Born and raised in Honolulu and a graduate of Iolani School, Dean attended International Christian University in Tokyo and the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management.

A hospitality industry veteran for over 40 years and former vice president of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association (HLTA), his career path included Sheraton Hotels in the Pacific, Halekulani and Waikiki Parc Hotels, Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts and Aqua-Aston Hospitality.

Dean’s accomplishments include three hotel openings, general manager positions with six properties and chairing the 2016 Visitor Industry Charity Walk for non-profit organizations raising a then record $2 million.

Dean is also a visiting professor at the Meikai University School of Hospitality & Tourism Management in Urayasu, Japan and currently serves on the boards at the University of Hawaii Alumni Association and Kapiolani Community College Hospitality & Tourism Education Department.