Bridget Hennessey

Bridget is an experienced public affairs and government relations leader with more than 20 years of experience leading advocacy campaigns, championing organizational priorities and developing effective communications strategies across the public transportation industry. She specializes in helping transit clients plan and execute strategic communication initiatives to advance key public transportation programs.

She is skilled at developing engaging messaging and excels at building and training high-performing teams. Her understanding of public agency needs comes from years of working with and for transit organizations. As chief of staff/intergovernmental affairs officer for San Diego’s North County Transit District, Bridget worked with the agency’s executive leadership to implement a marketing campaign that boosted ridership. She also partnered with the local congressional delegation to secure discretionary funding for capital projects. Prior to joining NCTD, she worked for multiple firms as a transit advocate to advance clients’ priorities and legislative objectives, including the American Public Transportation Association’s Center for Transportation Excellence, where she supported ballot initiatives across the United States.

Bridget is passionate about projects that improve communities and enhance the quality of life. She believes strong community engagement and outreach are essential to delivering efficient, sustainable and equitable transportation solutions. Outside of work, she serves on the board of directors for several volunteer organizations, including Emerge America, the National Association of Women Legislators and the Orange County Book Fair.