Dean Whellams is a 5th generation Nevadan, born and raised in Sparks, NV where he currently resides. He attended college at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas where he studied architecture and construction management. After finishing school, Dean relocated to Seattle, WA where he worked for a large residential developer. He now works full time for a large general contractor as the Director of Business Development.

Dean is a devoted outdoorsman enjoying hobbies such as chukar hunting and fly-fishing. He spends several weekends each year guiding and teaching fly-fishing. Other hobbies include basketball, golf, volleyball, water-skiing, learning to play the acoustical guitar and avidly cheering the Oakland Raiders. In the community, Dean is on the Board of Directors for the Leadership Reno-Sparks Youth Program. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the AIA of Northern Nevada. Dean is a Trainer for Leadership Breakthrough One and Teen Eagle Quest. Favorite quote: "Attitudes are contagious... is yours worth catching?"