Katherine Knight Patterson is Vice President of Communications for the International Franchise Association (IFA) where she oversees the organization’s external communications, media relations, policy communications, and reputation management. Prior to her time with IFA, she served as Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Transportation, after working in communications and media relations roles for other D.C.-based trade associations and nonprofit organizations. Katherine got her start on Capitol Hill, serving as a Press Secretary for U.S. Senators Pat Roberts, Lamar Alexander, and Saxby Chambliss. A native of Rome, Georgia, Katherine graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in International Affairs and holds a Master’s in public relations and corporate communication from Georgetown University.