OUR TEAM

Biography

Brian has more than 27 years of experience in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he has represented the City of Haverhill. Elected to his first term in the House in 1991, he served four terms as the House Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, where he authored seven House Budget proposals, and held a number of additional leadership positions, serving as House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Service; Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology; House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy; and House Chairman of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

Over the course of his service in the House, Brian participated in drafting many key legislative items, including these notable bills:

• House Bill 2619, An Act Expanding Gaming in the Commonwealth (co-author)
• Chapter 240 of the Acts of 2010, An Act Relative to Economic Development Reorganization (co-author)
• Chapter 169 of the Acts of 2008, An Act Relative to Green Communities (co-author)
• Economic Stimulus I: An Act Relative to Investments in Emerging Technologies to Promote Job Creation, Economic Stability and Competitiveness in the Massachusetts Economy (co-author)
• Chapter 240 of the Acts of 2010, An Act Relative to Economic Development Reorganization (co-author)

Outside of the political arena, Brian has worked as an insurance broker, and has owned and operated the Brian S. Dempsey Insurance Agency in Haverhill, Massachusetts for over 20 years. Brian holds a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Recognition & Awards

• Massachusetts Bar Association, Legislator of the Year (2013)
• Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus, Good Guy Award (2016)
• Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Committed to Access Award (2017)
• Boston Children’s Hospital, Child Health Hero (2017)
• Greater Boston Food Bank, Public Advocate of the Year (2012)

Professional & Community Involvement

• Massachusetts House of Representatives (1991 – 2017)
• Haverhill City Council (1988 – 1991: vice president, 1989; president, 1990)
• Co-Chair, Public Policy Leadership Council, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
• Trustee, Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation Board Of Trustees
• Member, Board of Directors, Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley
• Member, Board of Directors, Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council Inc.
• Corporator, Pentucket Bank

Biography

As a Government Relations Associate, Brittany oversees the day to day operations and provides support to the government relations team. Prior to joining Dempsey Associates, Brittany worked in enrollment and visitor support at Merrimack College where she served as a Senior Admission Counselor for Visitor Services. In this role, she planned and executed all daily visits and large scale events such as Open Houses and Admitted Student Days. Brittany previously worked as an Assignment Editor at WCVB, NewsCenter5 where she followed up on news tips and decided which news stories and significant events would be covered. Brittany graduated with a B.A in Communication and Media Studies in 2017 from Merrimack College and a MEd in Higher Education from Merrimack College in 2023.

Biography

Carrie brings nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of public policy, government relations, and organizational operations. Most recently serving as Director of Operations at Philip W. Johnston Associates where she acted as the strategic right hand to the CEO in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the firm while contributing directly to client advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels.

Throughout her tenure, she played a key role in securing client appropriations in both the state and federal budgets, monitored legislative and regulatory developments across a wide range of policy areas, and supported high-profile engagements in health care, housing, and human services. She also coordinated major events and fundraising efforts on behalf of nonprofits and political organizations across the Boston area.

A Smith College graduate, she has built her career on a foundation of policy research, stakeholder relationship management, and operational excellence — skills she now brings to her role as Office Manager.