Commissioner Profile: Duane Dennis

A native of Baltimore, Dennis received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Towson University, which is eight miles north of Baltimore and recognized among the nation's best regional public universities. He then received his master's degree from the University of Maryland's School of Social Work. His graduate work focused public administration and the care of children, something that would prove to be a theme in his professional life.

After graduating, Dennis began his career as the manager of the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, Child Care Subsidy Program. Seeing a need for quality child care and more extensive coordination in the field of child care, Dennis became the founding executive director of the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center. He served in this role for six years and was then brought to California by the Pomona Unified School District.

Upon coming to Southern California, and prior to his work at Pathways, Dennis served as manager of the Family Preservation, Resource and Referral and Alternative Payment programs with the Pomona Unified School District.

Dennis has presented both nationally and internationally on such topics as the impact of violence on young children; women, race and inequality; and programmatic topics in child care quality. He has also published the following papers: Child Care Needs Assessment Study in the Baltimore City Empowerment Zone (August 1996) and Child Care in a Community of Violence (1993).

Dennis is also involved with several L.A. County organizations that promote justice and fairness, especially for those who are disenfranchised. In addition to serving as a First 5 LA commissioner he serves as president of the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) and is a member of the Policy Roundtable for Child Care. 

Dennis lives in Pasadena and has two children and one grandchild.

Which book has most influenced your life?

Theory and Practice by Mao Tse-tung

Which historical figure do you admire most and why?

Nelson Mandela, because of his unwavering commitment to his cause, and steadfast values in the face of incredible adversity, including so many years in jail. 

What is your favorite way to spend time with an important child or children in your life?

Travelling. With my son, I have been to the rain forests of Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, the mountains of Hawaii and more. Travelling allows for uninterrupted bonding time.

What is the greatest challenge the children and families of L.A. County face today?

The large and growing chasm between rich and poor - the haves and the have nots - and all the problems that arise from such a divide.

What is your motto?

Leaders are risk takers, so don't be afraid to go places that you have never been before if there are valuable lessons to be learned.

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