Community Worker

As executive director of the Coalition for the Homeless, the nation’s oldest and most respected advocacy group, Mary Brosnahan delves deep into a world which some would find distasteful. 

Since 1989, upon joining the New York office, she has been at the forefront of the organization. She was named executive director only two years later, a tribute to her commitment and drive. 

Brosnahan steers the organization by overseeing its direct service, policy and advocacy activities. 

According to the New York Observer, if “compassion were an industry in New York, Ms Brosnahan would be its chief executive officer.” 

A graduate of Notre Dame, Brosnahan briefly worked in politics, as press advance person during the campaign of Dukakis and Bentsen. 

Her maternal grandparents, both born in Belfast, met and married in Chicago, while her paternal ancestors came from Kerry. 

Since the age of 15, Brosnahan has visited Ireland numerous times.