Candidate for 2nd Vice President
Michael O’Connor

Executive Director – Western Will County Communications Center (WESCOM)

My name is Mike O’Connor, and I am a candidate for 2nd Vice-President of APCO International. I was first introduced to emergency communications as a police cadet, and soon discovered my passion for the field as a career. Through the years I have had the opportunity to work at Center’s of various sizes and organization, while at the same time working my way up through the ranks to the position of Executive Director. This fall I will officially celebrate 30 years as a public safety communications professional, and look forward to many more.

I first became a member of APCO in 1999, and quickly began learning the benefits of membership. From the various training classes to networking, my professional knowledge and growth have been greatly influenced by APCO to this date. As my familiarity with the organization grew, so did my involvement with the Illinois Chapter. I have had the opportunity to serve at the Chapter level as a Board member, 2nd and 1st Vice-President, President, Immediate Past President and Executive Council Representative. I have been actively involved in many state level committees and also serve as the Treasurer and Registration chair of our joint venture annual conference. During those years, I had the honor of being granted both Senior and Life member status at the Chapter level.

At the national level, I have been a member of several committees over the last 15 years. This service has provided not only great networking opportunities, but also the ability to be actively involved in the growth and progress of our Association. The work our membership does through the various committees is a large component of our success and reputation as a professional organization. In 2019, I was elected to serve as one of two North Central Region Representatives to the Board of Directors, which I continue to this day. As our agencies are currently tackling the challenges of implementing NG9-1-1, we still must be mindful of what’s next. APCO as an organization remains on the leading edge of trends and technologies, whether it be the use of AI in ECC’s, staffing challenges, or the mental health of our employees.

My goals in running for 2nd Vice President are two-fold:First, to help ensure that our membership remains empowered and involved in our organization so that it can continue to be an industry leading organization; and second to payback through service the benefits I have received through membership throughout my career. I intend to always remain cognizant of the member concerns and perspective to ensure we are working to meet these goals.

It would be my great honor to serve as your next 2nd Vice-President, and greatly appreciate your consideration and vote in this election.

Thank you,

Michael O’Connor