Welcome to Another Delicious Episode of Lunch with Shelley
Welcome back to the blog! We are absolutely thrilled to share the details of the latest instalment of Lunch with Shelley. In this episode, we sit down with a truly remarkable guest who seamlessly blends visionary leadership with a profound love for community and culinary delights: Catherine Townsend.
As the President and CEO of the Trust for the National Mall, Catherine is at the helm of the leading non-partisan philanthropic partner of the National Park Service. It is a massive undertaking, and she brings an incredible amount of passion and expertise to the table.
Meet Catherine Townsend: A Visionary Leader
Since taking on her role in 2016, Catherine has been the driving force behind the Trust’s overarching vision, strategy, fundraising, and external affairs. Her leadership has been instrumental in safeguarding one of the most iconic landscapes in the United States, ensuring it remains a vibrant, welcoming space for millions of visitors.
She is currently doing an extraordinary job leading the organisation’s historic, multi-million-dollar effort known as Our Monumental Moment: The Campaign for the National Mall. This ambitious campaign is designed to mobilise vital philanthropic support for the National Mall in honour of the upcoming America 250 celebrations, securing the legacy of these monumental grounds for generations to come.
From Southern California to the Heart of Capitol Hill
While she is currently shaping the future of Washington, DC’s most famous park, Catherine’s roots trace back to the West Coast. Born and raised in Southern California, she eventually made her way to the nation’s capital, becoming a long-time resident of Capitol Hill.
It is here in DC where she truly built her illustrious career, raised her family, and planted deep roots. She is the proud mother of four grown and successfully launched children, and she remains deeply, actively engaged in her local community.
Beyond the Boardroom: Arts, Culture, and Culinary Passions
Catherine’s energy extends far beyond her professional achievements. When she isn’t advocating for the National Mall, she fills her spare time with a vibrant array of hobbies. She is an avid cyclist and photographer, and she loves exploring the arts and culture scenes.
However, her true passion often leads her back to the kitchen and the dining table. Catherine has a deep love for cooking and seeking out culinary experiences that bring people together. This passion for the food industry—from soup to nuts—is a common thread throughout her life. During our chat, we dive into her incredible past experiences working with the anti-hunger organisation Share our Strength, as well as the fascinating book she co-authored, titled Home Food – 44 Great American Chefs Cook on Their Night.
A Joyful Culinary Experience at Café Milano
You cannot have an episode of Lunch with Shelley without a fantastic meal, and this week was no exception! We hosted our deliciously fun culinary experience at the always joyful and iconic Café Milano.
Over plates of incredible food, our conversation flowed effortlessly. We talked about all things related to the National Trust and the National Mall, explored her fascinating career journey, and bonded over our shared love for the culinary world and the power of a shared meal.
Tune In and Join the Conversation
You will not want to miss this engaging, inspiring, and mouth-watering episode. Catherine is a phenomenal guest with a wealth of knowledge, and her dedication to preserving our shared history while celebrating the simple joys of food and community is truly contagious.
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Listen to the full episode now at: www.lunchwithshelley.com
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Or find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts!
“In the meantime, and as always: Peace, Love and Lunch!”
