Irish American labor leader appointed as Grand Marshal of NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade

John Samuelsen, International President of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), has been unanimously appointed by the Board of Directors of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade to serve as Grand Marshal of the 2027 NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Samuelsen was proposed for Grand Marshal duties by Vice Chairman Brendan Benn and seconded by Chairman Sean Lane, receiving the unanimous support of the Parade Board.

A proud Brooklyn native, Samuelsen’s Irish heritage runs deep. His mother’s family traces its roots to Co Derry, while his father’s family has roots in Co Cork.

Parade officials say his selection brings together two traditions deeply intertwined with the history of New York’s Irish community: pride in Irish heritage and a lifelong commitment to the labor movement.

Samuelsen serves as International President of the Transport Workers Union of America, representing more than 160,000 workers across the airline, railroad, transit, university, utility and service sectors. He began his career with New York City Transit in 1993 as a track worker and rose through the ranks of organized labor to become an influential national voice for working men and women.

His ties to the Irish and Irish American communities are equally strong. Samuelsen serves as President of the James Connolly Irish American Labor Coalition, is a founding sponsor of the James Connolly Visitors Centre in Belfast, and is a member of the New York City Transit Authority Emerald Society. His career has reflected the longstanding relationship between Irish America, New York City and the organized labor movement.

"The Board is honored to select John Samuelsen as our 2027 Grand Marshal," Sean Lane, Chairman of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, said on Thursday.

"John’s lifelong commitment to working families, his distinguished leadership in the labor movement, and his deep pride in his Irish heritage make him an outstanding choice to lead the world’s greatest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

"I’m also proud to note that my father Patrick Lane was a TWU bus driver for many years before we moved back to Ireland."

About the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade

First held on March 17, 1762, the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade predates the signing of the Declaration of Independence by 14 years and is recognized as the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world.

For more than two and a half centuries, generations of Irish immigrants and Irish Americans have marched through the streets of New York City in celebration of St. Patrick, Irish faith, heritage and culture. Today, the Parade continues its historic march up Fifth Avenue each March 17, bringing together approximately 150,000 participants and as many as two million spectators.

The 266th New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Wednesday, March 17, 2027, when Grand Marshal John Samuelsen will lead marchers up Fifth Avenue in one of New York City’s most enduring and celebrated traditions.

Additional details regarding the 2027 Parade and events honoring Grand Marshal John Samuelsen will be announced in the coming months.