Martha Deeds is an Implementation Senior Principal, where she leads client engagements. Martha’s professional expertise includes C-suite advisory, board and stakeholder relations, public policy and governmental affairs, and people operations.
Education
- M.B.A. Yale University
- B.S.W. Southern Connecticut State University
Meet Martha
What did you do before joining McChrystal Group?
Most recently, I was the Senior Manager of Policy at the School and State Finance Project. In this role, I led research and policy development for the organization, 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 also 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 public policy, 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, for line staff all the way to the C-suite. I also was drawn to McChrystal because of our world-class leadership, who value the intersection of business and society.
What has been your proudest moment at McChrystal Group?
I am proud to be supporting a midwestern state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the virus took hold in the U.S., McChrystal leaned in, and offered support where we could have the most impact, bringing military and public sector expertise, to ensure that state government had the best tools to operate with speed and agility under unprecedented conditions.
What are your favorite books (beside Team of Teams!)?
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson is a favorite. A recent read that I enjoyed was Jerusalem: The Biography by Simon Sebag Montefiore. I also like silly fantasy novels like Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive.