Are You an Outlaw? Meet Kathryn Whitaker

Who has redefined what it means to think outside the law (aka OUTLAW) and is helping each of us in the process?

Meet Kathryn Whitaker, Director of Marketing and Business Development for McNair. Kathryn is experienced in advising law firms on business development and strategic communications. Previously, she has overseen the business development efforts for the Southeast region of a global law firm and managed the marketing functions for regional law firms based in North Carolina and South Carolina. We asked her a few questions and her answers can be found below. Enjoy getting to know this Outlaw!

Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: Having things to look forward to.

Q: Where would you like to live?
A: I’d love to spend a year in Melbourne, Australia. When I worked at K&L Gates, I drove two of our Australian partners – one from Sydney and one from Melbourne – from Charleston to Charlotte for international connections receptions. The three of us had fun, wide-ranging conversations along the way and really enjoyed each other. I shared with them one of my regrets was not studying abroad in Australia, as a few of my college friends did. At the next year’s retreat, those two introduced me to several other Australian partners, and we spent an evening engaged in raucous debate on Sydney v. Melbourne. Melbourne won for me, as those who lived there convinced me of its authenticity and quirkiness.

Q: What is your motto?
A: I love this quote by Colin Powell – “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” I am a perpetual optimist and enjoy generating enthusiasm in others.

Q: Always by the book or an occasional cheater?
A: Pretty much always by the book. My mom did well in her response to my one instance of cheating when I was young; scarred me for life!

Q: Finish this sentence, If I could have one super-power, it would be…
A: Invisibility. That could come in handy.

Q: Who are your favorite authors/what are your favorite books?
A: One of my favorite authors is Pat Conroy, and one of my favorite books is his Beach Music. I re-read it every few years. It’s on my list again for this summer (along with 55+ others on my Amazon wish list!).

Q: If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
A: Frances Perkins, Labor Secretary under FDR. She was the first female cabinet member and the driving force behind social security, labor laws, and the minimum wage.

As Director of Marketing and Business Development, Kathryn Whitaker works closely with the McNair’s leadership and practice groups to develop and implement marketing and business development plans, while overseeing efforts to facilitate cross-office and cross-practice collaboration for the benefit of firm clients. Kathryn also manages all aspects of the firm’s branding and marketing strategy, including communications, media and public relations.