Catherine S. Read

“Leadership is a rare trait and one that, when you find someone possessing it, makes me want to know them better and follow them for years. I met Catherine while I was the President and COO of the Long and Foster Companies, but our friendship remained long after I left that role and I even hired her to help me with other projects later in my career. Catherine is passionate about politics, about the needs of her community, and she displays unwavering leadership in her ongoing efforts and activities to protect those who often don’t have a voice. When I first met her she used her passion and vision to build a truly unique business model at this very large real estate company where we worked, but as the years progressed she transitioned her focus, passion, and leadership skills to helping others. She’s a voice that our nation needs today and one that her community of Fairfax Virginia benefits from. I cannot recommend Catherine enough. In a world filled with malaise, this passionate advocate who leads by example is the type of individual that can help in any endeavor she puts her mind to. Catherine Read: passionate leadership….and she follows through. ”

“A decade ago, Catherine offered her social media expertise freely to Britepaths. Britepaths benefitted tremendously from leveraging this new marketing strategy ahead of majority of our peers. I invited her on to the board of directors and she became a real asset during her 9-year tenure in many ways including strategic messaging, fundraising initiatives, finding collaborative relationships among organizations, making introductions, identifying opportunities. Catherine’s connections at the state level enabled us to advocate for human services related issues that directly address the root causes of why neighbors in our communities end up needing assistance. Catherine has a proven track record for supporting human services organizations like Britepaths in Fairfax County, across the region and the Commonwealth. That support includes board service, financial support, advocacy, community outreach, and volunteerism.”

“I have had the distinct privilege of working with Catherine over the course of the past decade. She has served as a very valuable mentor to me in both politics and life, instilling in me the confidence to succeed at whatever I pursue and the conviction to challenge the status quo. She has a unique ability to inspire others, whether from her perch on screen at Fairfax Public Access or from her volunteer work with numerous nonprofits in the greater Fairfax community. I can think of few others who have had such a transformative impact on my work in the public sector, and I know that she has had similar transformative impact on the lives of others, as well.”

“Catherine has been a long-time advocate for meeting the needs of children who are neurodiverse, including students challenged in our education system by dyslexia. Her advocacy has included raising up the work of the non-profit I founded, Sliding Doors, LLC, and actively participating in our annual Dyslexic Edge conference. Catherine suggested that students speaking for themselves is a powerful form of advocacy. She moderated a town hall in June of 2015 in Fairfax that included a panel of students from third grade to college, and she has moderated student panels annually since then. Those student voices are now part of the professional development training for educators that my organization provides to area schools. Catherine is committed to amplifying the work of many local organizations focused on equity, education, and social justice. She uses her voice and her public platform to educate and inspire others to get involved.”

“Catherine did an outstanding job connecting our company with individuals and organizations that could help us grow. She has a unique ability to see opportunities between people and companies and to make those introductions. In addition, her ideas and insights really helped us articulate our value proposition to potential customers.”

“If you have the opportunity to attend one of Catherine's presentations, or to bring her into your company to teach or train your team, I highly recommend you take the opportunity. Catherine has a very rare ability to give engaging, highly informed, and entertaining presentations about the trends that matter in social media. Very gifted in front of an audience, and she knows her stuff.”

“I had the honor of listening to Catherine's presentation earlier this week, and as usual, she did not disappoint her audience. She is one of the most adept presenters on Social Marketing that I have ever seen----and those number in the dozens. Catherine helps her clients from a realistic, yet highly current perspective. She is approachable and easy to understand, unlike many of her competitors. She makes recommendations from a perspective that is both smart and keenly aware of your ideas and interests. I highly recommend her.”

“Catherine is very knowledgeable about diverse types of social media, and she helped me improve both my LinkedIn and Facebook profiles. She stays on top of new trends and features. She also has excellent public speaking and presentation skills”

“Catherine knows social media inside and out and does an excellent job teaching/setting up/explaining the value of social media and how to use it to move your business in the right direction. For anything about social media, I send my friends, colleagues and clients to Catherine Read.”

“Catherine Read is a highly articulate new media advocate. She is a high echelon thought leader, practical, pragmatic, and innovative. I hold her judgment in the highest regard. She is at the top of the game relative to understanding and describing the dynamics of Web-based human interaction and the possibilities attached to implementation of a smart plan.”

“I would recommend Catherine in a heartbeat. Catherine understands one's needs quickly, and works with grace and ease to bring excellent results. Catherine's ability to put anyone at ease is the component which she brings along, with her efficiency and creativity. She is extremely professional, and truly comprehends the world of computers and how to best use them to enhance one's business.”

“Catherine's attendance at my Rotary Club meeting introduced me to her business practice. She works with professionals like me to use the online resources and social media tools necessary to dramatically expand business opportunities. She makes the process seamless and her knowledge and professionalism really stand out. I felt she worked specifically on what I wanted and needed. Additionally, she did not bring preconceived ideas about solutions prior to understanding my business.”

“Catherine S. Read is the most dynamic, energetic, & qualified consultant I have ever worked with. Her depth of knowledge; not just in her area of expertise, is substantial. With her effervecsent personality and creative mind, Catherine helped explain the benefits of Social Media to a sales force rife with skeptics. By the end of the day she had won them over and clamoring for more. Catherine is not a one and done consultant either, she remains a partner with you long after a presentation. I recommend her services to anyone that wants a true professional on their side.”

“I have to say that after 20+ years immersion in corporate and organizational settings, it's energizing to meet someone with fresh insights and a contagious enthusiasm for pushing the envelope. Catherine has been a treasure trove of knowledge and her willingness to share is empowering. I had a gut feeling that she would connect well with a group of disadvantaged foster youth here in DC who are striving to transition into adulthood with their hopes and dreams intact. In her seminar, Catherine did not disappoint -- she inspired the students, ignited their interest, and forged personal/professional bonds with them that are sure to endure. This had to be one of the most gratifying training sessions I have ever been part of.”

“I and my agents attended Catherine's On-Line Marketing class with high expectations. I can tell you that the expectations were exceeded in every aspect of her presentation. Her knowledge is extraordinary but more importantly, she makes sure she is very current in an area that is changing before our very eyes. The greatest compliment to any instructor is when the the attendees ask, "when can you get her to come back"? Several of the over 30 Realtors there asked me that very question after hearing Catherine teach her 2 hour class.”

“Catherine is a creative and enthusiastic leader with excellent skills in supporting the marketing needs of sales professionals. Get her to help build your success!”

“Without a doubt one of the brightest, most enthusiastic and creative individuals I've ever had the pleasure to work with. Catherine is an unsurpassed communicator with a vision for the future, and the talent to take us there.”

“Catherine is delightful and Home Services Connections is a fantastic program that my clients benefit from frequently. Catherine understands the importance of a great service provider and I recommend her and Home Service Connections regularly. If you're a vendor and provide high quality goods and services, touch base with Catherine and see how you can be come a Long and Foster endorsed provider and be a part of an unbelievable network!”

“The qualities that come to mind when trying to describe Catherine; articulate, focused, self driven, extremely professional, informed, personable.....I wish all of my business partners exhibited the same drive and passion that Catherine does.”