Cathy has dedicated much of her life to improving the lives of others and connecting women to Jewish life and each other. Cathy serves on the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, National Women’s Philanthropy and recently served on the board of The Jewish Foundation for Group Homes and on the Executive Committee as Vice President for Women’s Philanthropy for The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. 

Cathy has served on several other local and national boards including the Kingsbury Center (special education), the Edna Gladney Fund (adoption), Adas Israel Congregation and the Jewish Social Service Agency. Cathy also served as a presidential appointee to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and worked on the opening of the museum. 

Currently, Cathy serves as editor-in-chief and designated spokesperson for Redefining Moments: End of Life Stories for Better Living, a second book written by her late father Gordon Zacks z"l.  In April of 2020, Cathy served as a volunteer coordinator and fundraiser for the non-profit, Supplies for Success. She worked to raise money and distribute thousands of educational/art supply carekits for the 3- to 8-year-old children of frontline hospital workers and struggling families.  

Cathy Zacks Gildenhorn is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Emory University Law School. She lives in Bethesda with her husband Michael, her children Edward and Elissa, and her golden retriever, Tyler.