CATalyst Council Appoints Gina Fortunato as Executive Director

Veteran Animal Health Executive and Former Board Chair to Lead Organization's Next Chapter of Growth

ANNAPOLIS, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CATalyst Council, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of cats and their caregivers, today announced the appointment of Gina Fortunato as Executive Director. Fortunato succeeds Dr. Jane Brunt, a key partner in the origin of the organization and who will continue as a Senior Advisor to ensure a seamless transition.

"Gina brings an extraordinary combination of industry expertise, nonprofit leadership, and deep commitment to CATalyst's mission," said Kristin Wuhrman, Board Chair. "Having served on our board for six years—including two as Chair—she understands our organization inside and out. Gina will build on the strong foundation Jane established while positioning CATalyst for its next phase of growth."

Fortunato joins CATalyst Council following a 13-year career at Independence Pet Group, where she served as Head of Business Development and Veterinary Field Services. In that role, she built and managed a $200 million strategic partnership pipeline, led an 18-person veterinary division, and achieved double-digit revenue growth for five consecutive years. Her expertise spans sponsorship development, operational systems design, and cultivating relationships across veterinary buying groups, distributors, and technology partners.

Beyond her corporate experience, Fortunato brings substantial nonprofit leadership credentials. She has served as Board President of VetPartners and led Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary as Board President for eight years, where she spearheaded a successful $1.5 million capital campaign. Her governance experience and understanding of nonprofit operations will be instrumental as CATalyst expands its Market Insights program, develops new data partnerships, and elevates species-specific feline care across the industry.

"CATalyst Council holds a special place in my heart," said Fortunato. "I've witnessed firsthand the organization's impact on feline health through data-driven insights and industry collaboration. I'm honored to lead CATalyst into its next chapter and committed to expanding our reach, strengthening sponsor partnerships, and advancing our mission to improve the lives of cats everywhere."

Dr. Brunt has led CATalyst Council for more than 17 years and has served as its Executive Director since the organization’s inception. Under her leadership, CATalyst Council grew from a vision to improve feline healthcare into a highly respected industry resource with data-driven research that influences veterinary practice nationwide. She will remain involved with CATalyst Council, supporting the transition and continuing to advance the organization’s mission. “Gina’s passion for feline health, combined with her strategic vision and operational expertise, make her the ideal leader for CATalyst’s future,” said Dr. Brunt. “I look forward to supporting her success.”

“I have known Jane since the early days of CATalyst Council,” said Jon Ayers, CATalyst Council Board Member. “When I resigned from the IDEXX board in 2024, she saw an opportunity and immediately approached me to join the CATalyst Board and lead the ongoing Market Insights work, a transformational moment for me for which I am humbly grateful. Jane is stepping back at a moment of remarkable organizational strength.”

About CATalyst Council

CATalyst Council is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of cats and their caregivers through initiatives that accelerate innovation in feline care and increase medically appropriate healthcare for household cats. Through its Market Insights program and industry partnerships, CATalyst Council provides data-driven resources that elevate species-specific feline care across the veterinary and animal health industry. For more information, visit catalystcouncil.org.