Dennis Power: Beyond the Numbers – Leading by Example and Inspiring Others

“My favorite part of my career has been the opportunity to build strong relationships, both within Opus and with our business partners," said Dennis Power, Chief Financial Officer. “My teammates at Opus have always inspired me to be my best, and I strive to have that same impact on others."

In his nearly 25 years with Opus, Dennis progressed from being a financial reporting manager to CFO, a role he has held for 11 years. Throughout his tenure, he has significantly impacted our performance, leadership style and culture. Recently he was recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as 2022 CFO of the Year. Honorees, who were evaluated by a panel of other financial executives, were selected for making significant contributions to their employers and the community.

“I've worked with Dennis for many years and always look to him for guidance and perspective when we're making big decisions," said Tim Murnane, President & CEO. “He's a steady, key confidante, always leading with integrity and never seeking the limelight. Dennis is a genuine, humble guy who has accomplished a great deal in his career."

Destined for This Work

Dennis found his way to the accounting profession through early influences: his father, who is also a CPA. He also took every business course offered in high school.

Dennis was exposed to architecture and construction at a young age. He grew up in a Chicago suburb where Frank Lloyd Wright's first home and studio were located and worked construction jobs during high school and college.

“I was good at math and also liked problem-solving and working with others," he said. “I was intrigued by the construction industry, but I decided I'm best suited for a desk job."

After earning his bachelor's degree in Accounting from St. Mary's University of Minnesota, Dennis landed a job as an auditor at Deloitte in Chicago. It was there he first learned of Opus. One of his Deloitte clients had acquired a building constructed by Opus. He remembers the asset manager holding the building in high regard because Opus had built it.

In 1997, when he relocated to Minneapolis, he jumped at the opportunity to apply for a job at Opus. And he got it.

Shaping a Culture of Transparency and Thoughtful Decision Making

“Dennis is a good steward of the company's resources and culture," said Kelli Justesen, Chief Human Resources Officer. “He sees his role not just as financial but as a leader of people and practices and how they impact our culture. He is incredibly thoughtful and takes pride in consistent, good decision-making. He doesn't want the quickest answer, but the best answer. Dennis is a trusted partner and has been instrumental in helping me and others grow in their careers."

Dennis has helped shape the Opus culture with a focus on transparency. He takes time to explain why decisions are made, not only the outcomes of those decisions. He has been instrumental in helping Opus become more data-driven and accountable to budgeting. One of his many accomplishments was developing a financial planning and reporting tool that has improved forecasting decisions and improved risk management.

The Great Recession in 2008 and 2009 were particularly difficult years for Opus and the entire construction industry. Dennis was a key player who created a multi-year vision and strategic plan to get the company back on solid ground.

“Dennis was a vital partner in rebuilding Opus after those challenging years," Tim said. “He's been at the forefront of our strategic planning efforts for many years and keeps us on track."

Committed to the Opus Team

Dennis is known for his collaborative leadership style and for building relationships throughout the company. He invests time helping associates succeed and values their contributions to the success of the company.

“We have a team that is unmatched in the industry," Dennis said. “I don't mean to sound cliché – we truly share a passion for excellence that motivates us to be our best every day."

Dennis is one of three executive sponsors of the Opus Women's Network, a group that empowers and fosters the development of women at Opus. He is also an active leader of volunteer efforts. Most recently he rolled up his sleeves to help the Opus team in Kansas City organize inventory at a United Way Restore facility. Dennis is also a longtime volunteer for DinoMights, which uses hockey to connect with disadvantaged youth and provide them support to help them become self-assured, competent adults.

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Dennis says he's been “blessed with a large family." He enjoys spending time supporting their many activities, including hockey and lacrosse. His family loves spending time outdoors, whether it's on the lake, at the golf course or taking a walk together.

Dennis has a real estate executive education certificate from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

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Our associates are talented, dedicated and knowledgeable. They streamline complex projects and always deliver value to clients. Read more profiles of our team.