Catharine Montgomery, founder and CEO of Better Together Agency, has been named an honoree in the AI and Innovation Leaders category of Ragan's Top Women in Marketing Awards, Class of 2026. The recognition, announced July 30, follows the March 2026 launch of TogetherAI, a private platform built for small nonprofits, startups, and advocacy groups, and two years of research on bias in generative AI.
A platform built on bias research
TogetherAI grew from Montgomery's ongoing study of generative AI bias. The platform uses each organization's approved messaging, data, and reports to produce consistent communications in its own voice. Staff can begin with a direct request instead of writing detailed prompts. Organizational data stays private, and every output is checked for bias related to race, gender, age, disability, income, and geography.
Because responses draw on the organization's own materials, teams spend less time correcting generic language or copy inconsistent with their brand. Clients report completing policy work 15% faster, freeing time for strategy, creativity, and relationships. Montgomery plans to release the third annual bias study later this year.
Policy expertise and industry recognition
In 2026, Montgomery graduated with distinction from the Center for AI and Digital Policy's AI Policy Clinic. Her work included research, writing, and policy analysis on the EU AI Act, the Council of Europe AI Treaty, and UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. She has spoken about AI bias, governance, and communications at Ragan's AI Horizons Conference with Google DeepMind, the Nonprofit Technology Conference, and She Speaks CEO.
"This recognition reflects work across the Better Together Agency team and the clients who told us what they needed from AI. Their questions about privacy, bias and accuracy turned two years of research into a platform built for daily communications work," Montgomery said.
Brendan Gannon, director of marketing at Ragan Communications, said, "Being named to the Class of 2026 is a recognition of the leadership, judgment and results these women bring to marketing. We are pleased to recognize Catharine Montgomery and look forward to celebrating her alongside the colleagues, loved ones and supporters who contributed to this achievement."
Montgomery will be recognized at the awards luncheon on October 22, 2026, at the Yale Club in New York City.
Why this matters for PR and Communications
TogetherAI's design responds directly to concerns communicators voice about generative tools: privacy, bias, and the time lost to rewriting generic output. For PR and communications teams, the platform shows how AI for PR & Communications can move beyond drafting assistance to enforce message consistency and bias checks automatically. When a tool pulls from an organization's own approved materials, it reduces the risk of off-brand language that can create reputation problems.
Montgomery's blend of policy training and practical product development also points to a growing need for communicators who understand AI governance. Professionals who want to apply these concepts can build relevant skills through resources like an AI Learning Path for Public Relations Specialists. The 15% efficiency gain reported by early users isn't about replacing strategic work - it's about reclaiming time for the relationships and creativity that drive results.
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