Kathy Gettelfinger
About Kathy Gettelfinger
Kathy Gettelfinger serves as the Global Head of Strategy and Market Intelligence at Thoughtworks, where she has worked since 2014. With a background in technology services and organizational development, she has held various leadership roles and is recognized for her ability to drive innovation and transformation.
Current Role at ThoughtWorks
Kathy Gettelfinger serves as the Global Head of Strategy and Market Intelligence at ThoughtWorks, a position she has held since 2021. In this role, she explores and influences advancements in technology services. Additionally, she works as a Principal Consultant in Innovation and Transformation Solutions, a position she has occupied since 2014. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she orchestrates change for business and technology groups, emphasizing adaptive leadership and product value.
Previous Experience
Kathy Gettelfinger has a diverse professional background. She worked at Gearworks as a Senior Network Administrator from 2002 to 2004 and later served as the Organizational Development Manager from 2004 to 2007. She held the position of Business Operations Manager at SPS Commerce from 2007 to 2009. At ThoughtWorks, she was the Texas Office Principal and Consultant from 2009 to 2012, where she built a new office and community. She also served as Principal for the Uganda Office from 2012 to 2014, focusing on team hiring and business development strategies.
Education and Expertise
Kathy Gettelfinger earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Theater from Marquette University, where she studied from 1988 to 1992. Her educational background supports her expertise in facilitating innovation and transformation within organizations. She is recognized for her ability to frame real problems and create transformative solutions, which enhances her effectiveness in her current roles.
Innovation Initiatives
Kathy facilitated an innovation working group with an East African telecom provider and smallholder farmers, resulting in five viable concepts for investment. This initiative demonstrates her commitment to driving change and innovation in technology services. Her work in building the ThoughtWorks Uganda office further highlights her focus on community development and strategic hiring.
Professional Reputation
Kathy Gettelfinger is known for bringing clarity to complexity and helping teams and individuals maximize their potential. Her reputation for framing real problems and creating transformative solutions has been acknowledged by industry leaders, including Nancy Kistler, COO of ThoughtWorks North America. Her approach emphasizes a deep understanding of people and situations, which contributes to her effectiveness as a leader and consultant.