by Austin DuVall
The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is proud to announce that Shawn Cathey has begun work as chief financial officer, providing leadership for all financial matters. Cathey previously served as senior director of finance at Winrock International for 21 years.
“I’m going to do everything I can to ensure we watch over and use our assets to benefit the mission of the Institute,” Cathey said. “Much like with Winrock International, the Institute’s work would largely not be possible without the vision and foresight of Winthrop Rockefeller and his financial gifts. Those gifts will be put to the most effective use in service of the Institute’s mission of continuing Mr. Rockefeller’s collaborative approach to creating transformational change.”
Cathey is a certified public accountant and has held various accounting and management positions in rural healthcare prior to working for Winrock International. He holds a degree in accounting from Arkansas Tech University.
While at Winrock International, which was headquartered here on Petit Jean Mountain until 2005, he was responsible for the nonprofit organization’s finance and accounting functions, with focus on adding new and enhanced systems processes to Winrock projects, enhanced project reporting, invoicing, and project finance staff development.
“It’s great to be back,” Cathey said. “I’ve been with Winrock for 21 years and have seen projects implemented not just in the United States but across the world. I’ve always enjoyed the atmosphere working on Petit Jean Mountain provided to me and to the people I work with. My favorite spot here has always been the bluff near the Studio building which looks out over the Arkansas River Valley. It’s just great to be here.”
Cathey is a lifelong Arkansan and resident of Danville, as well as an avid hunter. He is married to Jan Cathey and they have two sons, Grant and Trent, and a grandson, Jaxson. Just outside of Danville, he co-owns a wetlands restoration project and has helped manage it for the last 12 years. Every year Cathey cycles the crops and water levels needed to create the ideal duck hunting experience, which he can then share with his family and friends.
