Bridget O'Connell Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

CoreGiving began as a single company's employee giving program, with colleagues at ShopCore Properties partnering with the San Diego Food Bank to combat hunger. Over time, CoreGiving evolved into a 501(c)(3) public charity, harnessing the collective power of multiple companies to address child hunger in America.Since 2020, CoreGiving has raised over $10 million and funded nearly 50 million meals for children and families struggling with food insecurity. Its operating expenses are covered by its Blackstone Real Estate portfolio company partners, so 100% of other donations directly funds meals through CoreGiving’s hunger-relief partners. In 2023, CoreGiving granted over $4 million to 76 food banks and other hunger-relief organizations spanning 25 states. Additionally, more than 2,400 volunteers in over 60 cities nationwide provided vital support to neighbors in need through the third annual CoreGiving Day.As CoreGiving's first full-time Executive Director, I oversee the organization's strategic plan, fundraising, programs, marketing, and administration.To help advance our mission, message me directly or visit www.coregiving.org.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Led an integrated team of 18 staff and 1,000+ volunteers dedicated to creating life-changing wish experiences for children with critical illnesses. Directed strategic planning, budgeting and forecasting, staff and volunteer development and performance, and day-to-day operations for Mission Delivery. Collaborated with Board of Directors and other Make-A-Wish chapters on strategic initiatives. In 2018-19, restructured my team and transformed our mission delivery model to deepen the impact of wish experiences for 700+ children and families annually. Partnered with Highland Solutions on customer experience mapping and MARC USA on a new Wish Journey Book and video.

Greater Chicago Area

In addition to wish granting, led the referral outreach team. Achieved three consecutive years of referral growth, developed an award-winning hospital integration program with a $100,000 grant, and earned the trust of a family foundation that gave a $500,000 endowment to advance referral generation.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Led a high-performing team of ten responsible for employer services and outreach, alumni engagement, graduation outcomes collection, educational career programs, peer advising, Federal Work Study (FWS) employment, and marketing. Spearheaded strategic planning, goal setting, professional staff supervision, and day-to-day operations for the Outreach and Marketing unit. Served on multiple university-wide committees, including the FWS Stakeholder Group, which supported students earning FWS through part-time employment with the university, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies; the Veterans Liaison Network, which helped to ensure that post-9/11 student veterans and military members thrived at AU; and the University News Group, which worked to raise the university's profile through news and student success stories.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Managed the Employer Relations team responsible for on-campus recruiting, job and internship fairs, online postings, and other recruiting services. Succeeded in cultivating new recruiting relationships with alumni and employers from a variety of industries, including marketing and communications.

Managed full-cycle recruitment of marketing, communications and creative professionals for MarketFitz' Seattle-based consulting team and interim solutions practice. Hired 21 associates whose work accounted for nearly $1M in consulting, interim and direct-placement revenue.

Established the Department of Volunteer Resources for the Midwest Chapter, headquartered in Chicago and committed to serving seriously ill children and their families in IL, IN, MI and WI. Managed a base of 575 volunteers who actively participated in special event and philanthropic fund-raising, program planning and implementation, and office administration. Also developed the chapter's internship program and mentored 15 college interns.

Co-managed an emergency assistance program through which clients received financial, residential, and food assistance. Helped improve and facilitate the client intake and assessment process, resulting in a more efficient emergency assistance program as well as a more successful revolving loan program supported by the local credit union.

Ma, Public Communication

Master's Thesis | Now and Later: A Model for Using Persuasive Communication to Overcome Job Search Procrastination among College Seniors

Bsba, Human Resources

Presidential Scholar Graduated Summa cum Laude Received the Clifford S. Besse, S.J. Human Resources Award