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Comings & Goings
Marriott exec becomes American citizen
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
Maryland
Layoffs and confusion at Pride Center of Maryland after federal grants cut, reinstated
Trump administration move panicked addiction and mental health programs
By ALISSA ZHU | After learning it had abruptly lost $2 million in federal funding, the Pride Center of Maryland moved to lay off a dozen employees, or about a third of its workforce, the Baltimore nonprofit’s leader said Thursday.
The group is one of thousands nationwide that reportedly received letters late Tuesday from the Trump administration. Their mental health and addiction grants had been terminated, effective immediately, the letters said.
By Wednesday night, federal officials moved to reverse the funding cuts by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, estimated to total $2 billion, according to national media reports. But the Pride Center of Maryland’s CEO Cleo Manago said as of Thursday morning he had not heard anything from the federal government confirming those reports.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
The Comings & 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 to Vida Rangel, JD/MPP on her promotion to Deputy Director of the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments. Rangel is now the highest-ranking transgender official in the history of District government. On accepting the position Rangel said, “I am proud to step into this leadership role and to continue serving my communities. Our District is full of passionate and knowledgeable people who are committed to public service, and it is an honor to help them explore opportunities to serve their neighbors.”
Rangel has previously served in this office as Director of Operations. Prior to this as Bargaining Committee Chair, Organizing Committee, NCTE United, Nonprofit Professional Employees Union IFTPE Local 70. As Policy Counsel, National Center for Transgender Equality; and Elizabeth Warren for President, lead organizer, Illinois 4th Congressional District. She has worked with, and served on boards of, The Black & Pink National, Federal City Performing Arts Assoc., and LAGBAC.
Rangel earned her bachelor’s in sociology from Sam Houston State University; master’s of Public Policy from Loyola University, Chicago; and Juris Doctor, Loyola University, Chicago.
Congratulations also to James Conlon new PFLAG vice president of Development & Philanthropic Partnerships. Upon his appointment Conlon said, “It is an absolute privilege to join PFLAG National and lead their Development & Philanthropic Partner team into a new era. Right now, LGBTQ+ people and their families are terrified of what the future might bring, and PFLAG must continue to be there. My job is to ensure PFLAG strongly endures and thrives, because never has there been a clearer time for our community to unite in fighting for the dignity and well-being of every LGBTQ+ person.”
Brian Bond, CEO, PFLAG National, said, “At a time when PFLAG National programs and participation in them have grown significantly, even as corporate giving has left a $1.3M gap in our funding, James is a critical new addition to the team. With his vast expertise, James will drive our growth and ensure that PFLAG continues meeting the needs of families and communities across the country.”
Conlon is a seasoned fundraiser who has spent extensive time working with advocates, supporters, and leaders, of the LGBTQ+ movement to understand how to effectively support the community. He began his career as an intern in the Massachusetts State House. He has helped raise more than $60 million for critical causes and candidates. Prior to joining PFLAG James oversaw LGBTQ+ investments and fundraising, with the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Prior to that he served in the same role for Harris-Walz 2024, and additionally served in senior fundraising positions for the Senate Majority PAC, as well as for Representatives Josh Gottheimer, and Conor Lamb.
Conlon earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and government from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
District of Columbia
D.C.’s annual MLK Peace Walk and Parade set for Jan. 19
LGBTQ participants expected to join mayor’s contingent
Similar to past years, members of the LGBTQ community were expected to participate in D.C.’s 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Peace Walk and Parade scheduled to take place Monday, Jan. 19.
Organizers announced this year’s Peace Walk, which takes place ahead of the parade, was scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. at the site of a Peace Rally set to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Firth Sterling Avenue and Sumner Road, S.E., a short distance from Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.
The Peace Walk and the parade, which is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at the same location, will each travel along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue a little over a half mile to Marion Barry Avenue near the 11th Street Bridge where they will end.
Japer Bowles, director of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, said he and members of his staff would be marching in the parade as part of the mayor’s parade contingent. In past years, LGBTQ community members have also joined the mayor’s parade contingent.
Stuart Anderson, one of the MLK Day parade organizers, said he was not aware of any specific LGBTQ organizations that had signed up as a parade contingent for this year’s parade. LGBTQ group contingents have joined the parade in past years.
Denise Rolark Barnes, one of the lead D.C. MLK Day event organizers, said LGBTQ participants often join parade contingents associated with other organizations.
Barnes said a Health and Wellness Fair was scheduled to take place on the day of the parade along the parade route in a PNC Bank parking lot at 2031 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., S.E.
A statement on the D.C. MLK Day website describes the parade’s history and impact on the community.
“Established to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the parade united residents of Ward 8, the District, and the entire region in the national movement to make Dr. King’s birthday a federal holiday,” the statement says. “Today, the parade not only celebrates its historic roots but also promotes peace and non-violence, spotlights organizations that serve the community, and showcases the talent and pride of school-aged children performing for family, friends, and community members.”
Layoffs and confusion at Pride Center of Maryland after federal grants cut, reinstated
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