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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 11, 2025 2025 AWARDS | 40 UNDER FORTY 7 KATE BLACKBURN Director of Marketing and Communications United Way is proud to congratulate Kate Blackburn and the entire 2025 class of Hartford Business Journal's 40 under Forty! United Way's vision is a united 860 region where there are equal opportunities for everyone to succeed, and leaders like Kate carry this vision forward with her work and dedication. Congratulations Congratulations KATE BLACKBURN Director of Marketing and Communications United Way is proud to congratulate Kate Blackburn and the entire 2025 class of Hartford Business Journal's 40 under Forty! United Way's vision is a united 860 region where there are equal opportunities for everyone to succeed, and leaders like Kate carry this vision forward with her work and dedication. Congratulations Congratulations This recognition is truly a testament to Katie's This recognition is truly a testament to Katie's continued commitment to our clients and colleagues at continued commitment to our clients and colleagues at Marion Manufacturing. She has, and continues to be a Marion Manufacturing. She has, and continues to be a pivotal leader embodying our true core company values. pivotal leader embodying our true core company values. We are honored to have her on our team and look We are honored to have her on our team and look forward to her continued success! forward to her continued success! Katie Barry Business Development & Sales Manager Marion Manufacturing is proud to congratulate our very own Katie Barry and the other honorees for Hartford Business Journal's 40 Under 40, 2025! Katie! Congratulations (203) 272-5376 www.marionmfg.net 1675 Reinhard Road Cheshire, CT 06410 Kate Blackburn is the director of marketing and communications at United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, an area nonprofit that mobilizes resources to end poverty. Blackburn leads strategy and imple- mentation of the organization's brand identity, events, strategic commu- nications, multimedia marketing, cause marketing, graphic design and photography/videography. She has professional marketing and communications experience in the local media, resort casino and non- profit sectors, and is passionate about amplifying the stories and voices of people in our communities. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Our United Way recently celebrated its centennial by honoring its rich history and looking forward toward its next phase of impact. This milestone was leveraged to co-create a new strategic plan, implement a brand refresh that received national recognition and host signature events that inspired record- breaking philanthropy and community impact. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Lead United Way's brand identity refresh to maximize its centennial milestone to catalyze impact in service to our community. • Annually lead signature fundraising events that collectively raise $1 million-plus to end poverty across the 860 region. • Galvanizes external and internal stakeholders to ensure resources and opportunities to give back remain available so everyone succeeds. Kate Blackburn Company: United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut Title: Director of Marketing and Communications Number of years with current company: 8 Town where I live: Willington Town where I work: Hartford College: Quinnipiac University, Univer- sity of Hartford Highest degree: Master's degree in media communications, University of Hartford Age: 38