For a guy who majored in journalism in college and dabbled in real estate, Dennis Darak marvels that he has worked over four decades in the golf business.

Golf is part of Dennis's heritage, thanks to his father, John Darak Sr., the longtime head professional at Beaver Lakes Country Club (now The Club at Shadow Lakes) who was inducted into the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. Dennis learned the game of golf from his father, and that led to Dennis's impressive career as the executive Director of the Tri-State Section PGA (TSPGA).

In 1968, Dennis graduated from Hopewell High School, where he was a four-year letterman on the golf team and a captain his senior year. In 1973, Dennis graduated from Point Park University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and communications and played on the golf team.

After college, Dennis worked as a clubhouse assistant at the Aliquippa Golf Club, and, later that year, upon the recommendation of his father, Dennis applied for a job at the TSPGA.

Dennis was hired as executive director of the TSPGA in 1973 and, when he retired in 2016, he was the longest-tenured executive director/CEO among the 41 nationwide sections of the PGA of America. Dennis has received many honors for his work in golf, including being the recipient of the Tri-State PGA Distinguished Service Award in 1998, being inducted into the Tri-State PGA Hall of Fame in 1998, and being honored as one the WPGA's First 100 Years History Makers in 1999.

Over the course of his 43-year career, Dennis conducted more than 2,500 golf events, including Clubs for Kids, Drive-Pitch & Putt Sectional and Regional Qualifiers, and National Long Drive Championship Section & Regional Qualifiers. Dennis founded the PGA sectional Las Vegas Pro-Am, which is currently in its 25th season, and he served as a tournament committee member at events such as the U.S. Open and PGA Championship at the Oakmont Country Club and the Ryder Cup Championship and Senior PGA Championship at the Laurel Valley Golf Club.

When he retired, Dennis was recognized for his years of service at the National PGA Meeting, for his outstanding dedication, contributions, and service to growing the game of golf.

Dennis is a life-long resident of Beaver County. He and his wife Karen have two sons: Dennis Jr. and David.