Biography

A lifetime resident of Philadelphia, Dennis M. O'Brien has been an advocate since 1976 for the residents of the 169th Legislative District in the city's Far Northeast. On January 2, 2007, he was elected Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Providing disabled children with the resources, education and opportunities they need is a crusade that O'Brien has personally taken on and attacks with a passion. He has been recognized throughout the state for advocating for those with autism spectrum disorders. He is a member on the board of directors for the Center for Autism, serves as chairman of the Autism Caucus and was appointed as honorary chairman of Pennsylvania's Autism Task Force founded by the Honorable Estelle Richman, Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare.

During his 15 terms as a state representative, health care, educational choice, veterans' rights, economic development initiatives, early intervention and maintaining nursing services have been high priorities for Dennis O'Brien. He is also a member of the Prolife Caucus, Diabetes Caucus, Firefighters and Emergency Services Legislative Caucus and is a charter member of the Irish Caucus.

He was chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee from 1993 to 1996, chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee from 1997 to 2002, and chairman of the Judiciary Committee from 2003 to 2006.

Since first taking office, he has developed legislation imposing the death penalty for repeat murderers, strong financial and prison penalties for hit-and-run drivers; expanding of the definition of rape; providing for a second death penalty hearing if one is set aside on a technicality; mandating DNA sampling of repeat sexual offenders, convicted felons and those who are convicted of certain misdemeanor sex offenses in order to establish a criminal information database; and requiring tougher sentencing for drug dealers and violent career criminals.

Born in Philadelphia in 1952, he is a graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School and La Salle University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. He is married to the former Bernadette M. Benson and they have three sons, Dennis Jr., Brendan and Joseph.

He is actively involved in numerous community organizations. He serves on the board of directors of the Maritime Charter School, Self Help, Shalom Inc., CORA Services, and the American Liver Foundation. He is a member of the Torresdale Branch of the American Cancer Society, the Catholic Historical Society, Pennsylvania Economic League Council, Archbishop Ryan High School Alumni Governing Board and an associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Also, he is a member of the Regina Coeli Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree; Philadelphia Irish Society; Philadelphia Emerald Society; Autism Awareness and Creating Community Environmental Program Together Advisory Board (AACCEPT); the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Dyson Initiative Advisory Board; Public Safety and Justice Task Force of the Council of State Governments; and Human Services and Welfare and Law and Criminal Justice Committee of the National Conference of State Legislators.

In addition, he is on the Archbishop Ryan High School President's Advisory Board; on the Advisory Board of the University of Pennsylvania Field Center for Children's Policy, Practice and Research; and a member of the governor's Commission on Gun Violence. O'Brien serves as the Republican Leader of the 57th Ward of Philadelphia.