Brian Dempsey was born and raised in Ocala.  The son of an 2^nd generation educator and a farmer turned warehouse dock worker, he graduated from Forest High School, Central Florida Community College, Tampa Technological Institute and Florida Southern College.  He has been a member of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America Local 1821 at Lockheed Martin since 1985. During his time with the UAW he served as shop steward, bargaining chairman and President of his local.  He served the workers of his community, North Central Florida, as the Recording Secretary and Political Coordinator for North Central Florida Central Labor Council. He also served as the North Florida Zone Governance Chairperson for Zone 1.

In a statement shortly after his election as Secretary-Treasurer of the Florida AFL-CIO he said, “I was raised with a strong sense of community. I know that what happens to my neighbor does effects me and my actions impact others.  I have always tried to remember that and to ensure that my actions benefit my neighbors and my community as a whole.”  Brian worked in his community with the Cultural Arts Committee, the Boy Scouts, Pop Warner football, the local track club and various other organizations.

In the same statement he said, “Throughout my life I have been truly blessed and I was always taught that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’.   I want my time as Secretary-Treasurer to be marked by my strong commitment to give something to the working families of this state.  I also firmly believe that ‘in unity there is strength’ and I am so confident that when we as Organized Labor in Florida work together we can accomplish anything and improve the lives of all of Florida’s workers, their families and their communities.”