Christopher O’Connor '89, '92MBA, '94PMC

Christopher O’Connor '89, '92MBA, '94PMC is a nationally recognized healthcare CEO, entrepreneur, and thought leader with over 30 years of experience improving cost, quality, and outcomes (CQO) in hospitals and health systems worldwide. As founder of Acurity and Nexera, author, and advisor, he has driven billions in purchasing volume, led crisis response efforts, and served as a Fellow and faculty member across leading healthcare organizations and universities.

Why did you choose Iona to pursue your MBA?  

I attended Iona as an undergrad and majored in English. After teaching for a couple of years and deciding to make a change into the "business world," Iona took a chance on me even though I had never taken one business class while undergrad.

How did your MBA help you in your career?  

I spent my entire career in supply chain. The focus in my concentration gave me a great base for my career change.

What is your advice for current students?  

Your goal should be to love your life, not your job. That is not to say that you should not like what you do, but your career is a big part, but not all of your life. Allow your career to fulfill what it needs to fulfill in your life, but don't let it consume you. Also, follow your dreams. You are smarter than you might think you are! Lastly, look for the good in this world. Sometimes it is not standing in front of you, and you have to look for it, but trust me, it is there. Focusing on the bad is a waste of time and energy.

What is your proudest professional achievement?  

I am very proud to have started and led two companies that employed approximately 250 people. I felt like we had a responsibility to pay 250 mortgages every month. We positively impacted the bottom lines of hundreds of health systems in the tri-state area.

What do you feel are your secrets to success?

Find the greatness in others and make it your responsibility to pull that greatness to the surface. Always treat people with kindness and respect - some day you might find yourself working for someone you once led!  Don’t define your life by your career; be more interesting than your job, because one day it will end.

Any other information that we should know?  

Don't ever become so important (in your own mind) that you can't jump in and help set up chairs for a presentation or that you think your palate is too good for diner food!