Melissa Dempsey

Background

About Melissa Dempsey

Melissa Dempsey, M.S, C.G.C, is market development manager for rare disease testing at Illumina. She’s passionate about increasing awareness and access to genetic testing, especially in rural and underserved areas. She utilized collaborations, projects and relationships to create new ideas and optimize efficiency to allow more people to benefit from genomics! She previously worked for FDNA, leading the Customer Success team, which is responsible for introducing Face2Gene software to healthcare providers and onboarding them. Prior to joining FDNA, Melissa was Product Manager for Cardiovascular Genetic Testing at Ambry Genetics. She designed the cardio testing menu, created all marketing materials, trained the cardiology field team, and developed relationships within Cardiovascular Genetics. She also managed other team members in the Marketing department. In addition, Melissa served as a genetic counselor and Director of Clinical Services and Education at The University of Chicago for eight years. She was an integral part of the molecular diagnostics laboratory, interpreting results, writing reports, accessioning samples, creating marketing materials and developing ideas for new test offerings. She has also worked on multiple publications and research projects. As a clinical genetic counselor, Melissa developed a new Genetics program at Parkview Health in Fort Wayne, which includes Genetic Counseling in the Cancer Center, Heart Institute and Prenatal Genetic Counseling. She also provided prenatal and pediatric genetic counseling during her time at the University of Chicago. Melissa was a faculty member of the Northwestern Genetic Counseling Program and co-supervisor of a 5-week laboratory course. She also served as a member of the Clinical Advisory Board for the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation. Melissa is an active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the American College of Medical Genetics. She is also faculty for the Indiana University School of Medicine in Fort Wayne, IN. Specialties: Program development, Cancer Genetics, Cardiovascular Genetics, teaching, Molecular Diagnostics, new test development, educational materials, marketing