Cathy St. John

Cathy St. John, CPA, is a seasoned financial executive with more than 35 years of progressive leadership experience spanning public accounting, agriculture, and media. Since 2020, she has served as the Financial Controller for Cowles Publishing and The Spokesman-Review, where she oversees enterprise-wide financial operations, ensures rigorous fiscal stewardship, and supports strategic decision-making for one of the Northwest’s most storied, family-owned media organizations.

Prior to joining Cowles Publishing, Cathy spent 16 years as Chief Financial Officer for Cooperative Agricultural Producers, Inc., a major grower-owned cooperative in Rosalia, Washington. In this capacity, she led all financial, accounting, and audit functions while serving as a key advisor to the board. Her work helped strengthen operational efficiency, enhance reporting accuracy, and guide long-term financial planning during significant periods of industry change.

Cathy began her career in public accounting, holding roles of increasing responsibility. She served nearly 14 years as a CPA and Tax Accountant with Theodore F.S. Rasmussen PS, specializing in tax strategy, compliance, and consulting for individuals, businesses, and cooperatives. Before that, she worked as a Senior Staff Accountant with Coopers & Lybrand, one of the world’s leading accounting firms, where she built a strong technical foundation in audit, financial reporting, and client services.

A proud graduate of Gonzaga University’s School of Business Administration, Cathy earned her bachelor's degree in accounting and has remained active in the professional community throughout her career. Her memberships include the Washington Society of CPAs, the Washington Association of Accounting and Tax Professionals, and the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives. She has also contributed her time and leadership to community causes, including work with the Rosalia Gifted Granny’s nonprofit organization.

Dedicated, analytical, and highly collaborative, Cathy brings exceptional depth in financial management, organizational leadership, and strategic accounting excellence. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to accuracy, integrity, and supporting the long-term financial health of the organizations she serves.