Dean O’Brien was born in Jamaica West Indies and moved to Fanwood, New Jersey when he was 10. He attended the University of Pittsburgh where he graduated with a B.S. in Accounting. He began his professional career at Arthur Anderson & Co and passed the C.P.A. exam – A crowning achievement and personal goal. His career path would eventually bring him back to the New York City metropolitan area to work for Citicorp in their Mergers and Acquisition Department.

A position as a Chief Financial Officer in the publishing industry brings Mr. O’Brien to the state of Florida, where he grew as an entrepreneur and establishes roots for his young family. Right out of the gate, he is active with the community and is involved in BCR Spring Break Event. Fairly new to the area, but inspired, he is immersed in event planning and production—an extended weekend of activities that bring over 125,000 or more to America’s Most Famous Beach. In the process, he successfully negotiates a contract with BET which led to the creation of the Spring Bling TV show.

Daytona Beach has been home to Dean O’Brien for nearly 25 years. Throughout this time, he has partnered with other businesses, corporations, and community leaders. These relationships have garnered him with awards, recognition, and accolades:

• American Advertisement Federation 2011 Silver Medalist
• Hometown Hero Award by the City of Daytona Beach in 2009
• He has also held positions on boards and committees; and has been instrumental in forming new boards:
• President of Daytona Beach Advertising Federation – 2007, 2015 and 2016
• Active member of the YMCA Board of Directors; served as the Financial Development Chair– responsible for their $350k
• Annual campaign and Six-and-half million-dollar capital campaign.
• Founding Board Member of the My Region Economic Development Board
• Founding Board Member of Florida Hospital Foundation Board (Orange City and Deland Hospitals)
• Dean is currently the CEO of DME Stadium, Executive Vice President of DME Holdings and the Vice Chair of DME Sports Foundation.

Prior to working for DME Holdings, Dean started his own Company Florida Multimedia & Graphics, which was eventually merged with Browning Communications. Dean was Vice-President of Browning Communications (1995-2013), where he managed the sales team, Customer Service Department and Graphic Arts Department. He also negotiated exclusive print management contracts for major customer and oversaw all accounting functions. He decided to venture out and create a new path for himself as Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Sundance Marketing Solutions from 2013-2017.
In his current position, Dean is a contributing member of the leadership team that work collaboratively to promote, develop strategies, and establish long term goals for DME and its affiliated companies. He also works with each of these entities helping them build and develop their marketing. Some of his other responsibilities include: Developing creative and innovative marketing campaigns for major accounts; overseeing the corporate renovation project for the campus, contract negotiations and overseeing the fundraising activities of DME Sports Foundation.

Outside of work, Dean’s love of basketball led him to coaching the Daytona Beach Panthers and the Ormond Bruins. The teams won several tournaments and championships; and at the time, were among the top ranked teams in the State. The relationships he built with these young men are among the most humbling and rewarding experiences. They still refer to him as, “Coach Dean” and he carries this title proudly; believing that he made a difference in their lives and they made a bigger difference in his. When he is not around basketball, you’ll find him fishing at some of his favorite fishing spots off the Halifax River. He loves his family and his family loves him; and he says, “I am truly blessed.”