Katherine Ardizone is the Founder and Chief Consultant of USEP. Originally from the Midwest United States, she is a published author (2003; 2010) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Ball State University.

She earned a Master of Public Affairs in Environmental Policy & Natural Resource Management from the top-ranked School of Public & Environmental Affairs (now the O'Neill School) at Indiana University, from which she graduated with honors.

​

Key positions in the USA prior to launching USEP included:

• Public Information Officer for the Indiana State Senate

• Coastal Management Fellow for the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

• Coastal Management Specialist at NOAA Coastal Services Center

• Water Quality Planning Specialist within the NOAA Sea Grant Consortium

• Guest Lecturer at Indiana University and North Carolina State University

​

In addition to policy development and analysis, Katherine's specialty during her career in the United States was bringing stakeholder groups together for multi-jurisdictional governance of shared natural resources. Her work centered on communication strategy, education, and outreach initiatives. She is known in her field for her keen ability to translate highly technical information into lay terms for diverse audiences.

​

Katherine also has a strong entreprenureal spirit, and has owned small businesses in both the US and Europe. Upon making the move to Vienna in 2011, Katherine single-handedly built US English Pro's clientele, which today includes several prominent Austrian institutions and individuals from a vast array of professions.

​

In her free time, you are likely to find Katherine hiking on a trail, digging in the garden, or enjoying live music.