Dennis O. Cawthorne

Co-Founder Emeritus

Dennis O. Cawthorne smiles at the camera.

Dennis’ mission is public service. His passion is Mackinac Island. Dennis worked there one summer in college, and he’s been there every summer since. Dennis served 12 years in the Michigan Legislature, including four years as House GOP Leader. He later started a bipartisan law and lobbying firm with former Senate Democratic Leader, Bill Fitzgerald. In 1999, he joined forces with Michigan’s Democratic “Eternal General” Frank J. Kelley, to form Kelley Cawthorne.

Dennis remains active in business ventures. During the summer months, you can usually find him on Mackinac Island, making the rounds on his bike or dispensing political wisdom on the patio of his famed restaurant, The Village Inn. You can click here to learn more about Dennis and his work.

Kelley Cawthorne's Dennis O. Cawthorne smiles during an interview.
Hometown
  • Manistee, Michigan. Known as the Victorian Port City, it is the home of the Ramsdell Theatre where James Earl Jones made his acting debut.
Fun Facts
Life & Career
Media & Honors
Experience
  • Michigan House of Representatives, House Republican Leader
  • Mackinac Island State Park Commission, longest serving Chair in state history
  • Michigan Governor John Engler’s Transition Team
  • The Village Inn Suites/Kingston Kitchen at Village Inn, Owner and Founder
Education & Community
  • Albion College
  • Harvard Law School
  • Mackinac Island Visitors and Convention Bureau, Board Member
  • Michigan History Foundation, Board Member
  • Albion College Board of Trustees, Member Emeritus