Michael Dempsey

Associate

Michael began his career with Kimmel & Associates in 2023 as an Associate in the Heavy Civil Division.

Prior to joining Kimmel & Associates, Michael worked in higher education, creating academic and workforce development programs, leading recruitment efforts, and forging partnerships throughout Western North Carolina. He also taught world history and worked as a staff writer and copy editor for North Carolina-based newspapers.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and a master’s degree in History at the College of Charleston and the Citadel, as well as his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University.

Michael and his wife, Jane Ann, are the proud parents of son Harlan and daughter Emma Rose. Outside of the office, he enjoys reading history, collecting records, seeing live bands, fly fishing (rather poorly), and pulling for the Philadelphia Phillies and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

We sat down with Michael and asked him the following:

• What do you like most about working at Kimmel & Associates?
  The opportunity to do work every day that has the potential to change a person’s life for the better.
• What is one thing you learned early in your career that has made you successful?
  At the end of the day, solid relationships and integrity are the only things that truly matter. If you can relate to people, build trust with them, and – perhaps most importantly – do what you say you will do, the rest will take care of itself.
• What is your greatest strength in your role?
  My ability to listen to people closely, so that I can truly understand their motivations for moving forward with a potentially life-changing decision.
• What can clients and candidates expect from you?
  Loyalty and honesty. I will stick with both client and candidate through the process and be candid when I think there’s a perfect fit or a not-so-great fit.
• What makes you different from other recruiters in your industry?
  With a 20-year background in education and workforce development, as well as eight years in journalism, I’ve been lucky to develop keen coaching, presentation, and interviewing skills. I’m excited to combine these elements while working at Kimmel.
• Do you have a favorite quote?
  “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• What causes are you passionate about?
  Affordable housing and social justice. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, and recently wrapped up a six-year stint on the Board of the Martin Luther King Association of Asheville & Buncombe County.