Dennis Sills (PPS’06): Finding a Home for Others Because He Called Sanford Home

For Dennis Sills (PPS ’06), leading meaningful change means more than filling a job description—it’s about building a foundation of equity, opportunity, and shared resilience across every community he serves. As Director of External Affairs for Plymouth Housing, Dennis channels over eighteen years of experience in government, nonprofit, and private sectors into one mission: ending homelessness and securing affordable housing. Managing $22 million in public grants annually, he steers strategic initiatives, collaborates with regional partners, and represents more than 1,400 residents and 400 employees in policy advocacy.

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With his rich background, Dennis is no stranger to navigating complex challenges. For over a decade, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives in roles including District and Legislative Director, where he drafted and championed policies at every level of government. His efforts led to significant funding for housing, human services, and other priority areas across the country, impacting countless lives. Dennis continues to advocate passionately for housing justice in the nonprofit sector, leveraging his data-driven approach and commitment to equity to drive Plymouth Housing’s mission forward.

Whether working alongside elected officials, serving on nonprofit boards, or connecting with local leaders, Dennis sees collaboration as key to his success. He thrives on bringing together diverse voices—from arts and youth advocacy to affordable housing—to create lasting change. His dedication to these causes reflects the values he cultivated at Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy and has honed throughout his career. Outside of work, Dennis is an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast who spends time playing golf and basketball. He enjoys family time with his partner and son, grounding him in his belief that every individual deserves a safe, supportive community to call home.

We asked Dennis to walk us through his journey since graduating from Duke.

What impact has Sanford had on your professional and personal journey?

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Sanford helped me develop tools and perspectives that prepared me for my professional journey. The late Susan Tifft challenged me to strengthen my writing, and Robert Korstad taught me to evaluate all sides of political discourse. I met former U.S. Rep. David Price while I was a student and aspired to a career in Washington. I am forever grateful to Elise Goldwasser for helping me get my first internship in Washington, D.C., and launching my career.

Why does public policy matter in 2024 and beyond?  

Public policy matters enormously in 2024 because the policy positions of elected officials in this election have rarely been as polarized. The principles supported by different candidates could result in very different outcomes for different demographics and groups. Public policies are needed to achieve the best possible outcomes when those may not naturally occur absent policy intervention.

What is the most interesting highlight so far in your career?

I was honored to be appointed to serve as a member of the Technical Advisory Committee for the 2023 Seattle Housing Levy. I worked as a nonprofit provider representative with other community representatives, the Office of Housing, and the Seattle Mayor’s office to craft the $970 million plan approved by Seattle voters overwhelmingly last fall. That amount is more than triple the previously approved levy. We also advocated for $26 million for workforce stabilization funding to frontline housing service providers. As a result, my organization was able to raise wages for more than 150 of my frontline human service worker colleagues.   

Terry Sanford implored students to 'stand for something.'  What do you stand for?

I stand for giving back to others when you are able, even when it’s not easy. I was adopted, so I’m eternally grateful to my family for welcoming me and helping me grow. That has motivated me to become a servant leader and look for professional opportunities where I can support others looking to thrive. Now that I have my own family, I hope to leave things a little bit better for them.

What seeds of change are you planting in your community?

I’m especially proud of two things. I joined the board of trustees of the Seattle Children’s Theatre in 2022. I’m proud of the organization’s mission to provide children of all ages access to professional theatre, focusing on new works and theatre education. I learned an enormous amount helping the dedicated staff and board emerge from the pandemic. It’s been thrilling to see my partner, son, and his friends enjoy the shows.

I’m also proud to have been selected this year for the Leadership Eastside class of 2026. Leadership Eastside’s Adaptive Leadership course builds individual skills and relationships for the greater good. Cohorts include up to thirty-five leaders from Eastside communities, representing the private, public, and non-profit sectors, including business leaders, elected officials, and community leaders. Leadership Eastside serves the communities of East King County, including 23 major communities as well as the unincorporated areas.