Who is Savvy?

Dennis Bailey, President

Dennis Bailey has been working in, with, and around the local and national media for more than twenty years. Forging a prominent career in Maine journalism and politics, and known for his comprehension of public policy issues, Bailey worked for several Maine newspapers, including the Lewiston Daily Sun, the Biddeford Journal Tribune, the Portland Press Herald-Maine Sunday Telegram and Maine Times. His freelance articles appeared in Time, Yankee, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Sunday Globe Magazine, Columbia Journalism Review and other publications.

In 1990, Bailey left journalism to cut his teeth in the political arena. He served as press secretary for US. Rep. Tom Andrews for three years before leaving to serve as press secretary for independent gubernatorial candidate Angus King. King went on to defeat the two major party candidates in a stunning upset, becoming the only independent governor at that time in the US. Bailey was press secretary for Governor King for more than six years, until 2000. Bailey later served as a senior media and policy advisor to the successful Baldacci for Governor Campaign in 2002, and subsequently helped draft several of Governor Baldacci's major addresses and policy speeches.

In 2000, Bailey formed the public relations firm of Savvy, Inc. and it quickly became what the Portland Press Herald called Maine's "pre-eminent communications and public relations firm." Savvy advises corporate, government, non-profit and political campaign clients on media relations and communications strategy. In 2003 Bailey gained widespread prominence for his central role in the campaign that defeated a statewide referendum to establish a gambling casino in Maine. After the vote, the Maine Sunday Telegram called Bailey "a winner: He ran a good, common-sense campaign. He was smart not to overexpose himself. He is now one of the most visible figures in the state." Al Diamon of the Portland Phoenix called Bailey "the state's best political operative."

Bailey's advice is now being sought by anti-casino groups worldwide while he continues to work with a variety of other clients both large and small throughout Maine and the US.

Bailey is a graduate of the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. In his spare time, he plays in The Bob Band and goes sailing in his 28' Sabre every chance he gets. He writes a blog at www.savvyspin.com