Christopher M. O’Connor is Chief Executive Officer of Yale New Haven Health System, the largest and most comprehensive healthcare system in Connecticut and one that is recognized nationally for advanced clinical care. With more than 7,500 medical staff, 30,200 employees, and 2600 hospital beds – and in partnership with the Yale School of Medicine – the academic health system provides comprehensive, integrated and family-focused care in 100+ medical specialties.
Chris joined the health system in 2012 as executive vice president and chief operating officer and was appointed president in 2020 and chief executive officer in 2022. Previously, Chris was president and CEO of the Saint Raphael Healthcare System and the Hospital of Saint Raphael, serving in that position until Saint Raphael’s successful integration into Yale New Haven Hospital in September 2012.
Previously, Chris served as president of Caritas St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the 340-bed flagship of the six-hospital system affiliated with the Archdiocese of Boston and Tufts School of Medicine, and as vice president of clinical operations for the Ochsner Health System in New Orleans. When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, Chris led the organization through the hurricane’s devastation, as Ochsner was one of three hospitals to remain functional throughout the storm and related flooding. In his capacity as incident commander, he facilitated the emergency preparedness, response and daily communications for the 2,500 staff, patients and dependents who were sheltered at Ochsner.
Chris is chair of the Connecticut Hospital Association’s Board and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He received his master’s degree in Health Services Administration from George Washington University in 1996 and his Bachelor of Arts, Economics from George Washington University in 1993.
Chris resides in Madison, CT with Mary Alice, his wife of 28 years. Together, they have 3 beautiful daughters, Caitlyn, Paige & Megan. Chris is thrilled to have all 3 girls in SEC colleges as he and Mary Alice thoroughly enjoy attending football and baseball games at LSU and Ole Miss.
The O’Connor Family was abruptly introduced to Breakthrough T1D when Megan was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 11 years ago when she was 10 years old. Her sisters quickly learned how to assist Megan with her diagnosis and continue to be a major support system for her. Soon after diagnosis, Megan and her family participated in the Breakthrough T1D One Walk with her team, Megan’s Marchers. Over the years, Chris participated in several Breakthrough T1D rides. Mary Alice and Megan have joined Chris for rides on Amelia Island. Megan continues to manage her type one diabetes with great support from her mom, dad, sisters, family members and dear friends. Thanks to her insulin pump and CGM, Megan is enjoying her sophomore year at Ole Miss. The pump and CGM also help to make the distance a bit easier for her parents.
It is because of Breakthrough T1D and the incredible research they have done and continue to do, that makes Megan’s life with Type 1 more manageable and for this, the O’Connor family is extremely appreciative!
Gala Honoree
Christopher O'Connor
President & CEO Yale New Haven Health
Bio
Christopher O'Connor
President & CEO Yale New Haven Health
Christopher M. O’Connor is Chief Executive Officer of Yale New Haven Health System, the largest and most comprehensive healthcare system in Connecticut and one that is recognized nationally for advanced clinical care. With more than 7,500 medical staff, 30,200 employees, and 2600 hospital beds – and in partnership with the Yale School of Medicine – the academic health system provides comprehensive, integrated and family-focused care in 100+ medical specialties.
Chris joined the health system in 2012 as executive vice president and chief operating officer and was appointed president in 2020 and chief executive officer in 2022. Previously, Chris was president and CEO of the Saint Raphael Healthcare System and the Hospital of Saint Raphael, serving in that position until Saint Raphael’s successful integration into Yale New Haven Hospital in September 2012.
Previously, Chris served as president of Caritas St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the 340-bed flagship of the six-hospital system affiliated with the Archdiocese of Boston and Tufts School of Medicine, and as vice president of clinical operations for the Ochsner Health System in New Orleans. When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, Chris led the organization through the hurricane’s devastation, as Ochsner was one of three hospitals to remain functional throughout the storm and related flooding. In his capacity as incident commander, he facilitated the emergency preparedness, response and daily communications for the 2,500 staff, patients and dependents who were sheltered at Ochsner.
Chris is chair of the Connecticut Hospital Association’s Board and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He received his master’s degree in Health Services Administration from George Washington University in 1996 and his Bachelor of Arts, Economics from George Washington University in 1993.
Chris resides in Madison, CT with Mary Alice, his wife of 28 years. Together, they have 3 beautiful daughters, Caitlyn, Paige & Megan. Chris is thrilled to have all 3 girls in SEC colleges as he and Mary Alice thoroughly enjoy attending football and baseball games at LSU and Ole Miss.
The O’Connor Family was abruptly introduced to Breakthrough T1D when Megan was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 11 years ago when she was 10 years old. Her sisters quickly learned how to assist Megan with her diagnosis and continue to be a major support system for her. Soon after diagnosis, Megan and her family participated in the Breakthrough T1D One Walk with her team, Megan’s Marchers. Over the years, Chris participated in several Breakthrough T1D rides. Mary Alice and Megan have joined Chris for rides on Amelia Island. Megan continues to manage her type one diabetes with great support from her mom, dad, sisters, family members and dear friends. Thanks to her insulin pump and CGM, Megan is enjoying her sophomore year at Ole Miss. The pump and CGM also help to make the distance a bit easier for her parents.
It is because of Breakthrough T1D and the incredible research they have done and continue to do, that makes Megan’s life with Type 1 more manageable and for this, the O’Connor family is extremely appreciative!
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