Dennis joined Bernie Moreno Companies after 23 year career at Jones Day where he served as Assistant to the two World Wide Managing partners and as Chief Operating Officer of the 250 lawyer, 500 staff member, Cleveland office.
Dennis began his career serving as Vice President of Government Relations for the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce where he was a co-founder of Leadership Cleveland-now in its 39th year.
During his career Dennis has played key roles in significant civic matters including the site selection and land acquisition for Progressive Field and Quickens Loans Arena, the expansion of Hopkins International Airport, the development, financing and building of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Convention Center.
Dennis is a champion of minority inclusion serving as an initial trustee of the President’s Council Foundation and Emerging Entrepreneur Institute and, with Richard W. Pogue, he authored “The March 17 Project” that led to the adoption of Cleveland’s Community Benefits Agreement.
As an arts advocate Dennis is a past chairman of the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture and played a key leadership role in the development and implementation of the nation’s only tobacco tax dedicated solely to arts institutions.
As a mayoral appointee to the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Country Port Authority, Dennis led efforts to involve the agency in significant economic development projects.
Dennis serves on the Advisory Board of Osborn Engineering, Great Lakes integrated printing and as a Business Council Advisor to the Northern Ohio Coordinating Agency.
Dennis was given a “Key to the City” by former Mayor Michael White for his various efforts to improve Cleveland.
Currently serving as a Director of The Sherwick Fund of The Cleveland Foundation, Dennis has led efforts to support civic education for the next generation of leaders.
Given his passion for civic engagement by business professionals, Dennis serves as the Director of the Cleveland Leadership Center’s Civic Leadership Institute that brings gen-next professionals together with community leaders to discuss contemporary civic issues.
At Bernie Moreno Companies, Dennis advises leadership on a variety of community engagement strategies and maintains liaison with area public and private community leaders, institutions, and the media.
He developed the Bernie Moreno Companies “Community Connects” 10th Anniversary initiative and works with community partners to oversee implementation. He coordinates philanthropy and civic engagement.
Crain’s Cleveland Business named Dennis as one of their “25 Most Influential People”, citing his ability to work across various platforms to move the community forward.
Dennis has served as an Advisor to the President of Cleveland State University, the Board of the Cleveland Museum of Art and was appointed by The Supreme Court of Ohio as a member of the Lawyers Security Fund and was selected by his peers to chair a national Conference Board Council on Community Engagment.