Deirdre Bates
Director of Operations

Deirdre Bates is ACT’s Director of Operations where she has the critical role of partnering with the executive leadership team in strategic decision making and operations as ACT continues to enhance its quality programming and build capacity.

Ms. Bates has over 37 years of experience in accounting, financial management and operations for small businesses and nonprofits. She was the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for 18 years at a nonprofit fiduciary in Austin that identified and supported entrepreneurs. She has managed annual budgets over $2 million, helped launch over 100 startup nonprofits, and assisted Austin block clubs and organizations in applying for the Safe and Peaceful Communities Fund Grant for the last five years.

Ms. Bates is very family orientated with four children who attended or are attending Chicago Public Schools where she served as a parent volunteer. She is passionate about fair and equal education for all children regardless of their learning styles.

dbates@austincomingtogether.org