Originally from Oak Creek, Wisconsin, a small farming suburb of Milwaukee, Dennis Stevenson graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1980 with a degree in Secondary Education. After moving to Florida in 1984 to assist with a family business, he decided to stay and began a long career in public service. He worked for the City of Fort Lauderdale as an events specialist before joining the Village of Palm Springs, where he served from 1984 until his retirement in 2018. He earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Barry University in 2002.

His involvement with the disability community began in 1986 through the Palm Springs Kiwanis Club, which led to joining the CILO Board under President Robert Becak. He has remained an active board member ever since, witnessing the agency’s growth and impact. Since 2003, he has also served on the Board of the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind, following his own vision loss.

Deeply committed to community service, he has been active with Kiwanis and served as a Big Brother to four children—maintaining close relationships and even officiating two of their weddings. He continues to advocate for independence and opportunity for all.