About Us

As Development Manager, Katie Richardson (she/hers) manages public and corporate giving programs, including event sponsorships, corporate grants and donations, and the Waterfront Development Tax Credit Programs, while supporting the development department. Katie joined Riverlife’s staff in 2024 and has an MA in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University, a BA in Accounting, and a BA in Art from Carlow University.

In previous roles, Katie served as Foundation Manager, growing foundation and public support for WQED, Pittsburgh’s PBS station, after serving in fundraising and finance roles at Steeltown Entertainment Project. She brings a wealth of experience managing federal grants, in accounting, in grants management, and other development activities, and has secured federal awards from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

A long-time volunteer for Brentwood Meals on Wheels, she now donates time as their grant manager. Katie grew up with many memories on Pittsburgh’s riverfronts, and many of Riverlife’s projects directly impacted her time on the trails as a runner for Carlow University’s Cross Country team. She knows firsthand the experience that great public spaces can have on individuals. Katie is inspired by Riverlife’s efforts to bring more Pittsburghers down to their riverfronts to create great memories of their own.