Denise Dorsey

As the appointed Regional Director of the Department of Rehabilitation, Denise Dorsey brings over 12 years of experience within the Department, where she has been a steadfast advocate for equity and opportunity for individuals with disabilities. Her journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, which opened her eyes to the inequities embedded within systems. While pursuing a master’s degree in counseling, Director Dorsey came to recognize the deep intersections between those inequities and issues like incarceration, homelessness, and inadequate access to support and resources. These insights inspired her commitment to public service through DOR, a mission close to my heart. As the sibling of a person with a disability, Director Dorsey has seen firsthand the transformative power of inclusive programs that help individuals overcome employment barriers. Throughout her career, collaboration has been central to her approach. She has partnered across systems and sectors to work toward shared goals, and progressing through roles—including Counselor, Labor Relations Officer for AFSCME, District Operations Manager, District Administrator, and now Regional Director—provided her with a broad perspective and practical experience.