About DJ

Dennis (DJ) Doran is an entrepreneur, an Air Force veteran, a pilot, and a community advocate who has a demonstrated ability to build businesses and relationships across the city he loves.

DJ learned to fly in the Air Force and remains an avid pilot.

As the founder of Chicago Deserves Better, a non-profit focused on civic accountability and governance reform, DJ has become a powerful voice for residents who feel overlooked by City Hall.

DJ is an entrepreneur who has led multiple companies in a 35-year business career, including as president and CEO of Aequalitas Media, which owned and operated print and digital publications as one of the fastest-growing LGBTQ+ media companies in the United States.

DJ was executive director of the National Equality Media Association, comprised of LGBTQ+ publishers nationwide. In 2022 he was named one of "25 over 50" by Editor and Publisher Magazine, recognized as a publisher with a strong work ethic, transformational mindset, and a commitment to journalistic and publishing excellence, with ability to lead during challenging times.

Currently DJ is CEO of Aviator Development LLC and a real estate broker with Pearson Realty Group specializing in complex residential and commercial transactions. As CEO of Aviator Development, DJ acquires and modernizes properties and provides affordable housing throughout the city.

DJ is running for 44th Ward Alderman because he believes city government has become inefficient, ineffective, and disconnected from the needs of everyday Chicagoans. He will bring a neighborhood-focused, responsive style of leadership that improves public safety, increases smart development, strengthens transparency, unifies our diverse communities, and advocates for seniors, small businesses, homeowners, and renters.

DJ and his husband (and their dog) live in Lakeview.

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