John O’Connell was born and raised in central Illinois and learned the importance of preserving open space, habitat and places to recreate from his parents, who were active in the Sierra Club’s Heart of Illinois chapter. He graduated from University of Illinois in 1999 with a journalism degree. O’Connell worked in journalism for more than two decades, specializing in agriculture. In the spring of 2021, he joined the communications team serving the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, where he continues to work, publicizing the college’s cutting-edge agricultural research and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. 

O’Connell enjoys mountain biking in the foothills surrounding Pocatello, as well as skiing, camping and hiking with his family.