Cate Caldwell joined the Illinois Environmental Council as a Senior Policy Manager in March of 2025. In this role, Cate coordinates and communicates with IEC staff and member affiliates primarily on federal efforts, maintaining relationships with elected officials and agencies, while also supporting the Agriculture and Conservation program team in developing legislative strategies. Cate’s leadership ensures that Illinois’ environmental goals are harmonized with national policies, working closely with both the State Legislature and Congressional Delegation of Illinois.
Prior to joining IEC, Cate served as a Correspondence Manager and Legislative Correspondent for U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) where she was instrumental in managing energy, environment, environmental justice, and agriculture policy. Her prior experience as both a staffer and intern in the U.S. House of Representatives provided her with a strong foundation in advocacy and legislative processes, positioning her well to advance IEC’s mission at both the state and federal levels.
Cate holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Policy from The American University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration and Sociology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Outside of work, Cate enjoys unwinding with a good book, spending time with friends over a few rounds of mini golf, and more recently building an ever-growing LEGO collection.