Dennis Kessler

Dennis is a 39-year resident of Rochester. Together with his brother, Dennis developed franchised restaurants in upstate New York employing a staff of 3000 operating two franchised restaurant concepts. He sold the restaurants in 2014 and currently manages the real estate holdings of the company.

Dennis is employed by the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester. At the University, Dennis is the Edward and Agnes Ackley Professor of Entrepreneurship and holds the rank of Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship.

Dennis is a graduate of the City University of New York, B.S., M.A. a graduate of Yale University Law School and Northwestern University Law School where he earned an LL.M. degree with honors. He is also a member of the Rochester Business Hall of Fame.

Dennis is a member of the Board of Directors of Excellus Blue Cross and Blue Shield, President of the Rochester Police Foundation, Vice President of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Foundation and former member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Rochester Medical Center.