FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov 16, 2022

Irv Dennis appointed to lead AmeriCorps financial management and strategic process improvement

WASHINGTON, DC – AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, has selected Irv Dennis as a new senior advisor to the chief executive officer to improve core financial management practices impacting the agency’s operations and audits in accordance with the Fiscal Year 2022-26 strategic plan.

Dennis has extensive experience in emerging audit practices including data analytics, audit committee communications and board of director interactions. He currently serves as a board member and treasurer of American Cornerstone Institute and various other nonprofit entities.

Previously, Dennis was appointed as chief financial officer of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development where he was the principal advisor on financial management and the senior departmental official responsible for establishing and implementing policies to govern all aspects of financial management. Under his leadership, Dennis led a financial and digital transformation, resulting in the first unqualified audit opinion in eight years.

Prior to his position with HUD, Dennis spent 37 years as a global client service partner with Ernst & Young, LLP where he served flagship global companies such as McDonald's, Abbott Labs, and Cardinal Health. His industry specialization includes life sciences, franchising operations, consumer products, distribution and manufacturing.

“Irv is a veteran of both private sector and public service organizations with a wealth of experience in financial operations," said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “As a part of our strategic plan, AmeriCorps remains focused on effective stewardship of federal resources through responsible financial management. I am confident that Irv’s expertise will help AmeriCorps further strengthen its fiscal and technological modernization and make a lasting impact for years to come." 

“I am honored to join AmeriCorps in this role,” said Irv Dennis, AmeriCorps senior advisor. “AmeriCorps has been recognized as a leader in implementing research and evaluation in grant practices and I look forward to building on this work to ensure the best return on investment for national service champions and Americans.”

AmeriCorps is committed to responsible management of financial resources and effective grants management and compliance, financial management and audit resolution, equity in contracting and protection from fraud. In the Results for America’s 2021 Invest in What Works Federal Standard of Excellence, AmeriCorps was highlighted for the agency’s use of data and evidence to increase the impact of national service grants in more than 40,000 locations to make government investment as effective and efficient as possible.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/serve.