DeeDee DeMan built Bench International from a single-person life science and healthcare executive recruiting firm into a global recruiting and advisory firm for boards and leadership teams. In short, throughout the five generations of Bench International, DeeDee and the Team never give up, never reducing their dogged momentum, or client and candidate care, until project completion. DeeDee has been a champion for those who, “think and do differently,” yet never compromising on cultural fit for each client.
Over the years, DeeDee has invested in many of the companies Bench has supported and helped build. In 2020, she played a key role in founding Mammogen, Inc., a women’s health company focused on early detection through liquid biopsy. She became the company’s first outside investor and Independent Director. In 2025, she was appointed Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, underscoring her dedication to advancing bold, women-led biotech ventures.
In 2009, DeeDee was the first executive recruiter in life science sector history to be named, “1 of the Top 100 Most Inspiring Leaders” by PharmaVOICE Magazine, and is a Hall of Fame Inductee of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). In 2022 DeeDee was voted Business Woman of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal.
Giving back to the industry is a core value for DeeDee. She is a founding corporate sponsor of Life Science Cares across the United States.
DeeDee holds a double Masters of Science degree in Auditory Pathology and Speech Pathology. Prior to founding Bench, DeeDee served as a Research Fellow in a joint research program sponsored by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and Siemens Corporation, the University of California, San Diego, State Diego State University, and the San Diego Speech and Hearing Center.
DeeDee is also a graduate of Drexel University’s Corporate Governance Program, which continues to serve her ability to advise and assess both public and private boards, as well as lead the firm’s board search practice.