Cary Hatch joined MDB Communications in 1981 as an account executive. After her promotion to a management position in 1983 and growing the business for several years, she purchased the company in 1987. With Cary at the helm, MDB became one of the most recognized, independent full-service advertising agencies in Washington DC; was included on Inc. 500, a list of fast-growing, privately held companies in America; and was distinguished by the US Chamber of Commerce as a Blue-Chip Company, those businesses lauded for their persistence and commitment. Clients MDB served under Cary’s leadership include National Geographic, Fannie Mae, Sprint, Destination DC, the International Spy Museum, Newseum, Chevy Chase Trust, DC Lottery, Roy Rogers Restaurants, and many others. In 2022, Cary sold MDB, and the company was acquired by HART, Inc. to create HART MDB+, an independent agency with a national footprint and a global reach.

• Leading transformational and reputation advancement for public and privately held brands in domestic and global business environments.

• Developing and leading domestic and international (RIMEA/Asia Pac) marketing programs for diverse industries including telecommunications, financial, retail/gaming and hospitality/tourism, including clients such as Sprint International, Fannie Mae, National Geographic, and Loral Space & Communications.

• Advising brands through transitional times including pre/post IPO marketing efforts and Chapter 11 reorganization circumstances.

• Serving an instrumental role in the Greater Washington Branding Initiative (the precursor to the Amazon HQ2 “race”) and providing communications support for the MetroNow Coalition, which successfully secured $500 million to ensure the long-term viability of the DC Metro system (DC’s transit system).

• Founding Advertising Week DC (ADWKDC); an annual conference attended by over 450 professionals in the Mid-Atlantic area. The legendary conference, conceived by the American Association of Advertising Agencies, began in New York City. Cary led the charge to bring the influential event to the Washington DC region.

Current Service

• Chair, Mid-Atlantic Board of Governors for the American Association of Advertising Agencies
• Member, Government Relations Committee for the American Association of Advertising Agencies
• Member, National Advertising Review Board, the appellate body that safeguards truth in advertising
• Member, The Greater Washington Board of Trade Board of Directors, Executive Committee (40 years of service)
• Trustee, Federal City Council
• Member, University System of Maryland Foundation Board of Directors, a $2 billion fund
• Member, Economic Club of Washington, DC

Previous Service

• Member, International Women's Forum (Washington, DC) Board of Directors
• Member, Leadership Greater Washington Board of Directors
• Member, Ad Council Washington DC Leadership Committee

Cary also completed the Leadership Foundry Program, which included training from the National Association of Corporate Directors, and the Deloitte Board Ready Program.