Meet Kathleen

Kathleen Shea-Porter

Kathleen joined IBSC in September 2026 as Director of Communications. She is thrilled to support IBSC's mission of advancing the learning and development of boys and supporting the schools that serve them. As the mother of an elementary-aged son, she is especially excited by IBSC’s research and insights for educators. She can be reached at sheaporter@theibsc.org.

Before joining IBSC, she ran her own consulting business for nearly seven years, handling everything from branding, messaging, and executive communications to developing integrated strategic plans and overseeing website launches for clients. During this time, she also freelanced for BuzzFeed, producing more than 350 posts. 

Prior to that she spent five years as Director of Marketing at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Leading the organization's marketing strategy, she worked closely with senior leadership to shape messaging, strengthen the NAIS brand, and promote the association's professional development events, initiatives, and resources to members. 

Her diverse experience spans industries, including a global airline catering company, boutique PR and digital agencies, and e-commerce tech startups. While she has a soft spot for practical and innovative technology, she believes that nothing will ever replace a handwritten note, the smell of a book, or meaningful conversations and creative collaboration with other humans. 

Kathleen earned a master's degree in communication from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Richmond (go Spiders!). She and her husband, Mike, live in Connecticut with their son, daughter, and a slightly spoiled Goldendoodle named Jed Barklet.