FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. Cathy Thompson Successfully Defends Dissertation; Earns Doctorate in Strategic Marketing

Charleston, South Carolina | February 2026 — Cathy Thompson, Founder and CEO of Cathy Newman Consulting, has successfully defended her doctoral dissertation and has officially been conferred the title of Doctor.

Her research study, “Quantifying Impact: Buyer Persona Alignment on Marketing and Sales Effectiveness,” examined the measurable relationship between buyer persona alignment and organizational marketing and sales outcomes. The quantitative study contributes to the growing body of research connecting strategic marketing theory to real-world business performance indicators, including marketing strategy efficacy and return on marketing investment (ROMI).

Dr. Thompson’s work advances practitioner-focused scholarship by providing empirical insight into how organizations can optimize marketing and sales integration through data-informed buyer persona alignment.

“This milestone represents not only academic achievement but applied impact,” said Dr. Thompson. “My goal has always been to bridge research and practice — to ensure that strategy is measurable, aligned, and transformative for businesses.”

Although the formal hooding ceremony will take place in May 2026, the doctoral degree has been officially conferred following the successful oral defense before her dissertation committee at National University.

In addition to her role as Founder/CEO of Cathy Newman Consulting, Dr. Thompson serves as a Business and Marketing Educator within Charleston County School District and is a retired United States Navy veteran. She specializes in strategic marketing alignment, leadership development, digital transformation, and ROI-driven consulting solutions for small and mid-sized enterprises.

As the first in her family to earn a doctoral degree, Dr. Thompson views this accomplishment as both a personal and generational milestone.

“This achievement is legacy-centered,” she shared. “I stand as the first in my family to reach this level of higher education — but I firmly believe I will not be the last. I am committed to creating pathways for the next generation to rise even higher.”

Dr. Thompson plans to continue expanding her research into actionable frameworks for organizations seeking measurable growth through strategic buyer persona alignment.

For speaking engagements, consulting inquiries, or media requests, please contact:

Cathy Newman Consulting
Charleston, South Carolina