In Memoriam: Michael J. Hennessy Sr

Hennessy was committed to improving health care and patients’ lives, as is seen throughout his career. Following his graduation from Rider University in 1982, he started his journey in medical publishing as a sales trainee, eventually advancing to the position of CEO. In 1986, Hennessy became chief operating officer of Medical World Business Press. The company prospered and was sold to a Boston-based venture capital firm.

Hennessy launched MultiMedia Healthcare, LLC, in 1993 and built a portfolio of award-winning clinical journals. In 2001, Freedom Communications, Inc, acquired MultiMedia HealthCare, about the time that Hennessy was pioneering a new approach to print and digital publishing with Intellisphere®, LLC (now part of MJH Life SciencesTM). Guided by the principles of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit and reflecting its founder’s dedication to improving quality of life through health care research and education, Intellisphere publishes a variety of integrated print and digital products on a range of topics in research and clinical medicine.

To build a comprehensive multimedia and education platform, Hennessy added other companies and capabilities to the MJH Life SciencesTM portfolio, including health care market research leader HRA® (Healthcare Research & Analytics), respected journals Pharmacy Times® and The American Journal of Managed Care®, and the leading accredited continuing medical education company Physicians’ Education Resource®, LLC (PER®).

In 2019, MJH Life SciencesTM made its largest acquisition to date with the Healthcare and Industry Sciences divisions of UBM Medica, nearly doubling the size of the organization and adding legacy titles such as Contemporary OB/GYN® to an already impressive portfolio. This acquisition made the organization the largest independently owned medical communications company in North America.

In late 2019, Hennessy elevated his role to chairman while naming his son, Mike Hennessy Jr, to assume the leadership role of the organization and carry on the family legacy. Under Mike Jr’s leadership, the company enhanced its global potential by entering into a long-term partnership with BDT Capital Partners, LLC, in November 2021.

Due to his broad business and educational experience, Hennessy’s counsel and insight had been sought out by several organizations, including his alma mater Rider University, where he served on the Board of Trustees and was elected to
the executive committee. He also had a long record of service at the local level, where he was a strong advocate for veterans and environmental issues.

Hennessy’s true passion was his relationship with his wife, Patrice “Patti” Hennessy. After meeting her in college, Hennessy devoted his life to Patti and his family, raising 4 children. Hennessy was Patti’s rock as she bravely battled cancer for almost 10 years until her death in January 2020. Hennessy recently honored Patti by making a donation to Rider University to expand the Science and Technology Center at their alma mater. The Mike and Patti Hennessy Science and Technology Center is set to be completed in 2022.

Hennessy’s legacy and “family first” mantra will live on through his children, their spouses, and his 10 grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and his MJH Life Sciences™ family.