Demelza Depalma Genest
Chief Operating Officer @Tampa Bay Wave
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WORK HISTORY
Chief Operating Officer @Tampa Bay Wave
As COO of Tampa Bay Wave, I drive operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives across the organization to accelerate the success of our startup and entrepreneurial community. I oversee key functions including operational strategy, program development, and financial management, ensuring the seamless execution of our mission to support high-growth technology startups.Key responsibilities- Lead cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency, performance metrics, and program scalability- Develop and implement organizational strategies to support business objectives, growth targets, and sustainability efforts- Manage financial planning, budgeting, and fundraising efforts to strengthen resources for program delivery- Cultivate strategic partnerships with industry leaders, investors, and community stakeholders to advance the entrepreneurial ecosystem- Collaborate with the executive team to refine and execute the overall vision and direction of the organization.
EDUCATION
University of Tampa
Master's degree, Accounting
University of Tampa
Master of Science - MS, Accounting
Emory University
BA, Economics
Emory University
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Economics
SKILLS
ABOUT DEMELZA DEPALMA GENEST
As a senior executive with deep cross-sector experience, I lead complex organizations through strategic growth and operational transformation. In my role as Chief Operating Officer of Tampa Bay Wave—one of the nation’s foremost nonprofit tech accelerators—I oversee programs that support hundreds of high-growth startups annually across fintech, healthtech, cybersecurity, and beyond. I’ve led the design and scaling of systems that translate data into action, secured multimillion-dollar federal and philanthropic funding, and forged high-impact partnerships with public institutions and corporate innovators.My career spans global firms and high-growth tech, including leadership roles at PwC and Alteryx, where I specialized in aligning go-to-market strategy, data architecture, and business operations to drive measurable results. I’m known for bridging executive vision with disciplined execution—bringing analytical depth, operational rigor, and boardroom fluency to the challenges of scale, innovation, and stakeholder alignment.I operate with clarity, composure, and conviction. Whether advising founders, institutional partners, or executive teams, I bring a strategic mindset grounded in experience and results. I take pride in building organizations—and ecosystems—that deliver sustainable impact, while earning the trust of those I lead, support, and serve.
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