Catherine B. Reynolds brings to the world of philanthropy and business the same innovation, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit that has ensured her success in the realm of commerce. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, she started her business career as a CPA at the accounting firm of Arthur Young, and then become the Special Assistant to the Board Chairman of The Charter Company, a Fortune 50 company at the time. Mrs. Reynolds went on to create a new and affordable way for Americans to finance a college education; a new asset class in the finance world. Through her vision and perseverance, millions of Americans have been able to attend the college of their choice. In only one decade, this creative approach to private educational financing revolutionized student lending and spawned a multibillion-dollar industry. After Wells Fargo Bank acquired the finance company in March 2000, she has supported an array of businesses in various stages.

Catherine B. Reynolds was selected by BusinessWeek magazine as one of the 50 most philanthropic living Americans and is the first self-made woman ever to make the list. Mrs. Reynolds has received honorary degrees from Georgetown University, Morehouse College, and Willamette University, as well as New York University’s Gallatin Gold Medal. She was selected as a Washingtonian of the Year, honoring “local heroes whose good works and generous spirits make Washington a great place to live and work.” In 2019, Mrs. Reynolds was selected by the Secretary of the Navy as sponsor of the USS Jack H. Lucas, the first Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. Mrs. Reynolds currently serves on the boards of General Dynamics Corporation, Lindblad Expeditions, LLC and VitaKey Inc. Today, Mrs. Reynolds focuses on philanthropic endeavors and VitaKey Inc., an innovative biotechnology company that will pioneer the precision delivery of nutrients, probiotics, and bioactives across the entire food supply chain.