Board of Directors

Keith Dempsey

PhD, LPC

Keith Dempsey has lived a lifelong commitment to creating more inclusive, equitable communities through his leadership, service, and scholarship. As former Associate Dean and Department Chair of the Graduate School of Counseling at George Fox University, Dr. Dempsey drew from his experiences as the first African American to be tenured in the history of the University to critically evaluate the impact of processes and resourcing within the system to expand the learning experience of students and the retention of distinguished faculty.

Dr. Dempsey brings 25+ years of professional experience to the CCE Board of Directors, with prior service as a multi-systemic therapist at Self Enhancement Inc. and as a clinical social worker at the Casey Family Programs. Dr. Dempsey's work to eradicate stigma and increase access to mental health services led him to develop substantial programs at the African American Health Coalition (AAHC) designed to combat physical and mental health disparities. Dr. Dempsey currently serves clients through private practice in Portland and conducts individual, couples, and family counseling, with a specific focus on culturally responsive counseling.

Dr. Dempsey is the past President of the Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES) and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. Throughout his career, Dr. Dempsey’s leadership and service have been recognized with many awards, including the Alpha Kappa Alpha Emerald Award for Excellence in Education; Portland Community College Social Justice Comrade Award; WACES Outstanding Leadership Award; the Martin Luther King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award; the Outstanding Service Award from the Oregon Youth Authority; and the Oregon State University Black Achievement Award.

Dr. Demsy is also the CEO of Demsy Counseling and Consulting, and provides individual, couple, and family counseling and consulting for mental health issues.