Since graduating with a PhD in Social Anthropology from Queen’s University Belfast, Katy has been working on matters of social inclusion, identity and culture.
She has a practical and academic interest in the arts as agents for change, post conflict recovery and resilience building. Katy is currently the Electoral Commissioner for Northern Ireland and chairs the Northern Ireland Advisory Committee for the British Council.
She has previously served terms as a trustee of that organisation, as an Equality Commissioner for Northern Ireland, Vice Chair of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and as the sole woman appointed to be a member of Stormont's Commission on Flags Identity, Culture and Tradition.