Kathy Ford is an Iowa native and proud University of Iowa Alumna. While earning a BA in communication studies, Kathy was a member of the Hawkeye Marching Band trumpet section and enjoyed performing in the Iowa Pep Band, and the 1991 Rose Bowl and Holiday Bowl.  She recently celebrated her 30th year at Iowa and has enjoyed collaborating with faculty and students in the College of Law, Department of Dance, and School of Music.  Kathy boasts that she has THE BEST job on campus serving as the Hawkeye Marching Band Operations Manager and Band Administrator for the largest and most visible ensembles at the university.  Easily, the favorite part of Kathy’s job is working with students.

Kathy has fostered many professional networks across campus and values the diversity and vast resources available at the University of Iowa.  Some of the many committees she has served on include the University of Iowa Staff Council, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Staff Council, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittees, the Council on Disability Awareness, Co-Chair of the Hancher Advisory Committee, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Staff Recognition Committee.

Kathy has been afforded many special opportunities in her role including guest announcing with the Golden Voice of the Hawkeye Marching Band, Mr. Lou Crist, debuting on trombone in front of 70,000 in historic Kinnick Stadium, and traveling with her great B1G Band Family to Pasadena, Tampa, New York, San Diego, Orlando, Nashville and even Ireland! If you don’t find Kathy in the Band Office or recruiting new students across campus, you’ll likely find her sporting black and gold at any number of performing arts or Iowa sporting events.