Cathryn Stout, Ph.D., serves as the director of strategic communications at the ACLU of Tennessee, bringing a unique blend of storytelling, crisis management, and historical insight to her role. Her work has landed coverage in major outlets, including The New York Times, The Tennessean, CBS News, and HBO.
Cathryn joins the ACLU of Tennessee with extensive experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors. She most recently served as the director of communications and strategic partnerships for the Tennessee Department of Health's Division of Health Disparities Elimination. Before that, she was the chief of communications and broadcast services for Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Her career also includes a tenure as the Tennessee Bureau Chief for Chalkbeat, a nonprofit news organization, and six years as a teacher and school administrator.
In 2024, she was selected for the Obama Foundation Leaders USA program, a leadership development network that connects emerging leaders nationwide. She holds a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University, an M.A. from the University of Mississippi, a B.A. from Wellesley College, and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. She is passionate about strategic storytelling that inspires action and creates lasting change.