Kathryn “Katie” Peterson is a seasoned professional with a pragmatic approach to assisting nonprofit organizations in seeking and secure federal funding. Over the last decade, Katie has served hundreds of healthcare systems, institutions of higher education, social service agencies, and local governments by helping them develop the internal capacity and strategic plans necessary to identify, pursue, and successfully implement transformative federal programs.
Katie’s specific expertise includes conducting comprehensive needs assessments for our clients, developing ambitious yet attainable goals aligned with our clients’ strategic priorities, and making recommendations that support our clients through the entire lifecycle of a federal grant -- from the moment the Congress authorizes a federal program in legislation, to the last submission screen for a closeout report.
In addition to her leadership role at Amplio Services Group, Katie serves as a Partner and General Counsel at Merchant McIntyre Associates, where she develops comprehensive federal funding strategies and supports clients' advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and before the Administration. She is focused on delivering results for clients in healthcare, higher education, and local government and has helped secure more $200 million in federal funding on behalf of Merchant McIntyre clients since 2014.
Prior to her work on behalf of nonprofits, Katie served as a Congressional Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this role, she handled legislative portfolios on a variety of healthcare issues and led components of the agency's implementation of the Affordable Care Act. She also advised Members of Congress and their staff on FDA actions, policies, and issues and helped prepare the FDA Commissioner and other senior FDA officials to testify at Congressional hearings. Katie began her career in Washington as a legislative aide to U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, representing her home state of Florida.
Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and German from Stetson University and is a current member of the College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board (CASAB), where she leverages her professional experience to provide advice and support for the various initiatives and programs underway at the College. Katie also holds a Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law.
Outside of work, Katie can be found enjoying D.C.’s incredible restaurants, taking in performances at the Kennedy Center, and spending time outdoors with her Golden Retriever, Winston.