Dean Brandt

Creating Connections, Driving Community

Vice President, Programs

Oct 2024 - Present

  • Spearhead the planning and coordination of monthly Chapter meetings, including securing high-profile speakers to deliver impactful presentations on key industry topics.
  • Serve as an integral and elected member of the Chapter Board, contributing to strategic decisions and advancing the organization’s mission.
  • Lead the growth of our Women in Project Management initiative, fostering diversity and inclusion within the project management community.
  • Direct the execution of collaborative Cross-Chapter Events, strengthening regional connections and knowledge-sharing across PMI chapters.

Founder & Lead Organizer

Jan 2024 - Present

  • Conceived and organize an annual, international board game convention, achieving a successful inaugural event with 70 attendees and securing sponsorship from 21 organizations.
  • Oversee all aspects of event planning and execution, including venue negotiations, hotel arrangements, curated activities, and the creation of exclusive attendee swag.
  • Designed and developed www.splottercon.com using WordPress, Elementor, and a variety of other plugins; and integrated it with WooCommerce, Stripe, and tabletop.events.
  • Operate Damwise Publishing, owned by Splotter Con, LLC, which facilitates the republication of a classic board games (for example, D’r af which sold out at 105 copies), leveraging the event as a platform to celebrate and revitalize their legacy.
  • Build strong partnerships with industry stakeholders to enhance the convention’s reputation and community impact.

Commissioner

Jan 2024 - Present

  • Appointed to a 7-member commission established through a ballot initiative to lead a comprehensive evaluation of municipal governance structures.
  • Conducted in-depth research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement to develop a Home Rule Charter, which was subsequently approved by municipal vote.
  • Selected to serve on the transition team, spearheading the implementation of the new Home Rule government, ensuring a seamless operational shift and alignment with the charter’s vision for governance reform.

Organizer & Host

Jan 2024 - Present

  • Reinvigorated a monthly community event for older adults after the pandemic had shut it down for more than three years, transforming it into a vibrant gathering featuring dynamic presentations on local culture, history, and art; discussions around essential resources for seniors like Social Security and Medicare; interactive activities such as chair yoga, arts and crafts; and opportunities for socializing over lunch.
  • Secured funding from three dedicated sponsors, enabling the event to remain free for attendees, fostering accessibility and inclusivity.
  • Built and led a volunteer planning committee six months before the event’s launch, coordinating all logistics and programming to ensure a seamless and engaging experience.
  • Presented the program to the Wilkinsburg Council, gaining their support and positioning the event as a cornerstone for community enrichment and senior engagement.

Committee Member & Webmaster

September 2021 - Present

  • Designed, built, and currently maintain the committee’s website, ensuring accessible and up-to-date affordable housing resources for community members.
  • Delivered a compelling presentation on WAHA’s First-Time Home Buyer Assistance Program at a local home buyer seminar hosted by NeighborWorks, effectively educating attendees about available resources.
  • Serve as one of three committee members responsible for reviewing and approving applications for WAHA’s First-Time Home Buyer Assistance Program, helping provide qualified candidates with up to $50,000 toward closing costs, down payments, and essential construction needs.
  • Played a key role in coordinating three in-person seminars focused on converting Section 8 rental vouchers into the County’s Section 8 Home Buyer Program, managing all registration processes and serving as the primary point of communication for participants.
  • Participate in monthly committee meetings to discuss local housing concerns, share innovative ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that enhance home ownership opportunities in the community.

Secretary & Webmaster

July 2021 - Present

  • Collaborate monthly with the rest of the Board of Directors and Executive Director to review the organization’s progress on ongoing initiatives and budget, evaluate financial and operational matters, and provide input on new initiatives requiring board approval.
  • Serve as Secretary, ensuring meeting notes are accurately documented, updated, and accessible, supporting transparency and effective decision-making.
  • Designed, developed, and actively maintain the organization’s website, showcasing rental properties, key initiatives, and the organization’s mission to engage and inform the community effectively.

Additional Ongoing:

Judge of Elections (3/22-Present) ♦ Captain, Wilkinsburg Block Club (1/22-Present)

Additional Prior:

Community Panel Member, Age Friendly Greater Pittsburgh (April 2022 – April 2024) ♦ Board Member, Wilkinsburg Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (March 2022 – Nov 2023) ♦ Board Member, WQED Board of Directors (Sept 2002 – July 2003) as part of Leadership Pittsburgh’s Leadership OnBoard program ♦