Nancy Desmond
Chief Executive Officer
Nancy Desmond is CEO of the Center for Health Transformation and of the Gingrich Group, a consulting firm focused on transformation and chaired by former Speaker Newt Gingrich.
In 2006 Desmond headed up the launch of CHT Press, which she directs. She is the co-author, with Gingrich, of The Art of Transformation and Implementing the Art of Transformation: The Workbook. Business guru Tom Peters called The Art of Transformation “a masterful text” and Oprah’s Dr. Mehmet Oz called it a “brilliant blue print for transformation” and “a must read for any leader."
Desmond served as chief of staff for the Georgia Sixth District congressional and district offices under Speaker Gingrich from 1995-1999. During that time, Gingrich's Georgia poll numbers rose significantly and his re-election numbers rose from 58% in 1992 to 72% in his final congressional election in 1998. Prior to overseeing his congressional operations, Desmond served as project director for the nationally televised Renewing American Civilization college course, which Gingrich taught from 1993-1994. In 1994, she became district director in the Sixth District Georgia office, prior to being named chief of staff for Gingrich’s Georgia and Washington congressional operations, overseeing all strategies, projects and communications related to his Georgia activities. She simultaneously served as director of special projects in the Office of the Speaker of the House.
Desmond earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eastern Illinois University and Master’s and Specialist Degrees in Counseling and Psychological Services from Georgia State University. Prior to 1994, she worked as a psychologist and educator for twenty years, serving several school systems, educational centers and organizations in the State of Georgia. She also has received training and certification in strategic planning.
An author and freelance writer, Desmond's writings have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers and her books have been favorably reviewed and excerpted in such widely read publications as People and Ladies Home Journal. She has been featured in a number of popular literary works, including PowerChicks: How Women Will Dominate America, by Matt Towery, and To Renew America, by Speaker Gingrich. She recently served on the fifteen-member Women's Progress Commission, the members of which were appointed by Congress and the White House.
A 1998 graduate of Leadership Georgia, Desmond received the Georgia Mental Health Association's Leadership Award for Public Policy in 1997. While working for Gingrich in Congress, she introduced the idea for the Thomas System, which provides immediate online access to all Congressional legislative activity. She also chaired Speaker Gingrich's national Women's Strategies Group and created the concept for a nationwide District Directors Association, which continues to serve as the primary networking mechanism for Republican District Directors nationwide.
Desmond lives in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, Dennis, who is an executive search consultant.
Center for Health Transformation CEO Named YWCA Woman of Achievement
