Dennis Hinkle, IOM

Senior Project Director

Developing innovative programs in the nonprofit sector to meet constituents’ needs has long been my passion. That passion has driven my career, which consists of 28 years in community colleges, 12 years in chamber of commerce and economic development organizations, and now my work with Convergent. I have operated programs to serve high school dropouts, at-risk youth, the unemployed, persons with special needs, and programs serving business and industry. It is important for me to feel at the end of the day that I have done things that improve peoples’ lives or better the community. I have always been motivated to operate nonprofits that met or exceeded the established goals, strove for continuous improvement and growth, and did so in a financially sound manner. To me, nonprofit is a tax classification and not an operational objective.

It has been my privilege to work with many great staff and volunteers over the years. Creating a team that “wins” by identifying worthy goals and working together to achieve them has always been my greatest compensation. Nonprofits are often under-appreciated but imagine a world without them! I am very proud of the work that I have been blessed to do over a forty-four-year career.

Dennis brings an extensive background in nonprofit and education organization administration to the Convergent team. He excels at working with colleagues and regional partners to establish and achieve common goals. A skilled facilitator, Dennis assisted many organizations to establish their vision statement accompanied with the goals, action plans, and budgets to realize the vision. Additionally, he has experience promoting collaborative efforts at the local, regional, and state levels to bring together the necessary individuals and groups to accomplish results.

As President and CEO of the Burlington/West Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce (IA), he recommended counsel to conduct their first ever externally led fundraising campaign. This initiative resulted in funding growth from $400,000 to $1.2 million. He has 29 years of experience with community colleges in three Iowa locations. Within each organization, Dennis was promoted to positions of increased responsibility.

Dennis has worked with people from all walks of life, valuing their unique ideas and perspectives. He is skilled at listening to others and identifying creative solutions, an asset to any organization pursuing a fundraising initiative.

Summary of Experience

As President/CEO of the Burlington/West Burlington Area (BWBA) Chamber of Commerce, grew chamber membership by 20%
As Vice President of Economic Development for the BWBA Chamber, recruited three new manufacturers to the community, including two Italian companies, working with other public and private entities to provide the necessary incentives and infrastructures.
Managed a very successful combined Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, Main Street, and Convention & Visitors Bureau organization. All entities experienced program and budget growth under his leadership.
Founding Executive Director of the Center for Business & Industry Services at Southeastern Community College (IA). The center achieved profitability within one year of operation.
Served on a variety of community and regional boards, including the Great River Health Center, Community Foundation of Des Moines County, Great River Regional EDG, and more.
Served as Chairperson of the Iowa Job Training Administrator’s Association and the Iowa Community College Economic Developer’s Group.
Graduate of the U.S. Chamber Institute of Management Program and the Economic Development Institute.
Completed the Aspen Institute Transformational Leadership program.