Learn more about the storyteller behind the scenes at Deciens.

Welcome back to our “Team Spotlight” series, where we shine a light on the exceptional individuals who make up Deciens.

This month, we’re featuring Maddie McCullough, our in-house storyteller and newly promoted Senior Marketing Manager. Entering her third year at Deciens, Maddie leads brand, content, and narrative — shaping how we communicate our strategy and show up in the world.

Before Deciens, she led marketing and communications at an independent school in Albuquerque, after early roles in agency media buying and grassroots event marketing. She holds both a BBA and MBA in marketing from the University of New Mexico, graduating summa cum laude.

Get to know Maddie in the Q&A below.

Q: Where are you located, and what factors influenced your decision to live there?

I’m a true Burqueña, born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My mom’s side of the family has been here for generations, so I have a real sense of rootedness. I feel deeply connected to the land, the culture, and the traditions here. And yes, the 310 days of sunshine help.

While I love traveling and spending time in other cities, Albuquerque is an easy place to return to with its slower pace, open skies, and the Sandia Mountains always in view. The hot air balloons and green chile roasting during the fall have yet to lose their magic, and I strongly believe they never will.

Q: What resources do you rely on to stay informed in your role?

I stay plugged in through a mix of inputs. I subscribe to a ton of newsletters. Not only is the content itself valuable, but I love seeing how people are communicating – what platforms they’re using, what topics are getting oxygen, how other firms are positioning themselves and shaping their brand.

I’m also active in VC marketing and platform communities. The conferences are great for seeing what’s shifting in real time, and the Slack groups are incredibly useful for trading notes and troubleshooting what we’re all running into day to day.

And honestly, LinkedIn is a big one too. My feed is constantly full of smart people sharing real insights, frameworks, and resources.

Q: How did you get started in venture capital, and what path brought you to where you are now?

It was partly kismet — a role in venture capital in Albuquerque is extremely rare. Even before I knew much about VC, I knew I had to pay attention when the opening at Deciens landed in front of me.

Before this, I worked in marketing and communications at an independent school. On the surface, it was a very different world, but there were surprisingly familiar dynamics — schools also fundraise, nurture long-term relationships with donors (their version of LPs), and exist to enable the future success of others. In that case, it was students; in this case, it’s founders.

It wasn’t a perfect parallel, but it gave me a framework for understanding how VC operates — long-term, relationship-driven, deeply personal — and it made the transition feel surprisingly natural.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing a project fully come to life is incredibly rewarding — whether it’s our monthly newsletter hitting inboxes, a press release landing meaningful coverage, or an event experience that feels exactly right in the room. The format changes, but the core satisfaction is the same: the work is out in the world, and it’s elevating our brand, our portfolio, and our team in a way that feels true to who we are.

And the cherry on top is when people actually respond — when a founder or LP reaches out to say it resonated or was genuinely helpful. A lot of this work is behind the scenes, so those moments of real connection and impact are what make it worth it.

Q: Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.

I have three cats – Tuki, Sylvie, and Cleo. Tuki’s the oldest, an 11-year-old orange tabby who is constantly getting into trouble but is also the cuddliest creature alive. Sylvie is four and purrs like a lawnmower. She hates being picked up, but will happily let you pet her forever. Cleo is three and more of an observer – she loves sitting on her cat tree just watching everything like she’s running surveillance. She’s also on a diet right now and very offended by it.

Sylvie and Cleo were both pandemic adoptions. I volunteer at an animal shelter, taking pictures of adoptable cats on weekends, and eventually lost all self-control – so the two girls came home with me. Luckily, my husband was on board.

I do hope to adopt a dog someday!

Q: What's the best book you've read recently, and why did you enjoy it?

I love to read, and one of the best books I’ve read this year was Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi — we picked it for my book club, and it really stuck with me. It follows two half-sisters from 18th-century Ghana and traces their families across eight generations — one staying in West Africa, the other pulled into the transatlantic slave trade. It’s beautifully written but also incredibly powerful and emotional. One of those books that stays with you long after you finish it. Highly recommend!

Team Spotlight: Maddie McCullough