Kate Goodloe – Managing Director, Policy
I grew up in Kent, Washington, and have lived in Washington, DC since 2011.
In September 2019, I joined BSA | The Software Alliance after seven years as a privacy attorney and litigator at a large law firm. When I practiced law, the projects I enjoyed the most always involved public policy, so I was thrilled to join BSA and work on policy full-time.
I have an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. Before attending law school at New York University, I worked as a newspaper reporter for four years, including in Washington, DC, Dallas, Milwaukee, and New York.
What/who inspired you to have the career you have today?
It took me several years to connect my background in journalism with my interest in privacy and technology law. When I first started working at a law firm, I thought I might want to do communications law because I assumed I would enjoy advising newspaper reporters. But what really interested me were legal questions around how people gather and use information — and what that means for others. It took a gentle push from my mentor — who happened to be the chair of our firm’s privacy group — to realize that’s privacy law.
What attracted you to work at BSA?
Two things. The first is the people at BSA. My colleagues are true experts in so many policy areas, but they are also just great people. It’s a lot of fun to work with them and with the member companies that we represent.
The second is the opportunity to work on policy issues full-time. When I practiced law, I had to advise clients on whether they complied with a law’s requirements or represent them in litigation challenging a law with unclear requirements. I prefer the world of policy, where the focus is getting a law right at the outset.
What’s the most unique part about working at BSA?
Our approach to policy. I get to walk into a really complicated set of issues, like privacy and artificial intelligence, and help solve them. It’s constructive, and that’s great.
What advice can you give someone who just started their career/wants to pursue a similar career?
Do what you enjoy! Don’t spend too much time thinking about what you “should” be doing at different points in your career. Find something that interests you, and then figure out how to do more of it.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food. Our corner store started stocking it a few years ago because I would ask for it so often. If there were a way to request extra fudge phishes, I would.
Favorite spot in your hometown or current city?
I love the Capitol building. I live in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, and the Capitol is a fixture for anyone walking, jogging, or biking. I particularly enjoy the open plaza on the eastern side of the Capitol, which is always full of locals walking their dogs, kids riding scooters, and large tour groups. In the winter, the other side of the Capitol has the best sledding around. It’s just a beautiful, historic place to enjoy a long walk.
When was the last time you completely unplugged?
This summer, my family went to Olympic National Park, where I knew cell phone service would be spotty. There were days when cell phone service was non-existent, so we enjoyed the peace and beauty of that park with surprisingly few electronic interruptions.
How do you unwind after work?
I took up tennis a few years ago. I don’t know if it counts as unwinding to head to a tennis court and attempt to learn to serve, but I’m trying it!
