2011
IT Hall of Fame
Recognized for industry leadership and contributions to the CompTIA A+ certification program.
Recognition & history
Operating experience—not observation.
For more than five decades, Dennis Cagan has built companies, led public and private enterprises, advised chief executives and served on more than 75 boards. Each role added another layer of operating judgment.
Awards
Industry and director recognition.ExploreBoard Experience
Selected companies and governance work.ExploreTestimonials
Observations from executives, founders and directors.ExploreSelected chronology
The operating record behind the advice.
Titles do not create judgment. Responsibility does. These selected milestones document the operating assignments, transactions, board work and industry contributions that shaped Dennis’s advisory practice.
1965
Service and discipline
Dennis began six years of service in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
1976
Founded DJC
He founded The David Jamison Carlyle Corporation, one of the early computer-product distribution companies.
1979
Keynoted the first COMDEX
Dennis addressed the inaugural COMDEX show in Las Vegas at a formative moment for the computer industry.
1981
Took DJC public
With annual revenue of approximately $22 million, DJC became publicly traded on NASDAQ and continued its national expansion.
1983
The origin of Shadow CEO®
An engagement alongside the CEO of AT&T’s Computer Systems Division established the approach Dennis would continue to use with chief executives.
2000
Technology incubation
Dennis founded Santa Barbara Technology Group and its technology incubator, ultimately working with a portfolio of 40 early-stage companies.
2011
IT Hall of Fame
CompTIA inducted Dennis into its IT Hall of Fame, recognizing his industry contributions and role in the A+ certification program.
2013
Outstanding Director
NACD and the Dallas Business Journal named Dennis to the inaugural class of Outstanding Directors in North Texas.
2017
Published the private-board guide
The Board of Directors for a Private Enterprise consolidated decades of practical governance experience for owners and directors.
Selected recognition
Recognition earned through execution.
2013
Outstanding Directors Award
Honored by NACD and the Dallas Business Journal for effective board service.
Education
Teaching Excellence
Repeatedly recognized while teaching Governance and Boards of Directors 101 at SMU’s Cox School of Business.