Michael Messinger

Michael S. Messinger passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, May 14, 2025 following a courageous journey with Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s-related dementia. Though his passing came suddenly, his life was a testament to enduring love, service, and purpose.

Born in New York City in 1947, Michael dedicated more than four decades of his life to the federal government, where he served with unwavering commitment, integrity, and excellence. His illustrious career included many years in international broadcasting; on special assignment to the National Partnership for Reinventing Government that was part of the Office of the Vice President; involved in the launch and adoption of FirstGov.gov while at the General Services Administration; providing leadership to Voice of America and their online presence; and working on performance management while part of the White House Office of Management and Budget. He worked with prominent global leaders, including 7 presidents of the United States, and promoted democracy around the world. He loved sharing the work of the government with the public in increasingly meaningful ways as enabled by evolving technology, and he received numerous international commendations and facilitated extensive global exchanges around government reform, public administrative reform and modernization of the state.

Michael’s career was marked not only by professional achievement but by a deep sense of responsibility to the greater good. He epitomized the Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world—through every aspect of his work and life. He was a man of quiet strength and boundless compassion. He modeled an exceptional work ethic, always striving to be in service to others. And, he was passionate about serving as a volunteer in organizations to better the communities in which he was a part. He was a sensitive soul who led with empathy, and his presence brought comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.

Above all, he cherished his family. He was a devoted father to his two children and a loving grandfather to his four grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the love he gave so freely, and the lives he touched so deeply.

He is survived by his children Erica Messinger (and Jason Hays) and Ari Messinger (and Nicole Majeski), grandchildren Mattan and Lael Hays, and Aiden and Ian Messinger, his brother Barry Messinger, and his partner Lynn Kaufman.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 30th from 10am-12pm at The Grand, 5801 Nicholson Lane, Rockville, Maryland. The family asks that donations be made in his honor to the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA) to support others living with Parkinson’s.

May their memory be for a blessing. Baruch Dayan Ha’emet.