About Kate

Kate Donaghue grew up in a large family, with a dad who started an insurance agency, and a mom who took care of eight kids. She came to Westborough as a student, where she worked part time and during summers to put herself through college. She went on to earn two graduate degrees during her career, first as a medical technologist and then as a software developer.  

She and her husband, Kimball, sent their son, Brian, and her stepdaughter, Josselyn, to Westborough Public Schools, where both graduated from Westborough High. Kate and Kimball both volunteered extensively in the hiking and environmental communities. Kate has served as a member of the Westborough Open Space Preservation Committee, and on the Boards of the Green Mountain Club and the Westborough Community Land Trust.

 
 

As a past Chair of the Long Trail Protection Fund Committee, she co-led a fundraising effort that ultimately protected over 25,000 acres of land from development. For many years, she assisted Kimball as he maintained the Walkup and Robinson Memorial Reservation in Westborough. Kate has also volunteered with the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

In 2018, Kate's son Brian died of an overdose. Following his death, she organized lobbying days on Beacon Hill to talk to legislators and policymakers about needed improvements in addiction treatment in Massachusetts. She serves on the Family Advisory Council focused on opioids for the Attorney General’s Office. 

In 2021, Kate lost her husband, Kimball, to cancer. Her experience as a caregiver underscored the challenges too many families face supporting loved ones: hours on the phone with insurance companies, difficulty finding services, and the high cost of care. Since 2021, she has served on the Patient and Family Advisory Council at UMass Memorial Medical. 

Kate is using her voice as State Representative to fight for her neighbors on these critical issues.

 

Kate’s Record of Service

  • State Representative, 19th Worcester District, 2023-present

  • Past Member, Westborough Open Space Preservation Committee

  • Past Board Member, Green Mountain Club

  • Former Chair, Long Trail Protection Fund Committee, protecting 25,000+ acres of land

  • Volunteer, Sudbury Valley Trustees

  • Past Board Member, Westborough Community Land Trust 

  • President's Award, Westborough Community Land Trust

  • Volunteer, Appalachian Mountain Club and Appalachian Trail Conservancy

  • Organizer, Annual Candidates Forum for Town Candidates in Westborough

  • Active Westborough Town Meeting Participant

  • BS, MS; Medical Technology

  • MS, WPI; Computer Science