Martha Deeds

Meet Martha

Martha Deeds is a Senior Principal, working directly with senior executives to develop and execute strategy, improve internal communications, and develop their next generation of leaders. With nearly two decades of multi-sector experience in systems change and transformation, Martha serves as a trusted partner to executives navigating complexity and driving meaningful change. At McChrystal Group, she specializes in healthcare, state & local governments, and other purpose-driven organizations, to support mission alignment and accelerate strategy execution.

What did you do before joining McChrystal Group?

Prior to joining McChrystal Group, I was the Senior Manager of Policy at the School and State Finance Project. In this role, I led research and policy development, including that of the Special Education Predictable Cost Cooperative, an initiative to form a public captive insurance company to manage $2.2Bn of risk in special education costs. Previously, I was the Manager of Special Projects at Capitol Region Education Council, where I oversaw a variety of high priority projects for the CEO. I served as Special Assistant to the Commissioner at the Connecticut State Department of Education, where I ensured alignment between Commissioner, CXOs, and the Department’s strategic plan by acting as chief of staff.

Prior to my work in the public sector, I facilitated a $1.9 million multi-agency, federal grant to implement the Pathways to Independence program for chronically homeless adults at Columbus House, Inc. and supervised residential programs for adolescents who have experienced significant trauma at the North American Family Institute.

Why did you join McChrystal Group?

I chose McChrystal Group because, at its heart, it is a mission-driven company that is aligned with my values. I knew that as a consultant implementing our Team of Teams approach, I would be doing work that makes organizations better places to work, from line staff all the way to the C-suite. I was also drawn to McChrystal Group because of our world-class leadership, who value the intersection of business and society.

What has been your proudest moment at McChrystal Group?

My proudest work was leading the McChrystal Group team supporting a Midwestern state's COVID-19 response. We embedded with state leaders from the initial PPE shortage in April of 2020 to vaccine rollout a year later. The service orientation of my colleagues, and the utter commitment to our state partners, and the citizens we served was most indicative of what makes McChrystal Group stand out from other consulting firms.

What are your favorite books (beside Team of Teams!)?

Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson, is a favorite book. I grew up in Nebraska, and it encapsulates the culture, the landscape, and the ethos of where I am from, while being a beautiful meditation on Calvinist Christianity.