The Board of Directors of the Equality Community Center (ECC), located at 15 Casco St. in Portland, is excited to name Christopher O’Connor to the position of ECC Manager. Having developed meaningful and extensive organizational models and community advocacy programs for both the University of Southern Maine and for EqualityMaine, Chris brings a rich and extensive range of talent and depth to the organization.
“The Board of Directors is thrilled that Chris is joining our staff as the Center’s inaugural manager. As the ECC’s Manager, Chris will help to catapult the ECC into the next phase of its life by overseeing building renovations and supporting tenant organizations, new programming, and a robust capital campaign. Chris comes alongside the ECC’s dedicated staff, volunteers, and board, and we look forward to what this team can accomplish for Maine’s LGBTQ+ community and beyond.” said Ophelia Hu Kinney, ECC Vice President.
While serving in senior leadership positions in state-wide non-profit organizations, Chris designed and implemented comprehensive marketing plans, fundraising strategies, policy development, and, most significantly, a management approach that is inclusive and collaborative.
Over the years, Chris has been instrumental to the success of several signature community- wide celebrations including Pride Portland!’s annual Pride parade, festival, and 10-day celebration; EQME’s GALA and Pumpkin Ball; and Governor Mills’ Inaugural Ball. In more challenging times, Chris has been a beacon to the state-wide LGBTQ+ community through his resourceful establishment of community support systems.
As he prepares to begin in the manager’s role on February 14th, 2022, Chris had this to say, “It is with great enthusiasm and pride that I join the team to help bring the long-time vision of Maine’s first-ever LGBTQ+ and social justice-focused community center to fruition. 15 Casco Street is a place we can be proud of and has the potential to be developed into the hub that the greater Portland community needs and deserves.
Throughout his career, Chris has been widely recognized for being a coalition and consensus builder, as well as an involved, results oriented, and creative teammate. As the ECC establishes itself and welcomes allied justice-seeking organizations into the new Equality Community Center on Casco St., we appreciate that Chris is the strong leader we need at this time.
