GCWW Executive Director
GCWW Executive Director Cathy Bernardino Bailey
Cathy Bernardino Bailey is the Executive Director of Greater Cincinnati Water Works for the City of Cincinnati. Ms. Bailey is the first woman and African-American woman to lead the utility since its formation 200 years ago. She began with the utility in 1992 as a chemist. The following year Cathy took on the role of Water Quality and Treatment Data Manager. She later earned several promotions to other key managerial positions, including Information Technology Help Desk Administrator, Strategic Planning and Performance Measurement Manager, and Project Manager.
Cathy was temporarily promoted to the Director of Greater Cincinnati Water Works beginning July 12, 2015. On September 20, 2015, she was permanently appointed as the Executive Director, where she demonstrates unrelenting drive, consistent perseverance, and perpetual optimism -- leading her to the top of her profession.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati and has been with GCWW her entire 28-year career.
Cathy annually speaks and participates on panels at the American Water Works Association, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), and the Engaging Local Government Leaders conferences, and other water summits sharing knowledge on strategic planning, employee engagement, workforce diversity, and continuous improvement. She is the Policy Committee Chair for AMWA and a Water Research Foundation Board Director.
She has distinguished herself as a leader throughout her career, focusing on communications, strategic thinking, innovation, outreach, and teamwork to bring forward solutions that positively impact the community. Her local community work and leadership roles were recognized as she was one of 2018 Greater Cincinnati YWCA’s Career Women of Achievement, and one of the Cincinnati Venue Magazine’s Women of Influence. In 2019, Ms. Bailey was named one of seven African American leaders in Cincinnati that residents should get to know and understand their impact in the region.
She is a board member of the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, serves on the Leadership Cincinnati Steering Committee, and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Outside of work, Cathy enjoys baking, volunteering, and traveling with family and friends. She resides in College Hill and is happy for the opportunity to serve the City of Cincinnati.