Dennis J. Dee

2025 FATHER BOB BROWN, OSFS GOOD SAMARITAN AWARD
Dennis J. Dee
Executive Director, Father McKenna Center

Dennis J. Dee was named Executive Director of The Father McKenna Center in January 2024. Prior to that, he served as a certified addiction counselor for seven years at the Haymarket Center, the largest and most comprehensive provider of treatment for substance use and mental health disorders in Chicago. Dennis also worked as an attorney and investment banker.

Dennis has been both a recipient of the McKenna Center’s services and an employee. In August of 2014, Dennis walked through the doors of the McKenna Center for the first time at the lowest point of his life. Due to alcoholism, he had lost everything – his job, home, family, friends, and colleagues. “On my first day at the McKenna Center I took to heart director of services Cortez McDaniel’s advice that recovery would be the fight of my life,” said Dennis. He describes the McKenna Center as a “sacred place” and credits the “kindness and support” of the Center staff and volunteers for nurturing his healing process which began with reconnecting with his children and sisters and rediscovering God. For nearly two years, Dennis assisted food pantry shoppers, picked up food donations and orders, greeted guests at the reception desk, staffed the Hypothermia Transition Program, and became an assistant case manager.

Both of Dennis’ parents attended Catholic schools from first grade through college and they knew the excellence and value of a Catholic education. Dennis attended Iona Grammar School and Iona Preparatory School where he was taught by the Irish Christian Brothers. Like his parents, he also attended Georgetown University where he received a bachelor’s degree in economics and received a Doctor of Law from Georgetown University Law Center. He was influenced by the religious who taught him, as well as his parish priests and other religious who helped shape his life, including several Jesuit priests who have profoundly influenced Dennis’ faith formation.

Dennis and his wife Trina are parishioners at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.