Creating a Disney Family Legacy and Balancing Life in the Reserves | Heroes Work Here | Ep 2
ON THIS EPISODE OF LIFE AT DISNEY PODCAST
What does it mean to leave a legacy? For Jenn and her father, Dean, their shared passion and values have built a family legacy of service and pride. Dean’s Navy career inspired Jenn to join the Air Force, and when it was time for her next chapter, she found a home at Disney, just like her dad. Now, both share a unique bond through their shared experiences, proving that passion and purpose can lead to amazing journeys.
ABOUT THE HOST:
Dan joined The Walt Disney Company after a highly successful 30-year career as a United States Army officer. He has extensive leadership, operations and logistics experience. Dan has been deployed all over the world in support of combat and non-combat operations. Following a successful stint as Disney's first-ever Department of Defense/Chamber of Commerce Corporate Fellowship Program participant, a program intended to help military personnel transition back into the civilian workforce, Dan retired from the Army and grew his professional, civilian career at Disney.
Dan is passionate about veterans and veteran programs at The Walt Disney Company. He has worked countless hours to grow the Disney Military Fellowship Program and serve as the co-lead for the Florida SALUTE Belonging Employee Resource Group to help enhance the lives and careers of veteran cast members.
ABOUT THE GUESTS:
Dean joined the US Navy to see more of the world and then return to college but instead found that he truly loved both the challenges and opportunities that the Navy gave him. As a Navy Quartermaster, Dean spent most of his career on the bridge of the various ships he served on. While on active duty, he utilized various programs to continue his education, earning his bachelor’s and MBA degrees before retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer after 22 years of service.
He has worked for The Walt Disney Company for 19 years and is currently the Senior Business Analyst responsible for inventory management and reporting for the Walt Disney World Lightning Lane and Disability Access programs for the Park Operations line of business. Contrasting the highly technical aspects of his role, Dean also sings Vocal Bass with the Candlelight Processional Cast Choir. A founding member of Disney’s SALUTE Belonging Employee Resource Group for the Florida Site, Dean recently joined the Leadership Team as the Membership Chair.
Jenn is a veteran and current member of the Air Force Reserve, with over 15 years of total military service. She is currently stationed at Patrick Space Force Base in Cocoa Beach, Florida with the 920th Rescue Wing, where she is an Intelligence Officer and the current Deputy Chief of Wing Plans & Programs. Her decision to serve follows in the footsteps of not only her father, but also her mother’s family. Jenn is a wife and mom. She loves spending time with her family in our parks and resorts, as well as on Disney cruises!
Here at Disney, Jenn is a Senior Business Enablement Manager for Disney Institute (DI), which helps guests ignite excellence in their own roles and companies. She loves her role at DI because she enjoys helping those around her be more strategic and efficient through user-centered process improvement. Additionally, she Co-Leads Disney’s SALUTE Belonging Employee Resource Group for the Florida Site. She is passionate about advocating for veterans inside and outside The Walt Disney Company, with the goal of helping them reach their fullest potential.
