Kathryn Hawkins

2024-2025 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Headshot of Kathryn Hawkins, 2024-2025 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Program Director, Outdoor Alliance

Truckee, California

Kathryn “Katie” Hawkins is the program director for Outdoor Alliance, an organization that mobilizes outdoor enthusiasts to protect public lands and waters. Katie works at the intersection of climate change, grassroots community building, and urban planning to ensure America’s public lands and waters are safe and accessible to all. Katie established the Recreate Responsibly California coalition that brought together the long-competing motorized and non-motorized communities with the outdoor industry to help pass The Great American Outdoors Act, historic bipartisan legislation to preserve and enhance the country’s public lands. Katie was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to his outdoor recreation commission and by Secretary Wade Crowfoot to coordinate for the California Natural Resources Agency.

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Meet the 2024-2025 United States Leaders

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Leaders

For emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.

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  • The Center
  • Building the Center
Future water garden to honor Ann Dunham, be graced by Maya Lin sculpture

Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Garden at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.

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  • Defending Democracy
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Copenhagen Democracy Summit
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  • Barack Obama
Watch: President Obama shares the vision of the presidential center

Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi

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