production management, and creative direction. Agile leader capable of stepping in to drive complex projects from concept to live execution.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Producer, GMA3 & ABC News Live & Special Programs
ABC NEWS
New York, NY
03.2020 - 05.2025
- Led end-to-end creative development and production across broadcast, digital, streaming, and live programming.
- Directed creative vision and editorial strategy for the third hour of Good Morning America, shaping narrative style, talent experience, and visual identity across a multi-platform content ecosystem.
- Executive Produced large-scale, culture-driven programming including the primetime special Soul of a Nation and talent-exclusive events Michael Strahan x Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen: Backstage & Backstreets.
- Managed integrated branded partnerships and sponsorship executions generating more than $5M annually, aligning editorial integrity with client objectives and delivering measurable revenue outcomes.
- Hired, mentored, and led high-performance teams of producers, editors, graphic designers, directors, and technical crews; managed performance reviews and career development.
- Built and managed multi-million-dollar budgets, production schedules, and complex resource plans across simultaneous long-form and live projects.
- Directed control room and live production operations, executing breaking news and event-driven coverage with agility, precision, and calm under pressure.
- Cultivated and managed external partnerships, including production vendors, creative agencies, and post-production facilities, ensuring quality control and consistent brand standards.
- Collaborated with talent partners including musicians, athletes, celebrities, and cultural leaders to shape storytelling that drives emotional impact and audience engagement.
Senior Producer, ABC News Live
ABC NEWS
New York, NY
12.2015 - 03.2020
- Launched ABC’s first 24/7 streaming news network, building scalable creative workflows and multi-format production systems.
- Produced original franchise content and special editorial projects that expanded audience engagement across platforms.
- Oversaw location and studio production — directing crews, shaping editorial tone, and managing budget and logistical execution.
- Managed daily editorial strategy and special coverage planning, including the 2016 presidential election.
- Introduced new content formats including vodcasts and digital series.
Senior Broadcast Producer
CBS NEWS, CBSN
New York, NY
08.2014 - 08.2015
- Helped launch CBS’s 24-hour digital news network, developing creative frameworks and operational workflows for multi-format storytelling.
- Oversaw feature production from treatment through delivery, working closely with editors, writers, and designers.
- Managed hiring, budgets, and control room execution.
Supervising Producer
SONY TELEVISION
Los Angeles, CA
06.2013 - 02.2014
- Launched syndicated talk/variety show, building production team and driving creative and editorial direction.
- Oversaw celebrity interviews, human-interest features, and sponsor integrations.
- THE QUEEN LATIFAH SHOW
Senior Producer & Senior Broadcast Producer
ABC NEWS
New York, NY
10.2009 - 05.2013
- Led editorial and creative direction for a 2-hour live national broadcast reaching millions daily.
- Launched a 9-week live studio talk show franchise featuring Lara Spencer and Josh Elliott.
- Oversaw special event coverage and major live remotes.
- GOOD MORNING AMERICA
Senior Producer
WABC TV
New York, NY
10.1996 - 10.2009
- Produced city-wide and national special projects including NYC Marathon, Giants Super Bowl coverage, Oscar specials, and live events.
- Directed longform programming and daily lifestyle content.
Producer
WITI TV
Milwaukee, WI
09.1994 - 10.1996
- Executive produced primetime and weekend newscasts, multiple live weekly sports series including The Brett Favre Show, and award-winning trial coverage.
Education
Speech-Communications
St. Olaf College
Northfield, MNSkills
- Creative vision
- Production management
- Budget oversight
- Live event execution
- Content strategy
- Audience engagement
- Multi-platform storytelling
- Talent engagement
- Cross-platform promotion
- Sponsorship integration
Affiliations
- National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
- National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)
- National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
- Television Academy: Documentary Peer Group
- Writers Guild of America (WGA)
Awards
- Emmy Award: Silver Circle Induction
- Emmy Award: Good Morning America
- Emmy Award: Best Morning Program
- Emmy Award: Alvin Ailey's Golden Anniversary
- Emmy Award: Greenpoint Tank Implosion Coverage
- Peabody Award: 9/11 Coverage
- NAACP Fellowship Recipient (1992–1993)
Community Leadership
- Board Member: Bloomingdale School of Music
- Board Member: MS Hope for a Cure
- Board Member: SAVE
Timeline
Executive Producer, GMA3 & ABC News Live & Special Programs
ABC NEWS
03.2020 - 05.2025
Senior Producer, ABC News Live
ABC NEWS
12.2015 - 03.2020
Senior Broadcast Producer
CBS NEWS, CBSN
08.2014 - 08.2015
Supervising Producer
SONY TELEVISION
06.2013 - 02.2014
Senior Producer & Senior Broadcast Producer
ABC NEWS
10.2009 - 05.2013
Senior Producer
WABC TV
10.1996 - 10.2009
Producer
WITI TV
09.1994 - 10.1996
Speech-Communications
St. Olaf College