Dean Kanipe was President of the Rotary Club of Marion, NC in 1994-1995.  He then served District 7670 as Governor in 1999-2000. He is presently Chairman of District 7670’s District and Club Support Committee and also serves the District as Chairman of the CART Fund. He is Director of the McDowell Small Business and Industry Development Center in Marion , North Carolina .  The Industry Development Center is a business incubator.  

He holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Campbell University in Buies Creek , NC and a MBA from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee , NC .  He is past president and currently serves as treasurer of the North Carolina Business Incubation Association.  He is currently a regional director for the North Carolina Community College Small Business Center Network.  He also is a Master Trainer with NC REAL Enterprises.

            Dean is active in the community.  He is a member of Story Memorial Presbyterian Church in Marion and has served his church as treasurer for the past 25 years.  He is also Chairman of the Board of Deacons there.  He is married and has three children and three grandchildren.