Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences alumnus and faculty member Brian O’Connor has been appointed to the boards of directors for both the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF), two of the nation’s leading organizations advancing LGBTQ+ equality.
In September 2025, O’Connor joined the boards of directors of both organizations, becoming the first Michigan State Spartan in the organization’s 45-year history to serve on its board.
His appointment builds on a long history of leadership and service within the organization. A 25-year member of the Human Rights Campaign, O’Connor previously served two terms on the organization’s National Board of Governors and has played a significant role in shaping HRC’s presence and fundraising efforts in Southern California.
Since 2023, he has chaired the HRC Palm Springs Steering Committee, serving all nine cities of the Coachella Valley. He also continues to serve as executive producer and chair of the HRC Palm Springs Garden Party & Silent Auction, a nationally recognized fundraising event approaching its 25th year.
Under his leadership, the Garden Party was honored nationally in both 2023 and 2024 as “Best Signature Community Event” for excellence in fundraising, community engagement and mission advancement.
O’Connor and his late husband, Michael Malone, became Federal Club/Council members in 2005, deepening their philanthropic commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ equality.
Spartan roots and ongoing service to MSU
A proud Michigan State University graduate, O’Connor has remained deeply engaged with the College of Communication Arts and Sciences for more than a decade.
He will conclude his 10th and final year of service on the ComArtSci Alumni Advisory Board in June 2026, where he currently serves on the executive committee as a fellow and previously served as board president from 2020 to 2022.
O’Connor also contributes to the college as an instructor, teaching Event Production for Public Relations, a course he was invited to design and curate. In addition, he has co-led the ComArtSci Los Angeles Industry Immersion program, helping connect students with industry leaders and experiential learning opportunities in the entertainment and communications capital of the world.
Earlier this year, he returned to Los Angeles as a featured alumni panelist during Michigan State University’s campaign momentum event, participating in a fireside conversation with university leadership about the future of the Spartan community and the impact of alumni engagement.
A career in communications and event production
For more than three decades, O’Connor has lived and worked throughout greater Los Angeles and Southern California, holding senior leadership roles in hospitality, entertainment and corporate communications.
He began his career at Hilton Hotels Corporation in Beverly Hills, where he worked in brand marketing and later managed the global brand identity redesign for Hilton Worldwide from 1996 to 1998. He also served as director of public relations for The Beverly Hilton, home of the Golden Globe Awards.
His entertainment and communications career includes leadership roles with Warner Bros. Feature Animation, Disney Consumer Products, and a 15-year tenure with Princess Cruises and Cunard Line, both part of Carnival Corporation, where he worked across public relations, marketing and sales.
O’Connor is also a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington and now serves as a consultant for the institution’s global protocol and intercultural business etiquette programs. In addition to his consulting work, he continues to work as a freelance communications consultant, event producer and executive speechwriter.