McKenna Dempsey

About McKenna Dempsey

I find order in chaos and purpose in the details. As an operations leader for 10+ years, I’ve designed people-first systems that turn big visions into meaningful results. I care deeply about human-centered organizational design – from uplifting team wellbeing and equity, to building processes that let creative minds thrive. Over the past decade, I\'ve scaled a youth mental health tech startup as its founder, wrangled complex projects in both creative and technical spaces, and spearheaded operations for social impact programming. I\'ve found I thrive as the behind-the-scenes strategic partner for visionary leaders. I excel at roadmapping strategy, implementing structure and accountability, and rolling up my sleeves to get it done with care. My approach is both systematic and soulful – I’ll build a thorough process and a smoother workflow, but I’ll also cultivate trust and psychological safety within the team while doing it.(In my world, systems serve people, not the other way around.) I\'m motivated by mission-drive organizations and leaders who want to find new, creative ways of doing business. If you\'re interested in building systems that make an impact without burning people out, let\'s connect.

Experience

1. Senior Manager, Headstream Operations

   Secondmuse

   May 2022 — Present

   Lead operations for Headstream, a SecondMuse initiative focused on funding and expanding the youth digital mental health space​. Support a team of program managers to develop and execute digital wellness programs for youth, crafting strategic roadmaps and setting milestones to enhance program impact​.Implement people-first processes to improve team effectiveness and well-being. Champion new frameworks that boost transparency and foster a supportive, high-trust work environment​.Coordinate cross-functional initiatives and events (remote and in-person) across a distributed team. Ensure clear communication between program teams and external partners, enabling Headstream to support cohorts of social entrepreneurs and multiple youth cohorts to date​.

Education

• University of Oregon

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Advertising

  2009 — 2013