Meet the team: director of operations, Kelly MacDonald
Meet the team gives you an inside look at the team behind Databento. Not only do you get a great sense of the diverse and expert talent we have on the team, but you also get a taste of our culture overall and how we work together. If you're interested in joining us, check out our careers page!
Today, we're introducing our director of operations, Kelly MacDonald. Kelly is an integral part of our company, bringing more than 10 years of expertise in operations and HR across various industries to ensure Databento is running smoothly and efficiently.
"My decade-long career has been dedicated to Operations and HR at startups. I have a strong passion for fostering growth and efficiency, and it's a thrill to support companies as they scale globally. I've successfully navigated the unique challenges in a variety of industries, including education, marketing, sports technology, and cryptocurrency. I am extremely excited to transition into the finance sector here at Databento."
Fostering growth at a startup
After working in several different sectors, Kelly is well-versed in determining what kinds of environments are set up for success. She shares how Databento's culture is much different than other companies:
"The level of transparency at our company is unlike any I've seen before. The Databento team understands the profound impact open, cross-functional communication can have on building trust, fostering strong relationships, and driving long-term success."
Speaking of creating meaningful connections, Kelly draws inspiration from her colleague, Roberto Mesado.
"Roberto Mesado is a senior frontend engineer at Databento, and I'm inspired by his enthusiasm and dedication to the craft. He came into the finance industry from a less conventional background and is one of the most humble and gracious colleagues I've had the pleasure to work with."
Kelly's experience supporting companies as they scale globally showcases her ability to drive success at every level. Whether it's optimizing processes, streamlining operations workflows, or cultivating a vibrant company culture, her dedication and proactive approach make her a true asset to Databento. When asked about her proudest career moment thus far, Kelly says:
"My favorite aspect of my career is the 0 to 1 phase of a company. Starting with a small team and supporting its growth into a large, scalable organization is incredibly rewarding. I most recently did this as employee number five at the machine learning sports technology company, Tempus Ex. During the course of my time there, I hired, trained, and led the onsite logistics department, responsible for the manufacturing, installation, and upkeep of bespoke servers and camera equipment across all NFL stadiums."
Outside of work, Kelly spends her time diving into the world of sci-fi. If you're looking for your next book recommendation, here it is!
"My hobby is reading science fiction novels, and I most recently enjoyed 'This Is How You Lose the Time War' by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone."
Careers at Databento
If Kelly's career path sounds interesting to you, check out our careers page to see our open positions. If you don't see the role for you, send us your resume—we're always on the lookout for outstanding talent.
