As an experienced crisis manager, media strategist and corporate communicator, Dennis provides seasoned public affairs counsel to Res Publica’s clients.  In his role at Res Publica, Dennis is heavily involved in shaping strategy for all of the firm’s clients.  He has personally provided advice and counsel to top executives from health care companies, transportation agencies, education policy organizations, as well as technology, environmental remediation, law and real estate development firms. 

Dennis, a former broadcast journalist and licensed attorney, is one of the most experienced public affairs practitioners in Chicago.  His career achievements include serving as corporate communicator for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois; communicating the City of Chicago’s messages as it hosted the 1996 Democratic National Convention, assuming the challenge of being the spokesperson for the World’s Busiest Airport and the Chicago Airport System; and tackling the job of press secretary for embattled former Illinois Gov. George Ryan.  His former colleagues in journalism know him as a go-to spokesperson who represents his clients aggressively and professionally.

Dennis has crafted grassroots communications campaigns, crisis management strategies and media relations plans to meet regulatory and legislative challenges facing business and civic leaders in a wide range of industries.  He played a critical role in the historic agreement to expand O’Hare Airport.  He has been the media point person for crises such as blizzards, security threats, plane crashes, complex criminal investigations and many other challenges facing top executives in the private and public sector. 

An experienced speechwriter, clients have often turned to Dennis’ expertise when preparing for critical policy speeches and business presentations.
 
Dennis’ professional experience also includes teaching a media law and ethics class at Columbia College Chicago and guest lecturing at Northwestern University, the University of Illinois and Roosevelt University.  After graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism he was a writer and reporter at the all-news radio station, WMAQ from 1988-1992.  During that time he also earned a juris doctorate as a 1991 graduate of the DePaul University College of Law.

Dennis' reporting skills won him a Meritorious Achievement Award for Reporting at the Chicago Bar Association's first annual Herman Kogan Media Awards. In 2002 he was honored as one of Crain's Chicago Business’ “40 under 40.”
 
As are all of the Res Publica team, Dennis is involved in the community and serves on the boards of The League of Chicago Theaters and Bear Necessities, a Chicago pediatric cancer foundation providing critical support to children with cancer and their families while also funding research for a cure. 

dc@respublicagroup.com
312.755.3528

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