Cathy LaTourette joined the Center for Public Service in Fall 2012 as faculty in the Executive Masters Public Administration program, and holds the rank of Associate Professor of Practice in the Hatfield School of Government. She teaches at the graduate and undergraduate levels various courses involving Human Resource Management, Organizational Development, and Leadership, and serves as the Director of the Urban and Public Affairs Undergraduate Program. She brings over 28 years of Human Resource executive and management experience having served as the Associate VP - Human Resources at PSU from 2001-2012, and having created the HR function for Sysco Food Services of Portland where she held the VP Human Resources position for over 10 years. She worked for the Muscular Dystrophy Association coordinating patient services for individuals with neuro-muscular diseases and managed millions in grants distributed through NYC hospitals. Cathy supports the work of the Center for Public Service by consulting with community partners on matters concerning HR management, strengths-based leadership and moving people through change. Her career spans the public, private and non-profit sectors.
Cathy is excited to lead the EMPA executive coaching program and combine her teaching with her extensive work in guiding people so they thrive in organizations and in their careers. She earned her MPA from PSU, holds the Senior Professional Certification in HR Management, and is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach.