O'Connell began his career in public service working with the American Heart Association in its earliest efforts to reduce death and disability from heart attack and stroke, spent twelve years as national head of the Mental Health Association during major breakthroughs in understanding and treatment of depression, and chaired the founding committee of Civicus: World Alliance for Citizen Participation.  In 1980 he and John Gardner launched Independent Sector, where O'Connell served for 15 years as president and CEO of a vast coalition devoted to strengthening voluntary initiative, philanthropy and civic action.

Not only a dynamic activist, O’Connell is a compelling author and inspirational teacher who uses every opportunity to pass along his experiences to others who are also trying to build public causes.  Throughout his busy career, Mr. O’Connell has managed to bridge the worlds of action and writing.  Among his fourteen books are:  Fifty Years in Public Causes, Civil Society; The Board Member’s Book; America’s Voluntary Spirit; Philanthropy in Action; and, with Ann Brown O’Connell, Volunteers in Action.

“No one has had more of an influence on the development of non-profits in America than Brian O’Connell….”

John C. Whitehead, former senior partner and co-chairman of  Goldman Sachs, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. State Department and head of many major nonprofits and commissions