Our team
Our team

Meet the Leadership Team

Brigid Ward

Operations Integrator

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Leela Kingman Ortiz

Operations Manager

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CARYN KENT DEAN

FOUNDER + CEO
(MEET THE FOUNDER)

Caryn grew up in La Grange Park, IL and received her B.A. Arts, Classics and B.S. Science, Anthropology, both Cum Laude, from Loyola University Chicago. She is an alum of the 1999-2000 class that studied at Loyola’s John Felice Rome Center. In 1997, she completed her Master of Library and Information Science at Rosary College (now Dominican University). Circumstances after library school led to her introduction to the work of a proposal professional. After six years and a variety of roles, including as a software company’s first Proposal Manager, Caryn decided to pursue other interests. In 2018, Caryn founded Once Upon an RFP, where they transform clients’ proposal stories to win the best business and make a bigger impact. You’ll now find Caryn enjoying her work with clients, as well as the creative and intellectual challenges of business ownership. The Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) recognized Caryn with Foundation Certification in 2016. In May 2019, APMP recognized Caryn with Practitioner Certification. At that time, only 1,127 professionals around the world had been recognized at this level. In addition to professional certification through APMP, on September 19, 2019, the Greater Midwest Chapter recognized Caryn as 2019 Member of the Year. She was nominated for spearheading the effort to create a Virtual Networking Group to connect proposal consultants with their peers and provide relevant programs and support. When Caryn’s not working with clients or on her business, you will find her with her husband, kids, and sweet puppy, Scout.
BRIGID WARD
OPERATIONS INTEGRATOR
Brigid brings together her 15+ years of experience in Corporate and Advertising doing Marketing Communications, Account Management, and Program/Project Management to play a key role as the integrator. She has supported Fortune 500 companies launch multimillion dollar products and brands and launch 10,000+ person events. Brigid uses her skills to help support the team, processes, systems, priorities, and strategies to accomplish major company goals. In her spare time, Brigid is committed to her family and her health. She works out daily and loves to ski and hike. She also volunteers on the Booster Club for her son’s high school soccer team.
Brigid brings together her 15+ years of experience in Corporate and Advertising doing Marketing Communications, Account Management, and Program/Project Management to play a key role as the integrator. She has supported Fortune 500 companies launch multimillion dollar products and brands and launch 10,000+ person events. Brigid uses her skills to help support the team, processes, systems, priorities, and strategies to accomplish major company goals. In her spare time, Brigid is committed to her family and her health. She works out daily and loves to ski and hike. She also volunteers on the Booster Club for her son’s high school soccer team.
LEELA KINGMAN ORTIZ
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Leela Kingman Ortiz is the Operations Manager at Once Upon an RFP. She has more than a decade of experience in managerial operational roles, including Business Administrator and Program Director, in the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Specializing in streamlining business practices to benefit clients and employees, Leela utilizes that skillset as Once Upon an RFP expands its capabilities and reach.
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In her day-to-day, she handles departments including Compliance, Finance, Human Resources, and IT. 

In her off time, Leela serves on the board of a local non-profit, advocates for early childhood education, and participates in volunteer opportunities in her community.