Mrs. Catherine Kilner

Cathy Kilner is the 13th social development coordinator for the United States Military Academy (USMA), more commonly known as the Cadet Hostess. The 1990 USMA graduate is the third West Point graduate to hold the position.

Mrs. Kilner served as an enlisted soldier for two years before attending the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) and USMA, branching quartermaster. During her four years as a cadet in Company B-3, her activities included Sandhurst, Theater Arts Guild, and the rock-climbing and orienteering teams. Her favorite leadership roles as a cadet were serving as the company first sergeant as a "cow" and company activities officer as a "firstie."

She is married to her Beast squad mate, LTC(R) Dr. Pete Kilner, who recently retired as the academy’s chair for character development. They have four sons, the oldest of whom is a 2015 USMA graduate and an armor officer. Their third son is a first lieutenant in the New York Army National Guard.

Although Mrs. Kilner hails from Minnesota, she claims West Point as her home, as her family has been stationed here for a combined total of more than 22 years.