From an early age, Katy Dempsey knew she wanted to pursue a career in radio. Growing up in Spring, Texas, she was surrounded by incredible Houston talents on her radio airwaves with virtually every tune and turn of the dial. She’d listen religiously to her favorite morning radio personalities before school each day, in the hopes that she too, would one day join their ranks.
After graduation, she went to the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in Broadcast Journalism. She would later transfer to Texas A&M University to study Political Science.
Katy initially wanted to be in political talk radio. In 2009, she interned with The National Journalism Center in Washington, D.C., where she was placed with Radio America and The American Veterans Center. Among other duties, she had the opportunity to work for G. Gordon Liddy and Gene Pell.
After such an incredible learning experience, she didn’t want to go back and sit in a classroom, opting instead to seek out an internship with Cox Media Houston and the legendary KKBQ. It was here she developed a love for the chaotic and fast-paced world of FM. She quickly graduated from intern to board op, picked up a job doing traffic for the cluster, and was then invited to do weekends for several iterations of the same station.
Wanting to really hone her on-air skills, Katy sought out a second weekend gig in the city in which she’d transferred schools, College Station, Texas. That determination paid off when the company, Bryan Broadcasting, offered her a full-time job to do middays for KNDE (Candy 95) in 2011. She quickly realized that Bryan Broadcasting’s emphasis on service and commitment to their community was unlike anything she’d ever seen, and that is what has kept her there ever since. She’s been the Promotions Director, Music Director, and now Program Director for Candy 95. She is also half of the station’s multi-award winning morning show, “Morning Candy with Frito and Katy”.
Since joining KNDE, Katy has helped the station achieve five honors from the National Association of Broadcasters including two Marconi Radio Awards (Small Market Station of the Year 2017 and CHR Station of the Year 2018) as well as three Crystal Radio Awards (2012, 2016, and 2019).
In her spare time, Katy continues to give back to her community through volunteering. She is the City Director for Lemonade Day Bryan/College Station, a certified coach and unified partner for Special Olympics in basketball and football, and a Big Sister and advisory board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
She is married to the love of her life, Dr. Stewart Coleman, and has two wonderful rat terriers.