Denis Rooney is the Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, which promotes economic and social advance and encourages reconciliation throughout Ireland.

A past chairman of the Institute of Directors Northern Ireland, he is also a past member of the Northern Ireland Economic Development Forum, past chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Northern Ireland Branch, and member of the Bank of England Advisory Committee. 

Mr Rooney believes strongly in the need for cultural change in Northern Ireland to grow the private sector, and also has a keen interest in business relations with the community.
He receives the degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) for services to business and community development.