Veteran Broadcaster Kevin O’Connell Joins Catholic Health in New Role to Build Community Connections
In healthcare, navigating and accessing the maze of available programs and services, and understanding the important role health systems play in improving the health of their communities, can be a challenge for patients and their families. Forming strong community connections with trusted providers is the first step in accessing quality care and building lifelong partnerships to support a healthy community.
Catholic Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin O’Connell to the new role of Chief of Community Connections. Known as much for his community service work, as for his distinguished broadcasting career, Kevin brings to Catholic Health deep ties to the community and a genuine desire to make the region a better place for all.
O’Connell is ready to begin the next chapter in his career, taking on an important new role, which is the first of its kind in Western New York. Working alongside Catholic Health President & CEO Mark Sullivan, he will focus on creating new ties between the health system, community service organizations and area residents to raise awareness for Catholic Health’s programs and health initiatives, and to deepen the system’s understanding of how to best meet the needs of the community with the highest quality care.
“I see Kevin’s role within our system as a new way to continue the community service work that has always been a big part of his life,” said Sullivan. “As I got to know Kevin, and we both discussed beginning new chapters in our careers, I knew his love for the Buffalo/Niagara region, his professionalism, and his values were a perfect fit for our ministry, especially as we begin to shape a new vision for serving our community.”
O’Connell was the very popular Chief Weather Anchor at Channel 2 News, completing a 43-year TV career in July that included numerous awards and recognitions, and countless hours of fundraising and community service work. As he has with all his career endeavors, he is ready to embrace healthcare with the same passion and enthusiasm.
“No one loves this community more than me and I am sure that working together with Mark Sullivan and his team of healthcare professionals, we will be able to gain community insight and create opportunities that will have a positive impact on the health of area families,” O’Connell said. “I am very excited and honored to be a part of Catholic Health.”
“Kevin is well respected and has done so much for our community, giving a voice to those in need,” Sullivan continued. “Coupling that commitment with Catholic Health’s mission, outstanding quality, and skilled and dedicated associates and physicians, makes for a tremendous future of possibilities. Like Kevin, we have deep roots in the community and a rich history of service that needs to be told. I look forward to working together with Kevin to share our story and build on our strong legacy of community service.”
