Kate O’Connor is an accomplished, award-winning communications and public relations professional with more than two decades of experience leading successful programs and teams. She carefully guides leaders with strategic counsel and thoughtful approaches that are based on market insights and draw on her deep experience. 

Kate has been a consultant to biotech and pharma companies of various sizes and stages since 2017. She has become a valued contributor to in-house teams and has supported clients in short-term (3-6 month) and long-term (5+ year) engagements.

Prior to launching Five Oaks Public Relations, Kate was Head of US Communications for Boehringer Ingelheim, a top 15 global pharmaceutical company. In this role, she led a high-performing team of communications professionals and was responsible for internal and external communications, including product communications, rapid response to issues, company positions on a range of topics and advising senior leaders as a trusted counselor. 

Kate's work has been recognized throughout her career, including Healthcare Campaign of the Year, PR News Best Place to Work in PR, Silver Anvil, CIPRA and numerous corporate accolades within companies. Prior to her tenure at Boehringer Ingelheim, Kate spent several years in the pharmaceutical and consumer health divisions at Novartis, supporting a range of products and therapeutic areas. She began her career at a public relations agency in New York. 

Kate is adept at solving complex communication challenges. She partners across a range of disciplines to build and tell the story of an organization, with integrated solutions to reach a variety of stakeholders. Always focused on the end goal, Kate delivers results that contribute meaningfully to organizational success.

A graduate of Colgate University, Kate is based in Newtown, Connecticut. On the weekends, you'll find her enjoying life among the trees in Vermont with her family and friends.