Laura Hennessey

With over twenty-five years of public service experience, Laura Hennessey is a trusted thought partner to leaders across city, state, and federal government, as well as in higher education and the non-profit sector. Her career spans service in two Massachusetts gubernatorial administrations, including as special assistant to the Governor’s chief of staff, speechwriter for the CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority, and an appointment by the Governor to serve as chief policy advisor to the secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety. 

Before joining the Cooper Center in 2025 as Chief of Staff, Laura spent seven years at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, where she led communications for the Institute for Business in Society in Charlottesville and served as Senior Director (Chief of Staff) to UVA NOVA Dean and CEO Greg Fairchild at the Sands Family Grounds in Arlington. 

While working in DC Metro, Laura frequently worked with elected and appointed officials from city, state, and federal government, including the U.S. House and Senate. She oversaw programs featuring Heads of State and members of the Executive Branch. 

Laura also served as a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID), representing the interests of 25,000 employees, 15,000 residents, and 1.2 million visitors to the Rosslyn district in Arlington, Virginia, and was a member of the UVA Staff Senate while working at the Darden School.