James O'Connor

Experience

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  United States Marine Corps

  Sept 1999 - Sept 2004

  U.S. Marine, Avionics Electrician

  • As a U.S. Marine Corps Aviation Electrician Technician aboard the S.S. Wright during “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” I served as a team leader for our department.Result: Received a meritorious mast for leadership, skillful instruction, and unwavering dedication to duty by personally repairing more than 180 mission-critical units of the 290 needing repair within 72 hours.• Performed complex repairs, tests, and inspections of Harrier and F-18 navigational systems.• Presidential Unit Citation• National Defense Service Medal • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal• Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal Show less

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  Shippensburg University

  Aug 2012 - Aug 2013

  Marketing and Promotions

  • Created and executed the university’s first athletic marketing and promotions plan. Served as the event creator, coordinator and promoter for Shippensburg University‘s Department of Athletics. • Conducted sponsor relationship management, organized and managed special athletics events and fundraisers. Result: Increased game attendance by 16% in 1 academic year by successfully executing all phases of the marketing plan.

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  The Mission Continues

  Oct 2013 - Oct 2015

  In 2013, The Mission Continues introduced a new way for veterans to continue serving at home – the service platoon. A service platoon is a team of veterans, active duty service members, guardsmen and reservists that mobilizes together to solve specific challenges in their community. United by the common bond of military service, platoons offer veterans the opportunity to make an impact in their community.With the support of the Heinz Endowment, Highmark, Mayor Peduto’s office, local nonprofits, civic organizations and businesses, the Pittsburgh Platoon will seek to lend a helping hand in improving our great city. Show less

  • Greater Pittsburgh Area Platoon Leader

    Apr 2014 - Oct 2015

  • Mission Continues Fellow

    Oct 2013 - Apr 2014
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  San Francisco Center for Economic Development

  Nov 2013 - Apr 2014

  Economic Development Fellow

  • Created consultative, story-focused econometric reports by analyzing data that were used to identify trends and patterns within San Francisco’s business sectors.• Project management included developing a strategic plan in response to an RFP for the economic growth of San Francisco’s businesses.

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  Allegheny County Economic Development: Business Development Division

  Jan 2015 - Jan 2019

  Business Development Project Manager
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  Leadership Pittsburgh Inc.

  Apr 2015 - Sept 2015

  The six month Community Leadership Course gives class members the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of our region, meet with business and community leaders, as well as utilize their leadership skills to accomplish a community impact project in partnership with a local non-profit organization. This course provides participants with the exposure, experiences and connections that prepare them to tackle the challenges of our community. Bi-weeklysessions cover topics such as corporate landscape, nonprofit landscape, history of Pittsburgh, savvy networking and more. The knowledge and associations obtained through Leadership Pittsburgh provides access to the platforms needed to take on leadership roles within Southwestern Pennsylvania communities. Show less

  • Leadership Pittsburgh CLCV Class ll

    Apr 2015 - Sept 2015

  • Leadership Pittsburgh Graduate (CLCV)

    Apr 2015 - Sept 2015
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  Team Liquid

  Aug 2015 - Apr 2016

  Counter-Strike Coach

  Coached Team Liquid CSGO team to make two major world finals.

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  Renegades

  Aug 2016 - Apr 2017

  Co-Owner (Former)

  Assisted Jonas Jerebko, current professional basketball player for the Utah Jazz, and his financial group to purchase the "LA Renegades" and rebrand the esports franchise to the "Detroit Renegades."

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  Knights

  Nov 2018 - now

  President

  The Knights, a premier global esports organization based in Pittsburgh, have been at the forefront of esports entertainment and community engagement since their inception in 2017. Renowned for their dynamic live and virtual events, they've earned their place in the City of Champions with a strategic partnership with the six-time Super Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in 2018. The organization has further enhanced its leadership team with strategic partnerships, including Pittsburgh-native and multi-platinum recording artist Wiz Khalifa, Pittsburgh Penguins’ alternate captain and three-time Stanley Cup winner Evgeni Malkin, and the Mexico City-based media fund MX LATAM in 2019.Officially recognized by Pittsburgh, The Knights collaborate with leading figures in sports and entertainment globally, boasting a roster that includes some of the world's top players in Rocket League®, Gears 5™, Rainbow Six Siege, Valorant, Madden NFL©, Halo, and Mortal Kombat." Show less