Kate Houck
About Kate
Kate Houck is the Executive Director of David’s Refuge, a Central and Western NY organization dedicated to supporting parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening illnesses. Since joining in 2015, Kate has led the organization to significant growth, earning recognition as one of Central New York’s Best Places to Work (2019-2023) while exceeding development goals and reducing caregiver burnout.
Previously, Kate spent a decade with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in leadership roles. She is a 40 Under 40 honoree, has completed advanced leadership and DEI training, and actively contributes to community organizations, including Profound Mastermind, Women United and the Marsellus Forward Nonprofit Leadership Group.
Kate, a SUNY Cortland alumna with a degree in Communications, treasures her family—husband Paul and their two teens, Nathan and Leah. Her passions include nature, exercise, and fostering positivity, guided by her favorite quote from Carole King: “You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face and show the world all the love in your heart.”
Get to know more about Kate
I saw firsthand the need through my work at Muscular Dystrophy Association and seeing what families went through...especially the Moms and Dads.
I've taken many dream trips and often say that it's more about the people I am with then the destination. That being said, I would love to see the Redwoods.
I love me some Norah Jones, Whitney Houston and Andy Grammar.
My kids and loving husband. This community. The friends I have made along the way. My teams at David's Refuge and MDA that I have had the honor to lead. Pretty much every human inspires me in one way or another....inspires me to be a better person, inspires me to change my mindset or inspires me to turn and go the other way....all of it is helpful and teaches me.