Cathy Burns is a graduate of Marshall University. She received her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Eastern Kentucky University.
Burns was selected by the Board of Directors as the Executive Director of the Huntington Municipal Development Authority (HMDA), the economic development division of the City of Huntington, in July 2019.
Burns previously served as City Manager of the City of Huntington from June 2016.
In September 2013, she was appointed as President and CEO of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce. Burns was the eighth President and first woman to hold that office. The Chamber’s membership and financial stability grew under her leadership.
Her previous positions include working with the educational communities as a Workforce Recruiter for the Robert C. Byrd Manufacturing Institute and training individuals to work in the manufacturing field. She also served as Director of Ohio University Southern Business Training Resource Center.
As Director of the Huntington-Ironton Empowerment Zone, Burns administered the economic development initiative for Lawrence County, Ohio, and Cabell County, WV. From 2000 – 2010, more than 2,000 jobs were created. A loan pool was established. Pullman Square was developed, and the surrounding properties were renovated. Kinetic Park, The Point, and the Rt. 2 Business Park were created and developed, and a Tax Increment Financing District and Historic District in downtown Huntington were established.
Burns currently serves her community as a board member on the Huntington Area Development Council, Advantage Valley, and TEAM for WV Children.
In 2022, Cathy Burns received the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award. In 2020, she was selected as Marshall University Alumni Outstanding Community Achievement Award recipient. In 2007, she was awarded the Business Person of the Year by the Herald-Dispatch.
