Katherine Johnston

Presidio Public Affairs Group

Katherine has significant expertise in public relations, policy development, communications, project management, community outreach, and constituent services. Prior to working at Presidio Public Affairs, Katherine led the external relations and communications efforts for the Downtown San Diego Partnership as its Senior Vice President of Communication, as well as served as a senior policy advisor to City of San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. As a senior policy advisor to Mayor Faulconer, Katherine managed the development of the City's annual $3.3 billion budget and oversaw the City's capital improvement and infrastructure efforts. She worked extensively on Mayor Faulconer’s innovation and workforce development initiatives and spearheaded major capital/environmental projects related to Mission Bay and Balboa Park. In addition, she played a key role in developing policy platforms and communication strategies during the 2014 mayoral campaign. In addition to her professional experience, Katherine enjoys volunteering in the San Diego community. She currently serves as Chair of the City of San Diego’s Balboa Park Committee and Parks and Recreation Committee. She is a trustee of the Balboa Park Conservancy and Chairs its Government and Community Affairs Committee. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of One San Diego, a local nonprofit dedicated to social equity initiatives in the City of San Diego. She also has mentored local foster youth as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Voices for Children for nearly seven years.