Dean has a strong business background with 35 years of combined experience within rural bank finance and the small business sector. He has previously operated a licensed property valuation practise specialising in the rural and commercial sectors. In conjunction with the valuation business, Dean also operated a small farming enterprise in the lower South West.

He has post graduate qualifications in both agriculture and commerce. Dean also holds a Diploma of Financial Counselling (Rural).

Dean has a strong sense for rural communities and enjoys being actively involved in the community. His past involvement includes Manjimup Chamber of Commerce and Industry as president, past board member of Warren Blackwood Small Business Centre, past elected member of the Shire of Manjimup as a councillor and role of Deputy Shire President, Deputy Chair of the Merredin Community Resource Centre and past treasurer of the Merredin Community Men’s Shed. Dean is an active member of the respective Chambers of Commerce for both Bunbury and Busselton. In addition, Dean is a current board member of Financial Counselling Association of WA (FCAWA).

He enjoys the rural way of life and is highly passionate in his working role with Rural West to effect change and make a difference to the lives of farmers and small business owners.