Kate Bonner

I believe perspective shapes outcomes. Just as in rowing, where direction, coordination, and balance determine success, in complex policy waters, Mindset brings the strategic alignment, focus, and relationships needed to move clients forward with purpose and precision.

Kate holds a strong passion for servant leadership, public service, and stakeholder advocacy—and thrives at the intersection of strategic thinking and real-world execution.

Kate is a seasoned executive and trusted strategic advisor, and brings with her over two decades of public sector, non-profit, and Fortune 100 experience to Mindset. Kate leads every endeavor with a unique blend of political acumen, strategic insight, and operational leadership.

Most recently, Kate served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), a senior member of the House Committees on Ways and Means, Budget, and the Joint Economic Committee. In her role as Chief of Staff, Kate advised on committee priorities, legislative positioning, and engagement with leadership, stakeholders, and committee staff, ultimately ensuring alignment between the Congressman’s legislative agenda and the committees’ broader policy direction, with a focus on tax, trade, and economic issues.

Earlier in her career, Kate was Director of External Affairs at Capital One Financial, where she was the company’s senior federal lobbyist for tax and trade policy, financial services, and corporate governance. She played a critical role in shaping Capital One’s federal advocacy, working closely with both the CFO and Head of Global Tax during the 2017 rewrite of the federal tax code. She advised C-suite executives, managed external relationships, and represented the company in front of Congress, administrations, and at stakeholder forums. Kate started her career working for Rep. Jeb Bradley (NH-01).

Known for her leadership, collaborative style, and ability to execute with precision, Kate is a respected voice in policy and strategy circles.

Kate graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Masters in Applied Economics and from the University of Massachusetts Commonwealth Honors College, where she was a four-year varsity oarswoman.

Kate’s hidden talent: Kate is one of few humans who has successfully completed the Reading Phillies “Baseballtown Big Dipper Challenge” (eat 24 scoops of ice cream topped with Dippin’ Dots, Swedish Fish, and Sour Patch Kids out of a full-sized unused baseball helmet – and lived to tell the tale