About John
About John
Service before politics
A life shaped by responsibility
John E. O’Connor’s career has been built across four distinct parts of public service: the U.S. Army, law enforcement, elected county government, and public administration. Together, those roles gave him practical experience with operational decision-making, public safety, budgeting, constituent service, and the day-to-day work required to move government projects from planning to completion.
His military and law-enforcement background established a practical, team-oriented approach to leadership. His eight years as the District 3 County Commissioner added direct responsibility for county policy, budgets, public health, infrastructure, and countywide constituent concerns. His government-administration work expanded that experience into municipal operations, capital planning, grant development, and strategic program management.
Education, family, and community
John earned an Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice administration from Kaplan University and a Bachelor of Science in management from Johns Hopkins University. He is also a small-business owner and licensed private pilot.
John lives in Mechanicsville with his wife, Elizabeth, and their son, John Edward II. His community involvement includes coaching youth lacrosse, volunteering with youth hockey programs, and serving as an ice hockey official—roles centered on discipline, teamwork, and youth development.
U.S. Army service
Paratrooper, Sergeant, and military police veteran
John served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and Sergeant, with military police service in Kosovo and Iraq. His awards include the Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device.
Service
Prepared to serve on day one
U.S. Army
Paratrooper and Sergeant in the U.S. Army, with military police service in Kosovo and Iraq. Recipient of the Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device.
Law enforcement
U.S. Department of Justice, 2007–2008. Law enforcement officer from 2009–2024, serving with both large and small law enforcement agencies.
2014–2022
County Commissioner, District 3, including service on the County Board of Health.
2020–2022
Vice president of the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County.
Government administration
More than 25 years of experience across federal, county, and municipal government, with hands-on work in public policy, municipal administration, capital planning, grant development, and strategic program management.
Community and youth service
Small-business owner, licensed private pilot, youth lacrosse coach, youth hockey volunteer, and ice hockey official.
Local Government Insurance Trust
John served for several years on the Board of Trustees of the Local Government Insurance Trust and also served on its Risk Management Subcommittee. LGIT provides insurance and risk-management programs to Maryland local governments.