Dr. Katie Ervin

Dr. Katie Ervin is the Founder and CEO of Catalyst Development, a company she launched after 26 years in corporate HR, higher education administration, and leadership coaching. With 14 years in human resources, 12 years in higher education, and now years leading her own business, Dr. Ervin has dedicated her career to helping organizations strengthen leadership, build high-performing teams, and create intentional workplace cultures where people actually want to work.

She works with all sectors and typically works in fast-paced and high-pressure such as construction, logistics, healthcare and local government. Her approach is research-backed, people-focused, and built on practical strategies that improve performance, retention, and morale at every level of an organization.

Through leadership development programs, executive coaching, and workforce engagement strategies, Dr. Ervin drives real, actionable change that helps people and businesses thrive.

She is also the author of You Might Be An Asshole But It Might Not Be Your Fault, a 2023 #1 Best Seller in Human Resources on Amazon. The book combines research and candid insights to help readers understand what drives behavior at work and how to become better leaders because of it.  Her second book, 52 weeks of LEADERship, was released in April, 2026 which became a #1 best seller in Human Resources and Education on Amazon.  It is a practical leadership journal to help people at all levels build their leadership skills. 

Dr. Ervin is actively involved in her community and serves on the boards of the Pittsburg State University Alumni Association, Goodwill of Kansas and Missouri, and Habitat for Humanity Kansas Affiliate Support Board.  She is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Kansas.  She also mentors women golfers through Driving Pursuits in Kansas City and Wichita combining her passion for leadership and the game.