A Jacksonville native, Deno Hicks has spent his professional career in the private sector working in the engineering and consulting industry, and since 2009 as the Managing Partner of Southern Strategy Group's Jacksonville office.

Deno has since gained experience in successfully representing a variety of industries and complex issues including land use/development, transportation, telecommunications, education, health care, outdoor advertising, water utilities, and the environment.

Throughout his professional career, Deno has directed his attention to public policy and offered himself as a public servant. Deno served the Bush Administration as a Florida Liaison to the Department of Political Affairs of the White House. In 2004, Deno was elected as the Republican State Committeeman in Duval County, and Chairman of Congressional District 4, where he served a four year term. During his tenure, Deno served in many leadership roles from fundraising to managing "Get Out the Vote" Campaigns in support of candidates. In 2005, Deno was appointed initially by Governor Jeb Bush to the Florida Greenways and Trails Council where he is still active. Deno has also received appointments by the Governor where he had served as a Nominee to the Electoral College, as a Delegate to the 2008 Republican National Convention, member of the 4th Circuit Court Judicial Nominating Commission, and one of the Governor's 10 Appointees to the Executive Board of the Republican Party of Florida. Locally, Deno served on the Planning Commission for the City of Jacksonville, the completed Zoning Code Re-Write Committee for the City of Jacksonville, and former member of the City's Charter Revision Commission.

Deno's commitment to his community is represented through the many professional and civic boards and committees in which he has served, including the Board for National Association of Office and Industrial Properties, Society for Marketing Professional Services, Family Support Services of Northeast Florida, K9's For Warriors, Dreams Come True, Hendricks Day School, and as a Trustee for Florida House, our State's Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Deno received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida, and where he has served as Chairman of his College's Advisory Council.