QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY LUNCHEON HONORING FIRE COMMISSIONER LAURA KAVANAGH & NEW YORK CITY FOOTBALL CLUB COO/CHIEF LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER JENNIFER O’SULLIVAN

QUEENS, NY, (March 16, 2023)—On Wednesday afternoon, the Queens Chamber of Commerce honored New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and Jennifer O’Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal and Administrative Officer of the New York City Football Club (NYCFC), at its annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon.

Hundreds of business and community leaders from across the borough gathered at Antun’s in Queens Village to celebrate the contributions of Irish-Americans to Queens, enjoy delicious corned beef and cabbage, listen to great live music by the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and the band The Cobblers, as well as network with each other.

“The month of March is always a great time to reflect on our Irish heritage. It is a time to be proud and humbled by everything Irish-Americans have done in our city and our country.  I am honored to be here to celebrate with you all, and all you have accomplished,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.

“I’m honored to be recognized alongside a strong female leader like Commissioner Kavanagh as we come together to celebrate Queens’ rich and storied Irish heritage,” said Jennifer O’Sullivan, COO at NYCFC. "New York City Football Club (NYCFC) is proud of our longstanding work in the Queens community creating free soccer programming, building community soccer pitches, and investing almost $800 million to build the first soccer-specific stadium. We look forward to expanding on that work by continuing our relationship with impactful local organizations like the Queens Chamber of Commerce.”

“Irish immigrants and Irish-Americans helped build New York City from its start and continue to make amazing contributions to our business community everyday,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO, Queens Chamber of Commerce. “These contributions ensure Queens is a beautiful, thriving, safe place to live, work, and play. We are grateful to be able to honor two extraordinary Irish-American Women, Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and Jennifer O’Sullivan, and thank them for all they have done for Queens.”

The luncheon featured a Presentation of Colors by the 2nd Battalion 25th Marines, led by Color Sergeant Ibarra; the National Anthem, sung by Scarlett Levin; a benediction from Reverend Monsignor Alfred P. LoPinto, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens; a performance by the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums; and remarks by Mayor Eric Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, FDNY Commissioner Kavanagh, O’Sullivan and Queens Chamber Board Chair Howard Graf. Also in attendance were Councilmember Vickie Paladino, Councilmember James Gennaro , and Councilmember Robert Holden.

“I’m proud to be here to celebrate the wearing of the green – and the earning of it,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Irish immigrants came here for the American dream, and on Saint Patrick’s Day we honor everything they have done for our city and our communities. My administration reflects the diversity of this city, and we are proud that a proud Irish-American and the first woman to lead the FDNY, Laura Kavanagh, is being recognized at today’s luncheon. Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!”

“The Queens Chamber of Commerce once again hosted a fabulous St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon that recognized the many contributions made by the Irish American community in Queens,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “’The World’s Borough’ would not be the special place it is today without the hard work and dedication of our Irish American residents. I wish them and everyone in Queens a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Chamber’s distinguished honorees.”

“The annual Queens Chamber St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon represents an opportunity to celebrate and uplift the contributions of our Irish American community,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Irish Americans have shaped New York into the city it is today, and it is important to continue highlighting their indelible impact. I congratulate Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and NYCFC Chief Legal and Administrative Officer Jennifer O’Sullivan on their well-deserved recognition, and the Queens Chamber of Commerce for hosting a successful St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon.”

"The Queens Chamber is a leader and partner in lifting up the immigrant-owned small businesses that comprise Queens, one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world," said Kevin D. Kim, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. "The contributions of Irish Americans to our economy, culture, and infrastructure can be felt throughout the city each and every day. I am proud to join with the Chamber in honoring the historic leadership of Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, who helps to keep our businesses operating safely each day."

“Irish-American have made some truly incredible contributions to this country, and especially to this borough,” Councilwoman Joann Ariola said. “Today, we have a chance to honor all those sons and daughters of the Emerald Isle who have made their mark on our communities, and we recognize two in particular for the work they’ve done to better New York City.”

About the Queens Chamber of Commerce:
The Queens Chamber of Commerce is the oldest and largest business association in Queens, representing more than 1,400 businesses and more than 150,000 Queens-based employees. Its mission is to foster connections, educate for success, develop/implement programs and advocate for members’ interests. www.queenschamber.org

###