Although new to the Washington, DC metro area, John O’Brien has quickly become a pillar of BGCGW Metropolitan Board. John is the Executive Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs at WLG Holdings, Inc. and Washington Gas. His affinity for motivating others and developing strategic processes has made him an asset to the board and Chair of BGCGW’s 2nd Annual BlueFest on April 25, 2019.

John always thought his life would be in politics. After graduating from Suffolk University Law School in Boston, he worked in the Massachusetts State Senate and was a member of the State Senate from 1992-1998. John eventually left his work in politics and has since worked as an executive at various energy companies. Outside of work, John and his wife Kathleen are enjoying their new life as “empty nesters,” taking trips and playing golf. John and Kathleen are also incredibly proud of their two kids, Matt and Kate, who live and work in New York and Dallas, respectively.

During his work with the Massachusetts State Senate, John saw first-hand the impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs. John sees the incredibly value of the organization’s work and believes that the Clubs can have a “profound impact” on communities for generations. On John’s first tour of a BGCGW Club, he was so excited to meet youth who he considers the next generation of community leaders. BGCGW’s Chief Development Officer, Kimberly Lane, vividly remembers this tour with John, and she was moved by the time he took to speak with every child who interacted with him.

John is excited to celebrate the youth at the 2nd Annual BlueFest on Saturday, April 25 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club FBR@THEARC. The event will include interactive activities, club tours, great food and youth performances. John is most excited about the live and silent auctions, so that BGCGW can “raise the dollars that are needed to support the programs and services that our kids deserve.”

Interested in becoming a sponsor or attending BlueFest? Find more out here.

2nd Annual BlueFest
Thursday, April 25, 2019
FBR @ THEARC
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.