Dennis Kessler

Professor Dennis Kessler is the Edward J. and Agnes V. Ackley Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Rochester, Simon Business School. He is also the co-owner (with his brother) of Kessler Restaurants LLC, a Rochester, NY-based owner and operator of franchised restaurants, and a real estate developer. In his role as a franchisee for Burger King Corporation and Friendly’s Restaurants, he employed approximately 3,000 personnel in central and western New York State. As a Friendly’s franchisee, he was the largest franchise restaurant owner in the country.

Professor Kessler joined The WexEnergy team as an adviser in April 2017. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Excellus Blue Cross/Shield of Western New York, President of the Rochester Police Foundation and an Advisory Board Member to Junior Achievement, and an inductee in the Rochester Business Hall of Fame Class of 2006. He has held many positions of leadership throughout Monroe County, NY, and is active in the Rochester VC Community.

Professor Kessler holds an MA from John Jay College, a law degree from Yale University Law School, an LL.M. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law (with honors), and an S.J.D., Doctor of Juridical Science also from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.