Kate Lessin lives in Richmond, Virginia, and serves as CBF’s Virginia Events Coordinator. She grew up in North Carolina, attending college in the mountains of western North Carolina at Appalachian State University, where she studied hospitality and tourism management, along with business management.

She has always had a passion for planning events—especially the kind that starts with a spark of inspiration and leads all the way to a well-executed, memorable experience that brings people together.

At CBF, Kate organizes and oversees events across the Commonwealth, including legislative open houses and receptions, oyster tastings, Clean the Bay Day, Rod & Reef, and many other public outreach opportunities. She engages with members, the public, decision-makers, and targeted audiences, ensuring that CBF remains a strong and visible presence throughout Virginia.

Outside of work, Kate loves discovering new restaurants, planning trips and road-tripping across the country, finding new creative endeavors, and always looking for the little moments that make an experience unforgettable.