Full Press Release

Iowa City, Iowa — ACT today announced that Senior Vice President of Government and Public Relations Catherine Hofmann has been named Chief Partnership & Growth Officer, effective immediately.

Hofmann, a former teacher and assistant principal, has spent her career advancing education from the classroom to state policy to assessment strategy. In her previous role, she expanded ACT’s reach and deepened relationships with education leaders across the country. In her new role as Chief Partnership & Growth Officer, she’ll build on this work, with her team responsible for building and maintaining strategic relationships with state and district partners and delivering assessment, measurement, and learning resources to educators and students that drive college and career readiness.

“Catherine brings deep experience, strong partner relationships, and a genuine commitment to our mission,” said ACT CEO Steve Tapp. “She is widely respected and uniquely positioned to guide our continued expansion and build on the strong foundation ACT has established.”

Hofmann’s appointment reflects her long-standing advocacy for learners and dedication to creating expanded pathways for student success.

“I truly believe that when you have the privilege of having a seat at the table, it is your responsibility to be the voice for who you were at 16 or 17 years old,” said Hofmann. “For me, as the first in my family to go to college, this work is my life’s mission. I’m honored to take on this expanded role to advocate for current and future generations of learners, ensuring every student has the support and resources they need to thrive.”

Hofmann succeeds Chief Revenue Officer Charlie Astorino, who will retire in January 2027. Astorino will remain with ACT to support a seamless transition.

Since joining ACT in 2014, Astorino’s leadership has made a lasting, meaningful impact across the organization. During his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening ACT's market position and expanding access to educational and workforce solutions nationwide.

“Charlie has been an exceptional leader, partner, and driver of growth for ACT,” said Tapp. “We are deeply grateful for his dedication and many contributions to our organization and mission. As we prepare for his retirement, we look forward to recognizing and celebrating all he has meant to ACT.”

Over the coming months, ACT will focus on a smooth leadership transition that maintains seamless support for its state, district, and institutional partners.

About ACT 

ACT is transforming college and career readiness pathways so that everyone can discover and fulfill their potential. Grounded in more than 65 years of research, ACT’s learning resources, assessments, research, and work-ready credentials are trusted by students, job seekers, educators, schools, government agencies, and employers in the U.S. and around the world to help people achieve their education and career goals at every stage of life.