After graduating from TSTI-Waco with an Associate Degree in Commercial Art & Advertising, Kathy Swindler began her career in television as Art Director turned Promotions Manager. That journey lasted almost 40 years. She worked 16 years at KMID-TV, then 13 at KWES-TV. In those early years, she wrote and produced on-air promotions, created graphics for everything from print to vehicle design, and produced the Easter Seals and MDA telethons. In 2005, she moved to the mother company for the CBS affiliate, KOSA-TV- Investment Corporation of America as VP-Director of Marketing. She oversaw the in-house agency for ICA which owns over 300 properties, including 2 malls, 9 hotels, manufactured housing, 7 radio stations and more.

 

Kathy is on the Permian Basin Honor Flight Board, serving as President twice. Honor Flight has flown 8 charter flights with almost 800 Veterans to Washington DC to see the Memorials built in their honor. She is on the Odessa Arts Board. She was an artist member and Past President of Gallery 1114. She is also Past President of the Permian Basin American Advertising Federation and during her Presidency, the club won the AAF Club of the Year. Over the years she has served on multiple boards and advisory committees including the United Way of Odessa, Food 2 Kids, Midland Odessa Area Aids Support, Feast of Sharing, the Ellen Noél Art Museum, Basin PBS, Midland Education Combination, Heritage Holiday and Midland Need to Read.

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She has won numerous awards including the AAF Permian Basin Silver Medal for Lifetime Achievement, AAF District 10 Club Member of the Year, the United Way of Odessa Volunteer of the Year, the Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Award, The Salvation Army Odessa Heroes Award, a National MDA Broadcast Award, and hundreds of ADDY awards for excellence in advertising. 

 

Kathy’s love of graphic arts makes her photographer hubby, Mark, the perfect match. They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. They both love family, the arts, artsy friends, their 2 dogs and traveling.