Dennis R. Washington

Dennis Washington is a Montana businessman and founder of The Washington Companies, a dynamic group of individual companies in which he holds a controlling ownership position. He has been recognized and honored by peers, business and service organizations for his success and philanthropy. Dennis Washington rose from humble beginnings to rank among the Forbes 400 Wealthiest Americans by building a heavy construction business that later diversified into mining, transportation, environmental remediation, aviation services and real estate development. His inspiring journey has been termed an American success story.

VITA
Founder, The Washington Companies
Chairman, Washington Group International
President, Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans

Honors

• Honorary Doctorate, School of Business, The University of Montana
• Honorary Doctorate, University of South Carolina
• Moles Award for Outstanding Achievement in Construction, American Society of Civil Engineers
• Lewis and Clark Pioneer Award, Montana Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs
• Golden Plate Award , Academy of Achievement
• Medal of Honor, National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations
• Norman Vincent Peale Award, Horatio Alger Association for Distinguished Americans

PHILANTHROPY
In light of his extraordinary success, Dennis Washington recognizes a need to give back to the country and communities that made it possible. In 1988, together with his wife Phyllis, Washington founded the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation. Dedicated to making an investment in people to improve the quality of their lives, the Foundation has donated over $38 million to charitable causes.  

Supporting education, and in particular The University of Montana, is of interest to Washington. Significant donations include construction of the Washington Grizzly Stadium and a $6 million investment in scholarships and a planned technology facility for the School of Education. Washington also created the Horatio Alger Montana Scholarship to help young people who have faced adversity in their lives attend college.

The Foundation has an ongoing commitment to Young Life, an interdenominational Christian youth ministry. In addition to financial support, Washington donated the Washington Family Ranch in Oregon to create Wildhorse Canyon, a summer camp for teenagers.

The Foundation is a major supporter of the Montana Special Olympics and was the premier sponsor of the Summer Games from 2003-2005.

BIOGRAPHY
To learn more about Dennis Washington, read his full biography.