Michelle Dervan

Chief Executive Officer

2022 - Current

We help Chief People Officers tackle their To-Do Lists ⬇️ → Pay Transparency → Skills Strategy & Benchmarking → AI Adoption

Fellow

2022

On Deck Founders (ODF15)

Venture Partner

2021

Partner

2018 - 2021

Rethink Education is a venture capital fund focused on early and growth-stage investments in education technology companies. We invest in companies that meet the challenges and opportunities of 21st-century learning. Board roles (current and past): Acadeum (Director), Adjacent Academies (Director), Correlation One (Observer), Vivvi Early Learning (Observer), Care Academy (Observer), Mentor Collective (Observer), American Prison Data Systems (Observer), 3D Bear (Observer), Upswing Retention (Director),

Principal

2016 - 2018

Board Member

2018 - 2019

IIBN is a leading network of Irish entrepreneurs and business professionals. Our mission is to facilitate meaningful networking opportunities and connections for Irish and Irish American executives.

Co Organizer

2014 - 2017

Helping synergize the NYC EdTech community by organizing thoughtful community events. Our interest is in harmonizing learners of all ages, academia, non-profits, and entrepreneurs to maximize educational outcomes. NYEdtech is the largest education technology community in the U.S. with over 6,000 members.

Director Strategic Partnerships

2014 - 2016

Focus on identifying and negotiating partnerships with tech companies in the education sector.

Research

2014 - 2014

Research and mapping of higher education technology landscape.

SVP, Education

2010 - 2014

Managed the education portfolio for Enterprise Ireland in the US. This involved a dual mandate - to increase the number of American students studying abroad in Ireland - to grow the exports of Irish education technology companies selling in the U.S. market. Outcomes: Education in Ireland brand: - Designed and launched new national strategy for the US market. Delivered growth of 35% in full-time and 15% in study-abroad enrolments over three years as a result of the collaborative marketing initiative with Irish universities and colleges. - Generated extensive network of influencers and brand champions in key U.S. states through investment in new promotional programs including; International Student Ambassador Program, US Counselor Tour of Ireland, Fall & Spring Recruitment Road Shows, Online Study in Ireland Day. Education Technology - Initiated a cluster strategy to support Irish education technology companies entering and expanding in the U.S. market. - Managed one-on-one consultancy projects, engagement of relevant pathfinders, as well as the introduction of new events, including knowledge seminar on selling to the U.S. education sector (streamed for k-12 and post secondary markets), and a series of 'Irish Edtech Idol' shark tank events.

Senior Market Adviser - Russia, High Growth Markets Team

2008 - 2010

Worked in partnership with Irish software and services companies to assist them to enter and expand in the Russian market. This included carrying out market research and detailed opportunity analysis, developing B2B marketing strategies, preparing clients for the operating specifics of the market, lead generation and building senior level networks of influence, designing and coordinating events for industry clusters in Russia and in Ireland. Special Projects: Project Manager on September 2010 Presidential Trade Mission to Moscow, involving 30 companies and state visit to the Kremlin. Presenter at the 'Doing Business in the East' conference, held at Dublin City University in 2010.

Board Member

2012 - 2012

Founding member of the Irish Executive Mentorship Program. We designed this program as a way to harness the skills and insights of successful Senior Executives in NYC to coach and develop the next generation of Irish and Irish American leaders. The 6 month program matched mentees with industry specific senior mentors for one-to-one meetings, consultation and advice. The program is now in its third year.

Client Relationship Manager

2006 - 2008

Managed relationships with new and existing Russian and English speaking clients and acted as Sales Support Manager to the VP of Sales & Marketing. Carried out market research and opportunity analysis projects. Coordinated attendance at international trade shows and generated new leads. Presented online system demos and classroom-based training for users and designed training materials. Negotiated system customization requests and resolution of technical issues.