Dean is an alumnus of Minnesota State University, Mankato. He graduated in 1970, served in the US Army, started his career in Lewiston, Maine, and then returned to Mankato to be closer to family. Dean’s career spanned urban and regional planning. He founded his own Professional Development and Planning Corporation to assist cities and individual investors with planning needs. He later transformed this company into Security Management and Realty (SMR) through which he developed and managed commercial real estate and housing across Southern Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota. Through these companies, he served the needs of people and their communities. Dean has also contributed his expertise through service on the Minnesota State Housing Board, and the Minnesota State Planning Association.

Dean was appointed to the Mankato Area Foundation Board of Directors in 2025.