John Jay O'Connor III

John J. O’Connor "was appointed president of the Research Foundation of State University of New York in March 2000. The Research Foundation is an essential partner of the State University as it strengthens its role as a leading player in the national research arena. Over the past five years, the Research Foundation has increased sponsored research activity across the university system from $700 million to over $900 million per year. Mr. O’Connor, who also serves as vice chancellor and secretary of the University, is responsible for directing these initiatives.

"Prior to joining the State University as acting vice chancellor in 1996, Mr. O’Connor was president of a New York City/Washington, D.C. consulting firm providing management services to not-for-profit organizations in the United States and Europe. From 1981 to 1996, he served in senior positions at New York University, including vice president for university relations and executive assistant to the president. He was press secretary and special assistant to the majority whip of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1976 to 1981.

"Mr. O’Connor holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in Public Administration from New York University. He is a director of the American Ditchley Foundation and the King Juan Carlos I Foundation; a fellow of the British Royal Society for the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce; and vice chairman of the board of trustees of Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana."

"He previously served for 14 years in senior posts at New York University, with responsibilities as vice president for university relations and executive assistant to the president. He most recently was president of The Ballintober Group, a Manhattan-based firm providing management services to educational and cultural organizations in the U.S. and abroad."