Dennis Cestra Jr. leads daily operations, strategic initiatives, and business development for Howard Hanna’s Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland regions. With extensive experience in real estate leadership, market expansion, and acquisitions, Cestra has played a significant role in driving the company’s growth across multiple markets. Prior to his current role, Cestra served as President of Howard Hanna’s Southeast Region in Virginia. During his tenure, the region experienced significant growth, increasing annual sales volume by more than 60%, from $1.25 billion to $2 billion. Throughout his career, Cestra has led and facilitated strategic acquisitions across three states, including REMAX Alpha in North Carolina; Atlantic Coast Real Estate and Roy Wheeler Real Estate in Virginia; Albert Anthony in Pittsburgh; and Welcome Home Realty in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Most recently, he spearheaded Howard Hanna’s expansion into the Philadelphia market. Cestra holds a BA from Allegheny College and a MA in real estate from Georgetown University. He is President of the West Penn Multi-List Board and serves on the boards of the Broker Public Portal, the Urban League of Pittsburgh, and the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. Previously, he served on the board of directors of the Real Estate Information Network (REIN) and was selected as the United States delegate to the One Young World Conference. Cestra is also a member of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), a global network of chief executives and business leaders.
