Bridget O’Connor selected as 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient

Green Bay, Wis. - (Sept. 12, 2022) - The Greater Green Bay Chamber is pleased to announce Bridget O’Connor as the 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient. O’Connor is Principal and Owner of O’Connor Connective in DePere.  

During the past 10 years, O'Connor has taken her business from a single person business to one that employs eight and serves a variety of mission-focused organizations and businesses. Bridget, who has more than 20 years of experience as a marketing communications strategist, and her team of consultants help nonprofit organizations, schools and businesses tell their unique stories across several platforms. They also work with client senior leaders to crystallize their vision and leverage strategic planning, marketing, public relations and communications to realize that vision. O'Connor Connective continues to see year-over-year growth, whether it is in the number of clients or revenue. 

Bridget, a wife and mother to two school-aged children who prioritizes family above all else with herself and her work team, is keen on nurturing fruitful relationships. Her advocacy for small businesses in the community is reflected in how she has developed a culture of rapport and support among women business owners in Greater Green Bay and beyond.  

In March 2019, Bridget launched The Connective: A Community for Women in Business. Her vision was to provide workshops, programs, events and professional development opportunities to advance high-achieving organizational leaders. The Connective merged with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s Institute for Women’s Leadership where she is the executive in residence. 

Committed to serving her community, Bridget is a member of P.E.O and serves on the Institute for Women’s Leadership Steering & Advisory Committees and the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship Committee. Past board and committee service includes the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation Board, Greater Green Bay YMCA Board, Mulva Cultural Center Board, Green Bay Botanical Garden Board, Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay Advisory Board, Scholarships, Inc. Board and the New North Marketing Committee.  

“Bridget is a remarkable person to work with. She uses her many talents to help not only O’Connor Connective clients, but also multiple non-profits in the Greater Green Bay area,” said MaryBeth Matzek, O’Connor’s ATHENA nominator. “Bridget connects the dots whether it’s project ideas or between individuals who may be able to help each other.” 

“Bridget truly exemplifies what this prestigious award is all about and it is such an honor to present it to her,” said Laurie Radke, President and CEO, Greater Green Bay Chamber. “Bridget’s impact on Greater Green Bay through both her professional and volunteer roles is long-lasting, and she is so very deserving of being named the 2022 ATHENA recipient.” 

O'Connor will be honored as part of the Chamber’s 140th Annual Dinner program on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Green Bay. For details and to reserve your seat, visit https://www.greatergbc.org/events/chamber-annual-dinner/. 

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About the ATHENA Leadership Award: 

The ATHENA Leadership Award has been given by the Greater Green Bay Chamber since 1985 to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their business or professions, have generously assisted in the advancement of women, and have devoted time and energy to serving their community. The award not only recognizes the accomplishments of the recipients, but it celebrates the wisdom, strength and enlightenment of the recipient. Both men and women who are employed by members of the Chamber are eligible for the award. Recipients are chosen by previous ATHENA Award winners.