Catherine M. Abate

Since June 1999, Catherine M. Abate has served as the president and CEO of Community Healthcare Network, her latest endeavor in a career that spans several decades of public service.

Ms. Abate began her professional life as an attorney at the Legal Aid Society in New York City, and eventually became director of training in its Criminal Defense Division. She taught criminal law and procedure and trial litigation practice to hundreds of newly hired attorneys.

In 1986, Governor Cuomo appointed Ms. Abate to the position of executive deputy commissioner of the New York State Division of Human Rights and in 1988, to the position of Chair of the New York State Crime Victims Board. During the Dinkins administration, she served as Commissioner of both the New York City Departments of Correction and Probation.

Ms. Abate was elected as a New York State Senator in Manhattan from 1994—1998. While in the Senate, she was the ranking Democrat on the Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee, as well as Investigations and Government Operations Committee.

Ms. Abate is a frequent lecturer and panelist on human rights, criminal justice, health care and management/leadership. She serves on a number of Boards, to name a few: Member of New York City Commission on HIV/AIDS, Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS), Alliance for Women’s Health, Medicaid Matters New York – Steering Committee, Co-Chair of the Business and Labor Coalition of New York (BALCONY), Member of Board -– New York Presbyterian HIV SNP, Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee, Member of State Probation Commission, Member of New York City Board of Corrections, Member of Disciplinary Committee (Supreme Court Appellate Division First Department), Criminal Procedure Law Committee convened by Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, and Former Board Chair of Family Planning Advocates of New York State.

Ms. Abate graduated cum laude from Vassar College and received her law degree from Boston University Law School.