Genetic Genealogist Program Director
Shannon Christmas, MCP, ALMFeatured on BBC, NPR, Radio Sweden, and The Atlantic, Shannon Christmas, Genetic Genealogist Program Director for the GU272 Descendants Association and Genealogist for ITV's documentary series Born From The Same Stranger, is an internationally recognized genetic genealogy expert, influencer, educator, practitioner, thought leader, biological family reunification specialist, and lecturer. With over a decade of experience pioneering DNA techniques to identify ancestors and solve mysteries, Shannon harnesses expertise in adoption/unknown parentage research, colonial American, Southern, and African American genealogy. He relishes unleashing the power of DNA to amplify voices long silenced by traditional archiving, bringing hidden ancestors into full view.
A former 23andMe Ancestry Ambassador and Ancestry.com Ace, Shannon manages the Captain Thomas Graves of Jamestown Autosomal DNA Project and the Jesuit Enslaved DNA Project. He also serves as co-administrator of the Hemings-Jefferson-Wayles-Eppes Autosomal DNA Project and the Macon DNA Project. Shannon was among a select group of genetic genealogists invited to participate in the American Society of Human Genetics’ Roundtable on Genetic Ancestry Inference.
As a genetic genealogy instructor on the faculty of the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute, Shannon has received invitations to lecture at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, James Madison’s Montpelier, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the White House, and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
A certified product manager who has advised DNA testing companies, Shannon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Harvard University, a Master of City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Master of Liberal Arts in History from Harvard University.