(Boston) The Irish Echo newspaper announced their 16th Annual Top 40 under 40 for 2023 in January. The Irish Echo Top 40 Under 40 spotlights the up-and-coming leaders of Irish America from around the nation who work in a variety of fields and occupations. This hugely popular event is a celebration of Irish and Irish Americans who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of work before reaching the age of forty.

As Senior Public Relations Associate, Colleen helps lead Benchmark Strategies growing real estate development communications practice. Colleen brings unique expertise in navigating complex regulatory and legislative frameworks to Benchmark’s growing clientele and supports clients’ public relations efforts through all phases of real estate development, from initial permitting to final approval.

“I am thrilled that Colleen has been nationally recognized with the Irish Echo 40 Under 40 Award. Colleen has established herself as a young leader in the business community through her professional achievement and dedication to non-profit organizations. I am incredibly fortunate to be able to work with and learn from Colleen every day”, said Patrick Bench, President of Benchmark Strategies.

Colleen joined Benchmark after more than four years at a full-service consulting agency where she developed and implemented effective legislative and public affairs campaigns for a diverse base of corporate and non-profit clients. Her areas of focus and expertise include strategic communications and message development, corporate crisis management and grassroots engagement strategy.

Colleen has a commitment to working on issues of housing inequity on both a professional and personal level. She is a proud member of the Caritas Communities Young Leaders Group which helps provide affordable, sustainable housing to very low-income individuals throughout the Greater Boston area. She is also a proud member of the Massachusetts Women Political Caucus, an organization committed to increasing the number of women elected to public office.

Colleen graduated from Fairfield University where she received a B.A in Political Science and English Literature. Originally from Norwood, MA, she currently resides in the South End neighborhood of Boston. Colleen is an avid runner and is preparing for her first marathon.

Learn more about 2023 The Irish Echo Top 40 Under 40 Awards

2023 Top Irish 40 Under 40 Awards (irishecho.com)