Dawn DeSantis

Operations & Transformation Leader | Strategic Execution | Organizational Effectiveness | PMO & Governance

New York City Metropolitan Area

About

I’m an Operations and Transformation Leader who specializes in turning complexity into clarity and helping organizations execute strategic change. Throughout my career, I’ve led enterprise‑wide transformation initiatives, built high‑performing teams, modernized revenue‑critical systems, and delivered measurable improvements in revenue, margin, and operational performance. My approach blends strategy, execution, and organizational leadership. I’ve built and transformed business functions, developed high-performing teams, driven 40+ cross‑functional business improvements, redesigned pricing structures that improved revenue and margin performance, and led teams through major organizational change including corporate separation and system modernization. I'm most effective in environments where organizations are navigating change, competing priorities, operational complexity, or growth. These situations require alignment across functions, clear governance, disciplined execution, and strong stakeholder engagement. Whether the goal is improving operational performance, modernizing business processes, enhancing customer experience, or executing strategic initiatives, I bring structure, transparency, and momentum to the work. I'm currently exploring opportunities in Operations, Transformation, Strategic Initiatives, PMO, and Organizational Effectiveness where I can help organizations modernize, scale, and execute with clarity and accountability. If you're leading transformation, scaling operations, or driving strategic change, I'd welcome the opportunity to connect.

Experience

  • Founder & Product Lead at Independent Venture
    May 2026 - Present · 2 mos

    Leading the development of a consumer financial forecasting platform from concept through prototype, including product strategy, roadmap development, workflow design, market validation, and operational planning. Applying expertise in operations, transformation, and strategic execution to help households make more informed financial decisions.

  • Co-Founder & Board Member at Clarkstown South Front Row Club
    Sep 2025 - Present · 10 mos

    Co-founded a nonprofit performing arts booster organization supporting students and school programs. Serve as a board member focused on governance, fundraising strategy, community partnerships, and organizational development.

  • OUTFRONT Media (18 yrs 1 mo)
    • Senior Director, Quality Assurance
      2023 - 2025 · 2 yrs

      Established the company's first in-house Quality Assurance function, modernizing testing practices and strengthening quality governance across revenue-critical systems. Partnered with Product, Engineering, and business stakeholders to improve visibility, reduce risk, and support reliable software delivery.

    • Senior Director, Business Transformation Office
      2020 - 2023 · 3 yrs

      Key business partner for enterprise transformation initiatives focused on revenue growth, operational effectiveness, customer experience, and business process modernization. Collaborated with leaders across Sales, Technology, Finance, and Operations to define business requirements, drive adoption, and ensure successful business outcomes.

    • Senior Director, Sales Strategy & Operations
      2017 - 2020 · 3 yrs

      Strategic partner to Sales leadership responsible for operational improvement, sales enablement, pricing strategy, and organizational effectiveness initiatives. Collaborated across Sales, Finance, Legal, and Operations to improve execution, strengthen processes, and support revenue growth.

  • Senior Consultant at Brulant, Inc. / Independent Consultant
    2003 - 2005 · 2 yrs

  • Senior Consultant at Capgemini
    1999 - 2003 · 4 yrs