Dede has been working within Native American urban and tribal entities since 1972.  She served as CEO of Native American Connections (NAC) from 1979 until her retirement in 2023.  Ms. Devine has an MBA from Arizona State University and holds International and State license in behavioral health counseling. Ms.Devine’s leadership and dedication have been recognized within the community with the following honors: Valley Leadership’s Woman of the Year (2003), ONE (Organization for Nonprofit Executives) Executive Director of the Year (2006), YWCA’s Business Leader Award (2008); Arizona’s Centennial Legacy Project – Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women (2012); Phoenix Business Journal’s 25 Most Admired CEOs (2012), and ASU WP Carey School of Business Hall of Fame (2012).