1. STEPHEN J. O’CONNOR Email: oconnor80@gmail.com
Eaton Rapids, Michigan 48827
CAREER OBJECTIVE
An accomplished program manager in the association industry with over 20 years experience working in
a large, Michigan trade association is seeking a staff or management position with a professional or
trade association in the mid-Michigan area, either full or part time. My background includes program
management, marketing communications, budget control, professional/business writing, event planning
and a wide range of membership services.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
MICHIGAN HEALTH AND HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION, Lansing, MI 1985 to 2008
A leading statewide health care trade association consisting of a non-profit advocacy, training and
communications division and a for-profit service corporation supporting 258 employer organizations.
Manager of Professional Placement 1991 - 2008
Direct all aspects of management recruitment services which specialize in executive search and career
coaching initiatives. Report to the Senior Vice President for Membership Services and serve as an
advisor to the management team.
• Established the organization’s Professional Search Division, developing and expanding
the offerings to include management recruiting and a variety of coaching practices.
• Placed candidates into executive and management positions within leading Michigan
health care organizations, regularly achieving/exceeding annual goals.
• Increased program revenue by managing joint venture endorsement relationships with
outside vendors in the areas of pre-employment testing, background checking and other
consulting services.
• Played a key leadership role in enhancing the efficiency and quality of MHA’s services,
chairing the CQI Steering Committee and implementing Kaizen programs through 13
self-directed work teams.
• Received the MHA Employee Recognition Award for Outstanding Program
Development (two consecutive years) for successfully leading/coordinating the statewide
Healthcare Human Resources Conference.
• Produced SEARCH, a monthly newsletter circulated to 1,000+ hospital staff members and
wrote the “Staff Matters” column for the bi-monthly Michigan Hospitals magazine.
• Significantly improved employee selection/talent retention by conducting high-impact
behavioral interviewing workshops for MHA managers and hospital staff members.
• Provided personal and career counseling to a wide variety of professionals, periodically
serving as liaison for their career transition services as appropriate.

2. STEPHEN J. O’CONNOR Page Two
Assistant Manager for Vocational Rehabilitation Service 1985 - 1991
Coordinated the Vocational Rehabilitation Service operations within the structure of the MHA Worker’s
Compensation Program and the licensed TPA for Michigan hospitals. Managed a counseling caseload
of injured workers, including home and office visits, while supervising nurses and vocational counselors
in providing personal psycho-social counseling.
• Spearhead successful outreach initiatives, developing the marketing plan/promotional
literature, conducting statewide educational seminars and delivering presentations on a
wide range of return-to-work, ADA and EEO issues.
• Accelerated the reemployment rates of injured hospital employees by designing and
implementing the “Return to Work” model utilized by over 100 Michigan hospitals.
• Significantly increased revenue and improved operating efficiency, partnering closely
with Information Services to develop/implement a computerized billing system.
• Resolved disputes between injured workers, their attorneys and healthcare employers by
providing highly-effective conflict resolution services.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
For Lansing Community College (1989-1991), served as Career Counselor, administering and
interpreting vocational testing instruments, as well as providing career counseling and guidance services
to college students, on a part time/evenings basis.
EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS
MPA Public Administration Western Michigan University
MA Guidance and Counseling Central Michigan University
BS English Literature and Psychology Eastern Michigan University
AA Liberal Arts Jackson Community College
Licensed Professional Counselor - State of Michigan
Licensed Master’s Social Worker - State of Michigan
Senior Professional in Human Resources - Society for Human Resource Management
Specialized skills/knowledge includes: Myers-Briggs and Strong career assessment instruments; EEOC
and employment law regulations; pre-employment testing and employee training; and professional
writing for trade journal publications. Proficient with Microsoft Word, Access and Power Point.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Society for Human Resource Management
Michigan Society of Association Executives
American Society for Health Care Human Resources Administration
Michigan Healthcare Human Resources Association (Former Board Member and Membership Chair)