Catherine Nelson, Nacd.Dc Email & Phone Number

Windmill Lane Advisors (https://windmilllane-advisors.com) is dedicated to providing strategic, synergistic advice that enhances value for shareholders, stakeholders, and organizations. Our expertise spans governance, financial analysis, capital allocation, and integrating broader ESG risks into scenario planning and risk management.Our services encompass Governance Advisory, Capital Allocation Assessment, Strategic Thinking and Scenario Planning, Capital Structure Optimization, Due Diligence and M&A Evaluation, Stakeholder Engagement, Funding Acceleration, Financial Analysis, and Risk Management.Recently, I collaborated with X-Analytics (https://www.x-analytics.com), a SaaS provider focused on cybersecurity solutions. Additionally, I advised the Board of DMOS Collective (https://dmosproshoveltools.com), a consumer tool manufacturer, where I focused on enhancing financial reporting transparency, evaluating balance sheet considerations, valuation, employee compensation, and cap table scenarios. My role also involved analyzing overland vehicle market data, projecting growth, and facilitating introductions to drive new revenue streams and meet capital requirements.In this role, I also advocate for Science, Innovation, and Technology Leadership in the boardroom. “You spot it, you got it” - here’s a live Google Sheet link to my own continuous learning: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1-ASK77D7N3zfRYZwm5NftiAH1iG_o818mRjBmIndh78/htmlview

New York, New York, Us

CMMB is committed to advancing global healthcare access for underserved populations, building resilient, healthy communities through collaborative efforts and partnerships. Now in its second century and with an operating revenue of $480 million, CMMB focuses on reducing maternal and child mortality by addressing critical health challenges in targeted areas across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.In March 2024, I transitioned from an Advisory Board Director role to serve as an Independent Board Director. In this capacity, I am dedicated to advancing CMMB’s mission by fostering and strengthening strategic partnerships within the pharmaceutical industry. I currently serve on the Programs and Finance Committees.

Frankfort, Il, Us

Founded in 2014, the Private Directors Association (PDA) (https://www.privatedirectorsassociation.org/) is committed to advancing growth and sustainability for private companies by promoting governance practices that add value.As an Independent Board Director, my role is to guide the organization forward, strengthening governance and creating stakeholder value. My responsibilities have included chairing the Audit and Finance Committee, leading a Finance Review Sub-Committee, conducting due diligence on CPA firms, hiring a new auditor, and overseeing cash flow and budgeting processes and enhancing governance by-laws and policies. I was elected to the Board in December 2022, served as Chair of the National Program Chairs Committee from December 2021 to December 2022, and chaired the Audit and Finance Committee from September 2023 through September 2024.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Us

Founded in 2022, Foundera (https://foundera.us/) is a beauty recommendation engine that uses AI to bridge the gap between advertising and sales, enhancing click-through rates (CTR). By employing AI to analyze facial features and suggest personalized beauty products such as foundation and concealer, Foundera empowers consumers to shop with greater precision and convenience through an omnichannel experience.As an Independent Advisory Board Director, I am responsible for building industry partnerships and ensuring transparency in strategic and financial decision-making.

San Francisco, Ca, Us

Founded in 2004, Astia (http://astia.org) invests in high-growth companies led by women who have successfully completed its Expert Sift™ process. Astia’s investment vehicles support a nonprofit mission to level the playing field in venture capital. Recognizing that diverse and inclusive teams drive better outcomes, Astia offers capital and strategic networks through the Astia Fund, Astia Angels, and Astia Edge to help companies succeed. Our guiding principle is that women matter, and diverse teams consistently outperform.As an Advisor, I evaluate disruptive, innovative products and technologies, identify high-potential revenue scaling opportunities, stress-test operational strategies, and support female-led start-ups in managing risk and resource allocation. Previously, as an angel investor, I made four early-stage investments: 1. Goalsetter:A financial technology company aiming to improve financial literacy among families and children. By offering tools like savings accounts, debit cards, and financial education programs. 2. Zenflow:A medtech startup focused on non-invasive treatments for urological conditions, particularly benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Zenflow’s solutions aim to improve the quality of life for patients while reducing the need for invasive surgeries, which can have higher risks and recovery times. 3. Ozo Innovations:This company develops sustainable sanitation and hygiene technologies for the food and healthcare industries. By reducing chemical and water usage, Ozo Innovations contributes to environmentally friendly practices while enhancing safety. 4. Repurpose:An eco-friendly consumer goods company specializing in plant-based alternatives to plastic products. Repurpose aims to combat plastic waste by creating compostable and sustainable everyday items, helping to address the growing environmental impacts.Global challenges such as sustainability, healthcare innovation, and financial inclusion are key themes.

New York, Ny, Us

Catholic Guardian Services, a well-established human services organization based in New York City, has a legacy spanning over a century dedicated to protecting and empowering at-risk children and families through comprehensive, trauma-informed care. With a mission focused on providing support, fostering hope, and upholding dignity, the organization serves some of New York City’s most underserved populations, including individuals in foster care and those with disabilities.As an Independent Board Director, I served on the Audit Committee, overseeing accounting policies, practices, and financial reporting controls to ensure alignment with best practices, including risk assessment and cyber resilience. Additionally, I was involved in approving and periodically reviewing the organization’s annual budget. Before this role, I served on the Finance Committee, supervising cash flow management and other financial areas, including debt monitoring and repayment.In my role as Co-Chair of Development, I led fundraising efforts, coordinated events, and cultivated relationships with individual donors. I also played a key role in expanding the donor pipeline by engaging Advisory Board members and inspiring emerging leaders to contribute to initiatives, including those addressing food insecurity within our communities.

Bronx, New York, Us

Green Bronx Machine, a purpose-driven 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to fostering healthier, fairer, and more resilient communities through innovative education, local food systems, and workforce development. Its mission focuses on empowering young minds and instilling hope by implementing a school-based model centered on urban agriculture, which aligns with essential school performance metrics. By cultivating healthier students and schools, the organization aims to transform underserved and fragmented communities into inclusive, thriving neighborhoods.As an Independent Board Director, my governance responsibilities included guiding the organization’s growth. I ensured transparency in financial oversight, identified resource needs, established internal controls, and advocated for best practices, including audit presentations and updates to by-laws and charters. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in securing donors for our inaugural gala and auction, supporting the organization’s sustainability and long-term success.

New York, Us

Rourke and Gunner Group was a private holding company founded in 2020, strategically focused on rapid growth through acquiring undervalued or underserved companies across various sub-sectors within the North American technology landscape, including cybersecurity, fintech, medtech, edtech, and blockchain (DLT).As a Former Independent Board Director, I conducted M&A due diligence, developed financing relationships with senior executives, and introduced key tools to support strategic initiatives, such as Axial for M&A sourcing and Diligent, a platform for board analytics, monitoring, and control.Let me know if there are other details you’d like added!

Boston, Massachusetts, Us

Columbia Threadneedle Investments (http://www.columbiathreadneedle.com), with $498B in assets under management (as of November 2020 10Q), is a global asset management firm owned by Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP).As a Senior Fundamental Analyst in the Equity Division, I focused on strategic financial analysis, capital structure evaluation, and risk management—skills that directly translate into effective board decision-making and governance. My role involved gaining a deep understanding of global industries, particularly consumer staples, which informed long-term corporate strategies. I regularly provided counsel to institutional investors, senior management, and board members on strategy and capital allocation.I fostered a high-performance culture across various market cycles, managing the Consumer Staples Sleeve and achieving a 42.49% return over four years, outperforming the R1000 Consumer Staples benchmark by 1586 basis points. In addition to analyzing P&L statements and optimizing financial performance, I conducted over 700 C-Suite interviews and played an active role in proxy decision-making. I recommended investments in sectors such as Beverages, Cosmetics, Household Products, Personal Care, Spirits, and Tobacco, based on growth potential and risk tolerance.I also led the evaluation of risk within a valuation framework, integrated sustainability practices, participated in the IPOs of Beyond Meat and Blue Buffalo Pet Nutrition, and co-led an equity research/quantitative long/short portfolio. Additionally, I emphasized DEI transparency in compensation and career advancement while leading the Associate Analyst program.

New York, Ny, Us

Founded in 1936, Morgan Stanley (http://www.morganstanley.com) is a leading global investment bank generating USD 54 billion in revenues.As Vice President and Senior Equity Analyst, I led a research team focused on the cosmetics, household, and personal care products industries. I authored over 750 investment reports, analyzing global industry trends, competitor dynamics, and the strategic prospects of potential investments. With over 150 C-suite interviews, I provided strategic counsel to Board members and senior management on proxy matters, IPOs, M&A transactions, and capital allocation. I played a key role in positioning equity offerings and roadshows. After being promoted to Vice President from Analyst in 2000, I received the Wall Street Journal award for consumer stock-picking in 2002.

Ark Asset Management was a privately-owned asset management firm with $14B in assets under management (AUM), spun off from Shearson Lehman Hutton, a unit of American Express, in 1989. In March 2009, Ark Holdings entered an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding under Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code.As a Short-Duration Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, I structured and managed $500M in US fixed income securities and cash equivalents while advising the $5B New York State Short-Term Investment Fund. I was promoted to Portfolio Manager from Assistant Portfolio Manager in 1992 and presented to the Board of Directors of a Fortune 250 energy company.

Master Of Business Administration - Mba, Finance With A Concentration In Strategic Management

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Economics With Honors; Pre-Medical Concentration