The ‘Comings & Goings’ column chronicles important life changes of Blade readers.

The Comings and Goings column is about sharing the professional successes of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements. Please share your successes with us at [email protected].

Congratulations are in order for Michael Hennessy, one of 31 petitioners who became an American citizen last Tuesday morning at a Naturalization Ceremony at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. President Obama delivered the keynote address as Hennessy reflected over the past 16 years on his path to citizenship. The ceremony coincided with the 224th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights.

Hennessy is a native of Dublin, Ireland. Graduating in 1994 from the College of Commerce in Dublin, Hennessy entered the hospitality industry and worked his way through the ranks at some of Ireland’s preeminent properties, arriving in D.C. in 1999. Since his arrival, Hennessy has worked for several D.C. hotels in senior leadership roles in operations, event planning and sales. Hennessy joined Marriott International in 2005 and soon headed up its catering sales efforts as an area sales director representing all Marriott brands in the metropolitan area. Hennessy’s professional path, ambitions and desires to experience more have allowed him a front row seat to history hosting many high-profile events, conferences and celebrations. It is that same spirit of celebration and ambition that initially motivated Hennessy to make his move to the United States. Today, Hennessy heads up sales and marketing for Marriott International, based at The Mayflower Hotel.

Hennessy’s path to citizenship is a realization of the American dream. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 marked a turning point for him and soon thereafter he applied for permanent residence status. As a long-term resident in D.C., he witnessed many historic local and national events that have shaped the community and country. As a non-citizen he was unable to vote, and decided to apply for citizenship primarily to exercise that right and power to contribute to the future of his adopted country. When asked about the ceremony, he said, “What better way to celebrate receiving my citizenship than on the anniversary of the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, and worship. I want to remind everyone to exercise your right as American citizens and to stay engaged in the political process understanding every vote makes a difference.” Hennessy added he is humbled and thankful for all that the United States of America has allowed him to do.

Michael Hennessy

Congratulations also to Lorella Praeli, who was naturalized in the same ceremony. I was fortunate to meet Lorella last year through friends. She was born in Peru and came to the United States as an undocumented immigrant when she was 10. She recently moved from D.C. to Brooklyn, N.Y., to become Hillary Clinton’s Latino Outreach Director. She is an amazing young woman who happens to be an amputee. She has overcome many odds to achieve success and through it all has dedicated her life to helping others.

Congratulations are also in order for Chris McCannell who recently became a partner in the Eris Group, formerly Bartlett and Bendell. The Eris Group is a government relations practice. Chris previously worked as the lead of the D.C. financial services practice at APCO Worldwide.

A press release from the Eris Group stated, “In addition to continuing work on previous clients, Chris brings to the Eris Group the perspective of a senior House Democrat. Chris was previously chief of staff for current Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.), and also served as chief of staff for Rep. Michael E. McMahon (D-N.Y.).”

Doyle Bartlett, founder and managing partner of the Eris Group added, “The Eris Group is fortunate to have Chris. Chris has a passion for his clients and the clients value his counsel. He is someone who is respected on both sides of the aisle and has a proven track record of getting things done both when he was on Capitol Hill and with his clients.”

Chris McCannell