Now In Flight
- Health & Human Services Policy & Practice
- Legislative & Budget Strategy
- Understand & Use AI In Your Workplace
- HR & Association Management Support
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for a New Era
- Priority Setting & Roadmapping
About Catbird Strategies
Catbird Strategies CEO Cathy Senderling-McDonald brings 28 years of experience in California legislative and government affairs, as well as two decades of national-level exposure, to her role.
An expert on health and human services policy, practice and budgeting, Cathy and her team can help your organization work through issues big and small. This may or may not include formal representation before the California Legislature and Administration. Work extends beyond the lobbying sphere to include:
- Research, data analysis, understanding bias and mitigation.
- Developing and delivering education, training, webinars.
- Drafting and finalizing reports, fact sheets, and other materials, including graphic design as needed.
In addition to governmental affairs experience, Cathy has expertise in organizational and non-profit management, team-building, understanding and applying AI in your business, and supporting efforts to built resilient, inclusive workplaces where all people can thrive.
recent projects
- Partnering with First 5 Alameda County to support development of the Measure C Five-Year Plan and Budget, adopted unanimously by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors on June 10, 2025, to infuse nearly $1 billion into the county’s early care and education system over the next five years. Learn more at: About Measure C
- Analyzing federal regulations and identifying options and flexibilities to inform California advocacy efforts.
- Developing and executing grassroots and Sacramento-based advocacy in support of critical legislative and budget priorities.
- Developing a playbook to support community organizations in diversifying their revenue and service offerings in the face of declining revenues. Learn more at: First 5 California Playbook
- Conducting professional development training on Artificial Intelligence, including history and key types of AI, understanding the use of Generative AI (i.e., ChatGPT), recognizing and avoiding pitfalls with AI use.
- Supporting staff recruitment through review of job descriptions, interview questions, and participation on hiring panels.
- Providing expert consultation in support of consulting projects in California and nationally.
proudly partnering with...
What is the Catbird Seat?
Put simply, it’s the place you want to be. The high ground. The upper hand. The strategic advantage. Getting there takes the right strategy, the right information and the right relationships.
Let Catbird Strategies help you seize the upper hand.
Services To Support You
Strategic Planning
Got a problem you need help thinking through? A goal, but no plan to get there? Let's work together to identify key activities, possible allies, and potential pitfalls, and map out a strategy to reach your goal.
Information
Stumped about a problem? Need more insight into a policy or practice issue? We can help analyze data, develop reports and briefing documents, and/or create training that works for your audience.
Representation
Need a lobbyist? We can help you map out and implement the key steps to achieve legislative support for initiatives and keep you on the right track to making real and lasting change.
Let's Get Going Already
Let's design your organization's future together.
Schedule a consultation here, or fill out the form below to contact us.