Richard Dean

UU Experience

Rich has been an active UU for almost 50 years. Coming from a Catholic background, in a mixed marriage, and with children, Unitarian Universalism seemed a good family decision. Over time it has become his life. Rich was active in the UU Congregation of Columbia whereas president he saw the transformation of that congregation from 125 members to 250 members in just 5 years, settling a full-time minister and building the Owen Brown Interfaith Center. Rich became active in regional affairs and joined the committee to start a new congregation in the Baltimore region in 1983. This led to the an organizing meeting at the Reisterstown Elementary school in the fall of 1984, leading to what is now CUU. Rich was elected to the Joseph Priestley District Board and served there in the 90’s in various roles. He visited congregations all around the mid Atlantic region where he organized workshops and led board retreats. Rich has continued congregational leadership in Columbia and Cedarhurst serving in many roles. In his current role he hopes to build on the new energy at CUU, organize and focus that energy, and bring growth and depth to this great religious community.

Professional Experience

Rich served as Engineer at the National Security Agency where he retired in 1999 after 33 years. He had an exciting career developing new technologies to protect the nation’s communications security. After retirement he joined Morgan State University, an HCBU in Baltimore, where he does research and teaching. For more than 25 years he has taught and prepared so many young people for successful careers – the crowning achievement of his career.

Personal

Rich grew up in the Bronx – you got a problem with that. He is at his core an engineer who wants to fix everything and thinks he can.  He and his lovely wife Sherry are restoring a Victorian home on the eastern shore. He is active in a research project with Morgan St and Washington College to convert older gas boats to electric. He hikes and kayaks as much as time allows. Sherry keeps him humble – or tries.