Dean was born in New York City and raised in Canada. He holds a master’s degree in health care administration from the University of Toronto and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Dean retired as CEO of Shasta Community Health in 2024, a position he held for 32 years. His career focused on providing access to quality comprehensive health care, and he has been a respected “rural” voice statewide. Dean’s affinity for philanthropy stems from his decade of elected service on the California Endowment Board, and he currently serves on several local boards. Dean is married to Carol, who is part of a fifth-generation ranching family from Red Bluff. They have called Redding home for more than 30 years, and have three grown children, and one grandson.