Catherine Gallagher
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven executive with over 20 years of experience advising senior leaders and spearheading organizational change in fast-paced global environments. Recognized as a trusted advisor and adept problem-solver, consistently aligning stakeholders to accelerate execution and empower executives to focus on critical enterprise objectives. Expertise includes cultivating high-performing teams, promoting operational discipline, and delivering clear, actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making. Proficient in driving business operations, optimizing costs, and crafting compelling communications tailored for diverse global organizations.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
Bank of New York
01.2024 - 06.2025
- Strategic leader driving business and operational excellence in Marketing & Communications. Led global operations, transformation, budgeting, governance (compliance, risk, audit), and cross-functional initiatives. Collaborated with senior leadership to optimize investment priorities, strengthen governance controls, and enhance workforce planning and financial management. Served as a strategic advisor and Chief of Staff to the CMO, promoting executive alignment, operational efficiency, and cross-team collaboration to support key business objectives.
- Leadership & Culture Development: Initiated leadership development programs and led efforts to enhance team cohesion, promote psychological safety, and cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Business Transformation: Managed organizational restructuring to align with strategic priorities and enhance operational efficiency.
- Strategic Workforce Planning: Managed talent acquisition, headcount, and compensation benchmarks to align workforce strategy with business objectives.
- Talent Development & Engagement: Developed and executed comprehensive training programs to boost leadership skills, improve team performance, and support talent growth at all levels.
- Cost Optimization & Operational Excellence: Developed financial governance frameworks and delivered $3.1M savings by streamlining workforce structure, right-sizing roles, and aligning talent with cost-effective locations. Achieved an additional $4.4M in cost reductions by renegotiating vendor agreements and auditing contracts.
- Risk & Compliance Leadership: Managed governance, risk, and audit processes, ensuring successful completion of compliance initiatives, including private/public side designation and business continuity planning.
Vice President, Internal Communications, Global Banking & Markets Business
Goldman Sachs
01.2001 - 12.2023
- Head of Internal Communications for the firm’s largest business unit, managing messaging for over 11,000 global employees across sales and trading. Partnered with senior leadership to shape communications strategy, strengthen culture, and drive alignment across regions and business lines. Served as a trusted strategic communications partner to the divisional COO and senior leadership, providing guidance on messaging and positioning to support key priorities and navigate high-stakes challenges.
- Global Communications Leadership: Collaborated with divisional COO and executive leadership teams to develop and deliver communications related to organizational changes, new business initiatives, and change management.
- Developed and implemented multi-channel communication strategies (intranet, newsletters, town halls, videos) to boost transparency and build trust. Increased employee engagement through leadership-driven initiatives like learning videos and Ask Me Anything series featuring partners and managing directors discussing strategy, culture, and personal insights.
- Crisis Communications: Managed the sales & trading division’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic by overseeing the shift to remote work and maintaining clear, consistent messaging during the crisis.
- Business Continuity & Risk Mitigation: Led the Americas Global Markets Business Continuity program, ensuring smooth crisis management communications and reducing operational disruptions.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborated with key internal stakeholders, including HR, Legal, and Compliance, to ensure smooth execution of communication initiatives across the firm.
Associate, Executive Office Division
Goldman Sachs
01.2010 - 09.2017
- Led strategic communication efforts focused on personnel changes, security, business continuity, and technology risk.
- Managed more than 100 executive assistants and handled daily support, policy enforcement, compensation, and performance reviews.
- Led executive communications and coordinated cross-team efforts to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Managed finance and administrative functions, including cost-saving analysis and budget forecasting to support strategic decision-making.
- Authored divisional handbook aligned with industry regulations and corporate policies.
- Assisted senior leadership with managing external media relations and internal policy updates.
Executive Office Division Administration
Goldman Sachs
01.2001 - 12.2009
- Provided comprehensive operational and communication support to the firm’s executive leadership, including crisis management, external communications, and media relations.
- Hired, trained, and managed staff; oversaw communication related to compliance, compensation, and employee engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Secondary French Education
State University of New York Cortland
Skills
- Executive advisory services
- Strategic Planning & Alignment
- Organizational change management
- Executive communication skills
- Operational efficiency
- Budget & Financial Oversight
- Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Talent Strategy & Workforce Planning
- Leadership Development
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Crisis management
Affiliations
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Member
Timeline
Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
Bank of New York
01.2024 - 06.2025
Associate, Executive Office Division
Goldman Sachs
01.2010 - 09.2017
Vice President, Internal Communications, Global Banking & Markets Business
Goldman Sachs
01.2001 - 12.2023
Executive Office Division Administration
Goldman Sachs
01.2001 - 12.2009
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Secondary French Education
State University of New York Cortland