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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
District of Columbia
Gay D.C. police lieutenant arrested on child porn charges
Matthew Mahl once served as head of LGBT Liaison Unit
D.C. police announced on April 14 that they have placed one of their lieutenants, Matthew Mahl, on administrative leave and revoked his police powers after receiving information that he was arrested in Maryland one day earlier.
Although the initial D.C. police announcement doesn’t disclose the reason for the arrest it refers to a statement by the Harford County, Md. Sheriff’s Office that discloses Mahl has been charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and child porn solicitation.
“On Tuesday, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office contacted MPD’s Internal Affairs Division shortly after arresting Lieutenant Matthew Mahl,” the D.C. police statement says.
“The allegations in this case are extremely disturbing, and in direct contrast to the values of the Metropolitan Police Department,” the statement continues. “MPD’s Internal Affairs Division will investigate violations of MPD policy once the criminal investigation concludes,” it says.
“MPD is not involved in the criminal investigation and was not aware of the investigation until yesterday,” the statement adds.
Mahl served as acting supervisor of the MPD’s then Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit in 2013 when he held the rank of sergeant. D.C. police officials placed him on administrative leave and suspended his police powers that same year while investigating an undisclosed allegation.
A source familiar with the investigation said Mahl was cleared of any wrongdoing a short time later and resumed his police duties. Around the time he was promoted to lieutenant several years later Mahl took on the role as chairman of the D.C. Police Union, becoming the first known openly gay officer to hold that position.
NBC 4 reports that Mahl, 47, has served on the police force for 23 years and most recently was assigned to the department’s Special Operations Division.
Records related to Mahl’s arrest filed in Harford County District Court, show Sheriff’s Department investigators state in charging documents that he allegedly committed the offenses of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor and Child Porn Solicitation on Monday, April 13, one day before he was arrested on April 14.
The court records show he was held without bond during his first appearance in court on April 14. A decision on whether he would be released while awaiting trial or continue to be held without bond was scheduled to be determined during an April 15 bond hearing. The outcome of that hearing could not be immediately determined.
Maryland
Evan Glass is leaning on his record. Is that enough for Montgomery County’s top job?
Gay county executive candidate pushing for equitable pay, safer streets, and cleaner environment
By TALIA RICHMAN | During a meet-and-greet at Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, Evan Glass got his loudest applause of the night with a plan he acknowledged was decidedly unsexy.
“Day one, I’ll hire a director of permitting services,” the county executive candidate said.
Doing so, he added, is a step toward easing the regulatory burdens that can stifle small businesses in Montgomery County.
The only problem? At least one of his fiercest competitors is making a similar pledge.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
District of Columbia
D.C. bar, LGBTQ+ Community Center to mark Lesbian Visibility Week
‘Ahead of the Curve’ documentary screening, ‘Queeroke’ among events
2026 Lesbian Visibility Week North America will take place from April 20-26.
This year marks the third annual Lesbian Visibility Week, run by the Curve Foundation. A host of events take place from April 20-26.
This year’s theme is Health and Wellness. For the Curve Foundation, the term “lesbian” serves as an umbrella term for a host of identities, including lesbians, bisexual and transgender women, and anyone else connected to the lesbian community.
The week kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony on April 19. It will take place in New York, but will be livestreamed for the public.
“Queeroke” is one of the events being held around the country. It will take place at various participating bars on April 23.
As You Are, an LGBTQ bar in Capitol Hill, is one of eight locations across the U.S. participating. Their event is free and 21+.
On April 24, the D.C. LGBTQ+ Community Center will hold a screening of “Ahead of the Curve,” a documentary about the founder of Curve, Franco Stevens. The event is free with an RSVP.
April 25, is Queer Women in Sports Day. And on April 26, several monuments in New York will be illuminated.
Virtual events ranging from health to sports will be made available to the public. Details will be released closer to the start of Lesbian Visibility Week. Featured events can be found on the official website.
Some ways for individuals to get involved are to use #LVW26 and tag the official Lesbian Visibility Week account on social media posts. People are encouraged to display their lesbian flags, and businesses can hand out pins and decorate. They can also reach out to local lawmakers to encourage them to issue an official Lesbian Visibility Week.
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Comings & Goings
Minimal version of ‘Streetcar Named Desire’ heading to Dupont Underground
