On a mission to ensure young people have every opportunity to thrive.
Katie Dealy is a strategic executive who has dedicated her career to securing a brighter future for children.
From building a premier early learning and public health center to leading engagement for the nation’s top physician, Katie has worked across sectors to design programs and partnerships that expand opportunity and unlock the potential of young people.
Katie Dealy speaking with middle school students in Falk Library. Photo credit: The Falk School ©
Katie has spent more than 25 years advancing education and health opportunities for young people.
Currently, she serves as Senior Advisor to Dr. Vivek Murthy and The Together Project, a new effort to inspire greater connection and community in the country. Previously she served as Director of Public Engagement for Dr. Murthy, the nation’s 21st U.S. Surgeon General, driving national public health efforts on youth mental health, social media, loneliness, parental mental health, and gun violence. Her work in this role built on two decades of leadership roles spanning national non-profit organizations, government, philanthropy, and university settings.
Katie began her career as a classroom teacher—an experience that shaped her understanding of how policy translates into practice and expands opportunity for young children and families. She went on to advise the city of Chicago on early childhood policy. She held several leaderships roles at Teach For America, including chief of staff to the CEO, and she served as the founding COO of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health at the University of Chicago.
Katie Dealy speaking at a ‘Reclaiming Connection: How Discourse and Dialogue Can Combat Loneliness and Build Community’ event alongside Carissa Slotterback, dean and professor in the School of Public and International Affairs. Photo credit: University of Pittsburgh ©
Katie Dealy moderating a panel discussion at West Creek Ranch in 2026.
Building partnerships to advance youth opportunities
Strategic Planning & Advising
Katie helps organizations turn ideas into strategic action—she has advised emerging philanthropic efforts, shaped strategy for early-stage organizations, and driven strategic and operational impact for established institutions.
Partnership Development & Fundraising
Katie is a natural connector who loves bringing people together to spark ideas, build relationships, and uncover opportunities that benefit more young people. She’s turned those connections into multi-year, multi-million dollar partnerships—linking philanthropists with practitioners, researchers, and community leaders to drive change.
Seasoned Public Speaker & Facilitator
Katie is a regular public speaker and facilitator, inspiring people around issues including childhood development, public service, organizational strategy, as well as designing and refining social systems that help children of all backgrounds to connect, learn, and thrive.
Katie Dealy with Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 21st U.S. Surgeon General. Photo credit: Rah Ford for the Office of the Surgeon General ©