Improving the lives of others . . . that's how Bridgette O'Connor (formerly Brooks) began her career. With a degree in social work, Bridgette set about to touch the lives of those in need. Little did she know that her education and experience would eventually lead her to a career in fundraising. She came to realize, however, that her background in social service and her skills in mentoring, would prove especially helpful in engaging donors and fostering their shared desire to help improve lives.

True to her social work roots, Bridgette came to Hartsook Companies with the intent of using her skills and passion to do the most good for the greatest number of people.

Bridgette most recently served as Director of Development for Kansas City's Marillac Center for Children. In this capacity she led Marillac's $8 million capital campaign - surpassing the initial goal in just two years. For her work, Marillac honored Bridgette with the "Tim Smotherman Mark of Excellence Award," given in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the mission and children of Marillac.

During her time at Marillac, Bridgette helped prospective donors understand the plight of the children served by the agency and the importance and quality of the services provided there. Moreover, she helped donors realize the impact they had on the lives of the children at the Center, making donors feel a part of their journey.

Among her other duties as Associate Director of Minute Circle Friendly House, a non-profit community youth center in Kansas City, Bridgette helped raise half of the agency's $1-million budget through grants and major gifts. There, in collaboration with a dedicated Board member, she established a successful scholarship program earmarked to provide inner-city children with the opportunity to attend a Head Start program at the center.

Bridgette holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Sociology and Psychology from Regis University (Denver) and a Master of Social Work Administration from the University of Kansas. She is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Mid-America Planned Giving Council. Bridgette volunteers time to Back In the Swing, helping to raise funds for breast cancer research and treatment, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Church.

A recent newlywed, Bridgette resides in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband, Danny.