Tom Hennessey, Ph.D.

Dr. Hennessey received his bachelor’s degree in English and History and his Masters of Public Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. He was one of the first doctoral graduates of the Institute of Public Policy, now the Schar School of Policy and Management at George Mason University and received his doctorate shortly after his retirement from active duty in 1993. Dr. Hennessey served in the United States Army for 28 years.

After retirement from the Army, Dr. Hennessey joined George Mason University and was appointed University Chief of Staff. As Chief of Staff, Dr. Hennessey was responsible for all administration in the Office of the President, served as the University Legislative Liaison to the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, University Liaison to the Board of Visitors, and the chair of multiple University-wide committees. During his tenure as Chief of Staff, he was twice recognized by Student Government as the Outstanding Administrator of Year. Outside the university he served as the Chair of the Commonwealth Homeland Security Foundation (CHSF) Board until 2012 and Chairman of the Board of the Virginia Economic Bridge (VEB) until 2010. In 2008 he was appointed by Governor Tim Kaine to the Secure Commonwealth Panel, the executive board responsible for reviewing all aspects of emergency preparedness in the Commonwealth.

Since 2005 Dr. Hennessey has served as the founder and president of Hennessey Management Consulting, LLC a consultancy with clients in the federal and state governments. He currently serves as a Board Member on the North Florida/South Georgia Research and Education Board, North Florida/South Georgia VA Hospital, Commander of the Gainesville Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 0823, Treasurer of the Gainesville Fisher House Foundation and Adjutant for the Military Order of the Purple Heart Department of Florida.