Lauri Hennessey’s career has led her from working at Seattle radio stations at the start of her career to Capitol Hill as a press secretary, from running public affairs operations for large federal agencies to serving as VP for Public Affairs at Edelman in the
Northwest. She has worked for numerous public affairs and PR firms,
including her own, helping local nonprofits with media relations,
fundraising, crisis communications, campaigns and more. She has also served on many boards in the region, including now serving on the board of the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington. 

Among recent positions were Vice President for Engagement at Woodland
Park Zoo and Head of Marketing and Communications for the One Love Foundation.  She is an adjunct faculty member at University of Florida and Seattle University, in addition to at UW.

A lifelong Husky, Professor Hennessey is a UW grad (she completed her degree in 2022, after a long absence) and has her Master of Mass Communications from the University of Florida, specializing in Public Interest Communications and social impact. When not teaching, Professor Hennessey is an avid hiker, kayaker and singer.  She has three grown children and is married, living on Vashon Island. 

You can reach her at lhenn@uw.edu.