After an ill-advised detour to law school in the 1990s, Mac D’Alessandro returned to his roots – organizing, his passion for which was ignited when he went door-to-door at 12 years old to help elect Harold Washington in Chicago. He’s a graduate of Rutgers University and Boston College Law School and, despite having lived in the Boston area for almost 30 years, still speaks with a midwestern accent. He and his late business partner, John Hennelly, founded Campaign Industries in 2011. Today, he continues to serve at Campaign Industries as its Principal.
Due to his excellence in the Progressive space, we at GAIN Power are proud to highlight Mac as our October Member of the Month. Check out our interview with him below!
What was your journey to progressive politics?
I was raised in a very progressive family in Chicago in which we weren’t force-fed values but discovered them on our own by being taught to be critical thinkers and effective organizers.
What does your current work/position consist of?
All we do at Campaign Industries is field because we strongly believe that despite the myriad of ways that campaigns can engage voters, there’s simply no substitute for face-to-face interactions between human beings. The other reason that we focus exclusively on field is because even though we’re really good at it, we’re always hungry to improve. Striving to get better is a never-ending journey for the team at Campaign Industries.
What is your proudest professional achievement at your organization?
I have three that I can’t decide between: 1. As part of the stellar political team at SEIU, playing a role in helping to elect Barack Obama in 2008. I cried tears of joy for most of the night (after polls closed on the East Coast and we were done phone banking Dems in Wasila, Alaska just to send Sarah Palin a little message!). 2. Building and running the successful grassroots lobbying and legislative campaign to sustain the gubernatorial veto of NH’s right-to-work (for less) legislation, despite a 2-to-1 GOP advantage in the NH legislature. 3. Deploying over 1,500 canvassers in 8 states to defeat Trump and Trumpism in 2020!!
How do you stay motivated and inspired doing the work that you do?
Even though I’ve been doing this work for nearly my entire adult life, I remain inspired and amazed by the people I’ve had the honor of meeting and working with over the years. I love that I come to work every day and learn something new. Lastly, I have two kids who aren’t yet able to vote and they’d be pissed if I didn’t do my part to combat right-wing candidates and policies.
Anything else you’d like to share with GAIN Power readers?
Whether you’re a campaign or field director looking to stand up a paid canvass, or are a talented organizer who’s interested in joining our team, get in touch! We’re not the biggest canvass firm out there but we’re damn good at what we do and are always looking to welcome new or experienced organizers to our family.
Mac & Campaign Industries have a new job posted in the GAIN Power Career Center. Check it out!
