Katie Holden

Katie is a dynamic and adaptable professional with over 12 years of experience in the public education sector, where she served as a Deputy Head of Department in a secondary school. During her teaching career, she developed a wide array of transferable skills that have supported a successful transition into roles focused on the development of Community Trusts and Stewardship strategies within major housing developments across the UK. Over the past year, Katie has rapidly learned the strategic aspects of Stewardship and Placemaking. She has positioned herself within the team to assist colleagues with project management and coordination and is also beginning to expand her role to manage stewardship projects independently. 

A naturally skilled coordinator, Katie excels at managing multiple projects simultaneously, from strategic planning and data analysis to report writing and public presentations. Her ability to build meaningful connections across all age groups and levels of seniority has proven invaluable in both educational and community engagement contexts. She has mentored aspiring student teachers and fostered strong relationships within the communities she serves, drawing on her experience to lead with empathy and insight. 

Katie’s leadership and problem-solving abilities are underpinned by her resilience and resourcefulness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully adapted to remote teaching, delivering creative content in an online format. Beyond her professional life, she collaborated with her husband to convert a derelict barn into their family home, gaining firsthand experience with the planning and construction process. 

With a keen interest in business and enterprise, Katie earned a Master’s degree in Business Studies from the University of Leeds following her undergraduate degree in Design. This foundation enabled her to launch and grow a successful creative design business, which she continues to develop in her spare time. 

Her diverse background—spanning education, design, business, and community development—has given her a comprehensive understanding of strategy execution and operational management across various sectors. Currently serving as an Associate Consultant for Community Stewardship Solutions, Katie is eager to continue building on this knowledge and making a meaningful impact. 

Personal Interests 

Katie is a dedicated mother to her young daughter, Dorothy, and enjoys DIY projects and home renovations in her downtime.