James V. O'Connor has both agency and corporate experience. He began his own agency in 1989 after two years as a senior vice president with Ruder Finn in Chicago. Prior to that, he worked for four corporations: Alberto Culver as director of corporate communications, Brunswick Corporation as manager of public relations, G. D. Searle as manager of media relations, LTV Corporation as manager of financial communications.
He is also an author who has received extensive coverage on TV and radio and in newspapers and magazines. He and his business partner/wife won three national awards for the best book publicity of the year 2000 with the launch of his first book, “CUSS CONTROL.” His most recent book is "Another Man's Treasure," a mystery/romance novel set in Albany, NY.
Lynda M. O'Connor, co-owner of O’Connor Communications, was a teacher before beginning her public relations career with Edelman Public Relations in Chicago. Prior to joining O'Connor Communications in 1993, she managed special projects, events and publicity for the Chicago International Film Festival for eight years, meeting with movie directors and stars and making sure their stay in Chicago was eventful. She arranged special projects for celebrities like Sophia Loren, Martin Scorcese, Alan Parker, Michael Douglas, Anna Nicole Smith, Shelly Winters, Kathleen Turner, James Earl Jones, and Dennis Hopper. Her specialty is working closely with authors, giving them the support and attention they need to achieve success.
She also conducted publicity for a $20 million fund-raising campaign for the Field Museum of Natural History, and was the co-founder and publicity director of the Children's Legal Clinic.
Lynda takes pride in generating gratifying publicity for her clients and maintaining a close relationship with them during their entire campaign. Whether securing interviews with the media, arranging book tours, or consulting with authors, Lynda is available day and night to answer questions for authors. In her spare time, Lynda can be found on the tennis court, the golf course, reading books, or in the kitchen cooking unique meals. She graduated from the University of Southern California.
Lynda at Jane Fonda's booksigning
Lynda with actor Kevin Kline
Lynda and Jim with author John DeDakis at CNN