Cathy Buhrig joined FNS as the Associate Administrator for SNAP in March 2023.
Previously, Cathy spent 21 years at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services where she was passionate about addressing food access and equity issues. Cathy most recently served as the director for the Bureau of Policy in the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Income Maintenance. In this capacity, Cathy oversaw a $34 billion program portfolio designed to provide social stability for over 3 million low-income Pennsylvanians. This portfolio included policy and program management for SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), as well as several pandemic programs including the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program, SNAP emergency allotments, Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program. She also served as chair of the American Association of State SNAP Directors and vice-chair of the National Association of State TANF Administrators.
Cathy brings executive level experience in policy, strategic planning, legislative analysis, and program implementation to SNAP and FNS. She has worked closely with interagency partners to draft, analyze, and advance State legislation and provide analysis and advocacy for Federal legislation. She has demonstrated exceptional communication and problem-solving skills as well as effective team management, leading a high performing team through senior leadership changes and transition to telework environments. She brings a deep understanding of public policy issues and interests, and consistently centers the needs of low-income Americans throughout policy development, design, and implementation. She attributes much of her success to the long and collaborative relationships she has maintained with staff in multiple disciplines as well as with external advocates, constituent groups, non-profit organizations, federal program staff, and industry partners.
Cathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership and a Master of Public Administration from Shippensburg University.