A seasoned communications professional with over 25 years of experience, Dean Hybl has made significant strides in sports, community, and private sector communications, as well as event organization and engagement. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Ten at the Top (TATT), a regional collaboration organization in South Carolina’s Upstate, Dean Hybl leadership has been instrumental in fostering connections and enhancing regional capacity.
Dean Hybl career in communications began during his time as a Communications Major at James Madison University, where he honed his skills working in the college Sports Information Office and writing for the school newspaper, The Breeze. These early experiences solidified his passion for journalism and sports. Internships with the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL and the Richmond Braves (the triple-A affiliate for the Atlanta Braves) provided a launchpad for his career.
His first full-time role was as the Sports Information Director at Hampden-Sydney College, where he spent six years before moving on to Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. At Rollins, Dean Hybl served as the Sports Information Director and Assistant Athletic Director for nearly nine years. During this time, he coordinated numerous events and managed communications, establishing a strong foundation in athletic administration.
The birth of his daughter, Bethany, in 2004 marked a turning point for Dean. Seeking a role that would leverage his communication expertise while offering a more balanced lifestyle, he joined the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce. There, he worked as a Program Manager for myregion.org, a regional initiative aimed at fostering collaboration among community and business leaders. This experience underscored the transformative power of regional cooperation and set the stage for his future endeavors.
In 2010, Dean Hybl embraced the opportunity to become the founding Executive Director of Ten at the Top. This role allowed him to synthesize his diverse skills and experiences to build and implement a robust framework for a new organization. Under his leadership, TATT has developed a strong track record for promoting regional collaboration, earning recognition from prestigious bodies such as the Alliance for Regional Stewardship, SCDHEC Bureau of Air Quality, and the South Carolina Chapter of the American Planner’s Association.
Dean’s contributions to regional collaboration have not gone unnoticed. He is a past recipient of the Welling Award for Regional Collaboration and Upstate Forever’s Land Planning & Policy Champion Award. His involvement extends beyond TATT, as he has served on the boards of Community Works Carolina and the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce, and co-founded Greenville CAN (Collaborative Action Network).
Originally from Keysville, Virginia, Dean graduated from James Madison University. He now resides in Greer, South Carolina and was married to his wife Suzy for nearly 27 years before her death in May 2023 following a brief illness. Their two children, Bethany and Nate, are both currently attending college. Dean’s journey from sports information to regional collaboration highlights his adaptability, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact on the communities he serves.
