Cathryn Poff

Partnering with Purpose

Cathryn collaborates with mission-driven organizations at pivotal moments of growth, change, or inspiration — simplifying complexity, illuminating stories, and driving impactful change.

Builder & Operator

Cathryn makes complex, mission-critical work understood — and builds and runs the systems that deliver it. She built the Adaptation Fund's communications function from scratch as its funding grew roughly 75%, ran field operations with the Peace Corps in Niger, and worked science and policy at NOAA. Today she works AI-natively, building with the technology rather than bracing against it — most recently in SmartScape, a working AI tool for native landscaping, and SmartBash, a live eco-commerce store.

Diverse Roots, Global Perspective

Cathryn's roots are in Oregon, Hawai'i, and Michigan, and she has traveled, lived, and worked around the world. She is fluent in French and Fulfulde, and proficient in Spanish. A fourth-generation Oregonian with Nordic heritage, she is as at home in community as in the boardroom.

Journey of Service

Cathryn served in the Peace Corps in Niger, West Africa, working on environment, sustainability, and small-enterprise development. Her cozy grass hut became a memorable backdrop for her adventures, including an unexpected encounter with a spitting cobra during one rainy season.

Academic Excellence

Cathryn earned degrees from Smith College, the Yale School of the Environment, and Sciences Po Paris, completed entirely in French.

Master Storyteller

With a rich background in broadcast, online, and print journalism, Cathryn is a gifted storyteller who knows how to engage audiences and convey powerful narratives. She is particularly gifted at creating visualizations of information and data, transforming complex concepts into compelling stories that resonate. Her experience includes:

• Founder & Creative Director: Built SmartBash, an online store for eco-friendly party supplies, positioning it for the AI-agentic era while telling the stories of products made with human craftsmanship and care for the planet.
• Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist: Recognized for compelling storytelling and journalistic integrity.
• Co-Editor / Author of Non-Fiction Books: Published by esteemed houses including Random House and Viking Penguin.
• Founder of Oceanwire: A blog connecting readers with ocean conservation and sustainability.

Partner with Cathryn to simplify complex messages, tell powerful stories, navigate change, and move people to act.