Kathy Pickus

Kathy Pickus is divisional vice president for Sustainability Insights and Outreach at Abbott, a global healthcare company. Working together with Abbott business leaders, Kathy supervises efforts to maximize the positive impact of Abbott's business in helping people build better lives and stronger communities, while strengthening the business through shared value and reducing impact on the environment.

Prior to joining Abbott, Kathy served as the special assistant for National Security Affairs to the vice president of the United States, where she focused on advancing development in sub-Saharan Africa.

Kathy began her career at the U.S. Department of State, working with the private sector to advance democratic institution-building programs. In 1993, she was selected by the United Nations to serve as an election monitor for the first-ever democratic elections held in the Republic of South Africa.

Kathy is a member of the Southeast Asia Advisory Committee and the Executive Council of Development at the Center for Strategic & International Studies. In addition, she serves on the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council, which focuses on advancing the status of women in Afghanistan. Kathy speaks extensively at conferences and events focused on sustainability, shared value, corporate responsibility, and global health and development.