James G. O'Connor President (retired)
Pratt & Whitney.

James G. O'Connor

James G. O'Connor

Mr. James (Jim) G. O'Connor was elected to the Board of Trustees of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in October of 1986. He serves on the Committee on Trustees, Development, Executive, and Flight Safety and Education committees.

Mr. O'Connor is the former president of Pratt & Whitney, the world's leading designer and builder of dependable engines for commercial, military and general aviation aircraft. His 34- year career started in engineering and included key assignments in engineering, customer support, program management, manufacturing operations and general management. He was involved in both military and commercial programs and businesses. His engineering assignments included development and certification of key commercial engines for Boeing and Douglas aircraft. In early 1981 he was named vice president of Pratt & Whitney's Commercial Engine Business in East Hartford, Connecticut, responsible for all product support.

In March 1982, he joined Pratt & Whitney's Government Engine Business in West Palm Beach, Florida as senior vice president F100 engine programs. He was appointed executive vice president there in January, 1984, and assumed the post of president in March, 1985. In this position he was responsible for all aspects of Pratt's $2.0 billion business with the U. S. government and 15 foreign governments. In October, 1987, he returned to East Hartford and was named vice president - manufacturing operations.

Besides presiding as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Mr. O'Connor is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board of the National Research Council, the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering, the President's Advisory Council at Clemson University, the Wings Club, Eastward Ho! Country Club, Old Tabby Links and Chechessee Creek National Golf Club. He has been awarded one U. S. Patent and in 1998 and 1999 was awarded a President's Citation by the Flight Safety Foundation.

He earned B. S. and M. S. degrees in mechanical engineering from Clemson University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute respectively. He also completed the executive management business program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

He is married to Janet Kirch O'Connor and they have four adult children, Jerry, Josie, Judy and Jeff.