Feb. 12. Catherine Butler has joined Central Piedmont Community College as Vice President of Communications, Marketing and Public Relations, replacing Jeff Lowrance, who retired in 2024.

Butler will lead the development of integrated communications and marketing strategies that advance the college’s strategic plan as it continues to elevate student success, maximize student academic excellence and innovation, and cultivate community engagement and partnerships. She will oversee media relations, social media, employee and student communications, brand marketing and advertising, issues management, digital strategy and creative services.

Butler

Background

She most recently served as senior director of communications and engagement at Highline Warren, where she established and led the corporate communications function for the $2 billion organization in the automotive aftermarket industry. Her leadership in employee communications, media relations and community engagement will play a key role in amplifying Central Piedmont’s mission and expanding its reach.

Before her tenure at Highline Warren, Butler served as Principal Consultant at Slalom, advising Fortune 500 clients on communications strategies, business transformation and change management. She also held key leadership positions at the Tennessee Valley Authority and Duke Energy, where she managed crisis communications, financial communications, corporate strategy and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Butler graduated from Villanova University with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She also completed Harvard Business School’s management development program. She currently serves on Villanova’s Department of Communications alumni advisory board and volunteers with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation, demonstrating her strong commitment to education and community service.

Quotable

“As a Charlotte native, I’ve seen firsthand how Central Piedmont lives out its mission of transforming lives through education and serves as a workforce development engine for the region,” Butler said. “I’m honored to join the team and look forward to amplifying the college’s impact as we engage with students, faculty and stakeholders—and meet the evolving needs of our community.”