Denise began her business career working at the customer service counter at the Southern Park Mall during summer breaks while attending St. Mary’s College. A lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley, she continued to work for The DeBartolo Corporation, founded by her father, and worked her way up to become Chairman.
Denise has been an integral part of four decades of 49ers football, including five Super Bowl victories. She is also an active member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Earlier in her career, Denise served as President of the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team. Under her leadership, the Penguins won the team’s first Stanley Cup.
She is passionate about many philanthropic causes including the United Way of Youngstown and Mahoning Valley, Mercy Health, Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown, YSU, local veterans groups and many others. Denise continues her parents’ legacy of helping local youth to continue their education with the Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which has awarded over $1.6M in scholarships over the last 25 years.