By Debra Silimeo
Cary Hatch, one of the Capital region’s most celebrated advertising executives, is retiring from Hart, Inc. Hatch sold her DC-based agency, MDB Communications, to Hart two years ago.
“From the very beginning of my advertising career, I’ve been hopelessly in love with what I do and the power of communications to elevate the profile of organizations, brands, and causes,” said Hatch. “I also care deeply about our community and plan to continue to engage with causes I believe in. Now, I can do this on my own terms and pace.”
Hatch will step down at the end of the year. She’s been a force in the DC advertising community for decades.
Her entrepreneurial journey started when she was just thirty years old, when she purchased MDB. During her tenure, her firm was recognized as an Inc. 500 firm and Blue-Chip Enterprise by the US Chamber of Commerce. Since the 2022 sale, she has been serving as Senior Counsel at Hart MDB+, the D.C. office of the parent company.
Mike Hart, CEO of Hart, Inc, heralded Hatch’s accomplishments in a statement:
“For more than four decades, Cary has been a titan in the advertising world…Cary’s industry impact has been nothing short of remarkable. From testifying before Congress on the efficacy of communications to prevent veteran suicide, to serving as the select committee for the National Advertising Review Board for the U.S. system of advertising industry self-regulation, she has been a true advocate for not only the brands she’s represented but the advertising industry as a whole.”
“She has consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Her visionary leadership, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to excellence have inspired not just me, but generations of advertising professionals who have had the fortune to work with her.”
Hatch told Capitol Communicator that one of her favorite campaigns was Destination DC’s “DC Cool,” which positioned DC as a hip place to visit. Other favorite client engagements, she said, included National Geographic, the International Spy Museum, Fannie Mae, Roy Rogers, the DC Lottery, Partnership for a Drug-Free America, Chevy Chase Trust and international campaigns for Sprint.
“I’ve also had the good fortune to work with and for some of the most inspiring and talented people and clients on the planet,” said Hatch “I’m very lucky indeed.”
She currently serves on the boards of the Washington Housing Conservancy Board and the Whitman Walker Foundation Board; chairs the Mid-Atlantic Board of Governors for the 4As; is a trustee of the Federal City Council; and serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Washington Board of Trade, and on the Kennedy Center Capital Corporate Council. She is the founder of ADWKDC. She has also served as an advisor and mentor to women entrepreneurs and young advertising professionals.
Her advertising work and community engagement have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including being honored in the Washington Business Journal’s (WBJ) Power 100; in the first class of WBJ’s Women Who Mean Business; being named as the DC Chamber’s Small Businessperson of the Year in 2023; and a American Advertising Federation – DC Silver Medal honoree.
Hatch was an original supporter of Capitol Communicator and ADWKDC is now part of the Mid-Atlantic MarCom Summit.
PHOTO by Cade Martin
Congratulations to a visionary leader in our industry! Cary is a mentor for those of us following in her wake. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead, and her continued impact on our region. Cheers to a great leader.