THE LONG GAME continued from previous page
reminded the graduates that the opportunity isn’t afforded to everyone. “It made me realize that the opportunities I’d had growing up aren’t things that the average person, even in the city of Springfield, was able to do. It started this burning desire to get involved with public service.” Fenlon found himself at a crossroads. Should he continue
pursuing his dream of sports journalism? Or was public policy a new passion he couldn’t put down? He chose the latter. “There was a little disappointment, because you can’t do both,”
he said. “I miss it. I missed it then and I miss it now. You can’t be a part-time sports writer and part-time political operative or govern- ment aide. It was a difficult decision, but in the end, I felt like I made the right one.” On campus, Fenlon dove into this passion, starting a college
democratic club, organizing a non-partisan Rock the Vote campaign, and becoming Student Government Association presi- dent his senior year. “[Springfield College’s] mantra, leadership and service to
humanity, it’s kind of ingrained in you once you set foot on campus,” he said. “The opportunities are endless at Springfield; you just have to take advantage of them. It’s how I carved my path.” Along the way, he even impressed the former College president,
Richard Flynn, edD. “I think Matt is just one more example of the shining stars among our young alumni,” Flynn said. “I have nothing but good things to say about him. He’s mature well beyond his years and has a bright future ahead.”
Staying in Springfield
After graduation, while Fenlon’s peers were peeling off to Boston or to high-paying jobs, he stayed in Springfield. He stayed on the three-point line. Fenlon had worked as a paid intern with
Congressman Neal in Washington, D.C., and wanted to continue to learn from his mentor back on home turf. “A lot of people in politics assume you need to work in Boston to get noticed,” Fenlon said. “I viewed it as, western Massachusetts has one of the most powerful members of Congress. I should stay out here and work for an experienced, seasoned congressman.” And that’s what he did for several years, working as a congres-
on now-U.S. Sen. elizabeth Warren’s campaign in 2012, and most recently, on Dan Wolf’s bid for governor. “I’ve worked really hard to prove myself,” Fenlon said. “In the
beginning, it’s kind of a grind because the pay is very little or none at all. You just put the work in to get noticed. There were certainly opportunities that would have paid more, but I wouldn’t be where I am now. I knew my best professional opportunity was working in Springfield.” In a statement about Fenlon’s new position with the
Massachusetts Democratic Party, Congressman Neal lauded his old staffer. “He’s a talented, bright, and energetic individual who was an invaluable asset to my congressional and campaign operations in western Massachusetts,” he said. “Democrats across the entire state will now benefit from his considerable organizational and communications skills.”
An ambitious goal
Fenlon now lives in Boston and is embracing his new role. It’s fitting that one of his first goals as executive director is an ambitious one: establishing a strong democratic presence in all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. “Now it’s my turn to make sure I do the work that I was appointed to do to make sure we elect democratic candidates next November.” Fenlon says he’s particularly inspired to tackle what he sees as
the major issue of our time: the growing gap of income inequality. “Let’s ensure that everyone gets to the starting line,” he said.
“The opportunities are endless at Springfield; you just have to
“We’re the most powerful, wealthy nation in the world, and every child should have an education, shouldn’t go to bed hungry, or go to bed cold. The basic tenets of what makes our nation great are what drive me.” As the nation becomes increasingly polarized and tensions rise between parties in Washington, Dobrow said Fenlon is the right person to help bridge the divide. “There’s been a heartbreaking breakdown
take advantage of them. It’s how I carved my path.”
in the ability to have a mature conversation in Washington to our considerable detriment as a country and to the message that it holds forward to young people about the ability to
sional staffer, a director of scheduling and operations, and as the communications director for Neal’s 2012 congressional campaign. Neal had also started out as a political volunteer, and he took
Fenlon under his wing. “I was able to learn a lot firsthand from someone who started as an operative himself and worked his way up. I saw the reasons why he’s been so successful, which is his ability to connect with the people he serves and always remain mindful of the important role government plays by helping people help themselves.” Fenlon also worked on Gov. Deval Patrick’s campaign in 2010,
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compromise,” Dobrow said. “We have a really profound problem. We need people to be able to unlock that. I think Matt’s pretty well suited to take this on.” Democratic Party Treasurer Nicole LaChapelle, of easthampton,
Mass., agreed that Fenlon was perfect for the position. She told The Republican: “The job needs a lot of energy, diligence, compliance, being willing to put your whole life into the job and go, and Matt has that.” Accolades aside, Fenlon is doing what he’s always done:
staying focused. “I might have a fancy title, but I still know that I have a lot to learn,” he said. “I’m not going to be complacent.”1
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