Dennis Oleesky, Interim CEO/President of the Los Angeles Mission, has played a pivotal role within the organization for over a decade. Dennis was introduced to the Los Angeles Mission during his tenure as President of US Bank’s Development Network in Los Angeles, where he was quickly installed as a founding member of our Foundation Board. Additionally, he has served as the Chair for our last three galas and has been an active volunteer alongside his family at nearly every Mission event. This deep involvement has provided Dennis with the experience and insight necessary to step into the role of Interim CEO, succeeding Pastor Vaughn.

Dennis and his wife, Tamara, have five children—Ann, Samantha, and triplets Alec, Colin, and Gage. The family resides in the West San Fernando Valley.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Dennis attended Montclair College Prep before pursuing a degree in Political Science at San Diego State University. After a brief time in his family’s business, Dennis transitioned into financial services sales. Over the years, he has held senior roles at some of the nation’s largest national and regional banks, gaining experience in all facets of banking. He plans to leverage these skills to enhance the operational efficiency of the Los Angeles Mission.

Dennis has always believed in giving back to his community. He served as a board member for Discovery Cube in the San Fernando Valley for three years, contributing to their mission of fostering innovation and learning through hands-on science education. His work with the Discovery Cube reinforced his passion for creating positive, lasting change in the lives of children and families throughout the region. In addition, Dennis currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board for the Leonis Adobe in Calabasas, a historic site that plays a vital role in preserving the rich history of the San Fernando Valley. In this role, he helps guide the organization’s efforts to educate the public about the region’s agricultural past and its cultural heritage, ensuring that the legacy of the Leonis family continues to inspire future generations.

Throughout his life, Dennis has witnessed the profound impact of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as mental illness, on individuals and their families. Having worked downtown since 1994, he has seen firsthand the unfortunate rise of homelessness in the city—a problem he first encountered as a child when spending time at his family’s business in downtown Los Angeles in the mid-1970s.

As Interim CEO, Dennis is focused on advancing the Mission’s strategy to not only provide immediate relief but to develop long-term solutions aimed at reducing homelessness in Los Angeles. He is committed to leveraging his leadership skills and financial expertise to drive operational efficiencies that ensure sustainable, impactful services. Dennis believes that the key to solving homelessness lies in a community-driven, multi-faceted approach—one that combines outreach, mental health services, job training, and affordable housing solutions. There is no simple fix, but through strategic partnerships, dedicated employees, and a united effort from donors, Dennis is confident that lasting change is within reach.

Dennis’ lifelong commitment to service is deeply personal. Having witnessed the challenges of mental illness and addiction within his own family, he is uniquely driven to help those struggling with similar issues. His experience fuels his dedication to breaking the cycle of homelessness and providing lasting solutions for the community. Dennis is also passionate about creating strong partnerships with local businesses, civic leaders, and other nonprofits to ensure a unified front in tackling the crisis of homelessness.

Beyond his leadership roles at nonprofits, Dennis is an active advocate for social issues in the community. He frequently speaks at local forums and educational panels, raising awareness on critical issues such as homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse. Dennis’s work has been recognized by various community organizations, underscoring his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations.