Community Advocate Brings Passion, Experience to Library Support Organization

Kevin O’Connell, a community-service advocate and retired telecommunications executive, was recently appointed to the Anythink Foundation, a nonprofit corporation that raises money and generates broad-based public support for Anythink Libraries.

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., O’Connell attended Seton Hall University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in accounting and master’s degree in finance before moving to Chicago and then Denver in 1994. His 30-year career in telecommunications spans a variety of areas, including sales, information technology, contract management and treasury operations with Qwest (now CenturyLink), Telcordia Technologies (now Ericsson) and AT&T.

O’Connell is an active volunteer with Rotary International, serving as an assistant governor for Central Colorado’s Rotary District 5450 and as the district chair of annual giving for the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. He is also a charter member and past president of the Rotary Club of Brighton Early, and is the Rotary youth exchange officer for the Rotary clubs of Brighton.

His appointment to the Anythink Foundation is a natural extension of his passion for service and high level of commitment to the community.

“I’m excited to be a part of a growing organization where creativity and blue-sky thinking is welcomed and considered an integral part of growing the organization and making a significant impact,” he says.

O’Connell is also highly active with organizations outside of Rotary. He serves as director and treasurer on the board of the 27J School District Education Foundation, and is an ambassador for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Adams & Broomfield Counties, a nonprofit organization that trains volunteers to become advocates for mistreated children. Earlier this year, O’Connell received the 2012 CASA Ambassador of the Year Award for his outstanding service with the organization.