Jean K. O'Connell, President

Jean has been meeting the grant development   needs of municipalities, school districts, and nonprofit organizations since 1986. In November of 1991, she assumed the position of sole proprietor of J. O'Connell & Associates, Grant Consultants. Jean has a varied professional background, which includes teaching, serving as an Executive Director of a senior center, and working  as a grant-writer for another firm. Jean and a partner worked two years in a new grants consulting firm, which soon became J. O'Connell & Associates.

Jean is a graduate of Buffalo State College, and has a BS and MS in Education, as well as a New York State Teacher's Certification. In addition to her credentials, she is a member of the National Society of Fundraising Executives, Western New York Chapter. In June of 1997, she graduated as a fellow of the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Management. She enthusiastically embraces the development and implementation of all of the challenges presented in entrepreneurial leadership for the betterment of her business.

The success of J. O'Connell & Associates has been recognized by the business community and Jean has received many awards.  Jean has received the following recognition:

	'2005 Women Who Mean Business' Award -- Business First
	2002, 2003 'Woman of Influence' -- recognized by Business First
	2002, 2003 Top 50 Woman Owned Businesses in WNY-- Business First
	Who Runs WNY Business 2001 -- Business First
	1999 Nomination/Working Woman Magazine -- Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
	Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL)/SUNY at Buffalo -- Class of 1997
	Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Alumni Association -- Treasurer 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, & 2004
	Buffalo Launch Club, Grand Island, NY, Member Long Range Planning Committee
	American Planning Association, WNY Chapter
	Association of Fundraising Professionals, WNY Chapter
	National Trust for Historic Preservation
	Clarence Chamber of Commerce
	New York State Teachers Certification