Dennis Brueggeman, who has been involved with the Special Olympics movement for almost 25 years, is Managing Director for Special Olympics Latin America. During his time as Managing Director, the number of athletes in the Latin America region has increased from 75,000 in 2001 to nearly 300,000 in 2007. He led the establishment of the Latin America regional office in Panama, bring together staff to support national Programs in the region in the areas of Board and staff development, fundraising and public awareness, athlete and coaches training, and volunteer management
Brueggemann assumed his current position in 2001, after having served as Special Olympics Vice President for Global Field Services for the previous five years. Prior to that, he was Special Olympics Director of European Program Development, based in Paris, France, from 1990 – 1996.
Before joining the Special Olympics International staff, he served as Executive Director of Special Olympics Minnesota from 1984-1990, and as Director of Program Development for Special Olympics New York from 1980-1984.
Brueggemann earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Hamilton College, and his master’s in education administration and rehabilitation from the University of Minnesota.