Dennis Comer

Background

About Dennis Comer

Respected across a 30+ year career for transforming complex, high-stakes challenges into lasting systems — spanning national security, economic development, and entrepreneurial innovation. Recognized as a strategist who translates vision into execution, aligns stakeholders, and makes the tough calls that protect mission success. Currently in transition from federal service and nonprofit leadership, I’m developing ApneaPlus while pursuing full-time executive and consulting opportunities in strategy, innovation, and economic development. STRATEGIC & MISSION-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP U.S. Army (20 years): Specialized in logistics and operations research, ensuring global mission readiness and precision execution across highly complex environments. Transportation Security Administration: Directed national-level Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) operational testing; empowered frontline teams to brief VIPs and leadership with confidence. Trusted under pressure: When unexpectedly asked to step into a failing test portfolio, quickly assessed a scenario poised for collapse. Made the tough decision to delay testing — against leadership’s pushback — to implement critical fixes. Outcome: a credible, successful program and recognition for sound judgment, integrity, and protecting mission success over expedience. ARCHITECT OF COMMUNITY IMPACT Architect of the process that united five+ organizations to create the Central Area Neighborhood Design Guidelines, institutionalized by Seattle ordinance and resulting in the establishment of the Central Area’s own Neighborhood Design Review Board. As Executive Director, transformed grassroots leaders into a nonprofit powerhouse, securing a record $1.7M in 2024 to sustain and grow minority-owned micro and small businesses. INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP Partnered with Whirlwinde to reframe its SBIR application, translating civilian technical vision into federal alignment — bridging government language and private-sector innovation. Worked with TLDE to raise capital for a high-resolution, AI-driven audio device embedding intelligence at the CPU level — after recognizing its potential and conducting competitive market research to validate positioning. Formidable strategist. Visionary builder. Relentless problem-solver. Focused on leveraging expertise in AI, executive consulting, and economic development to help organizations navigate complexity, unlock innovation, and deliver results that last.