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The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Board of Governors today announced the hiring of William K. O’Connell as its new Executive Vice President (EVP) effective March 15, 2010. O’Connell succeeds Kevin Corcoran, who left the association in May 2009.

"After an exhaustive search, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Bill O’Connell as the association's next EVP. His extensive background in association leadership makes him a natural fit at the helm of ACA,” said Dr. Mario Spoto, chairman of ACA’s Board of Governors. “On behalf of the entire board, I want to express how glad we are to have Bill with us as we look forward to new levels of success, which will benefit doctors of chiropractic and their patients."

Most recently, O’Connell served as executive director of government affairs at the National Safety Council. His achievements there include gaining the support of congressional staff for authorization bills and appropriation initiatives, managing issues and key relationships with executive branch staff and appointees, and forging partnerships in coalitions of like-minded organizations to advance shared legislative interests.

Additionally, O’Connell has served as a senior executive with the American Board of Anesthesiology, the American Osteopathic Association and the American Dietetic Association, which has prepared him to face the challenges and opportunities that the chiropractic profession must address in the changing health care environment.

"I am very excited to welcome Mr. O’Connell to ACA and the chiropractic community,” said ACA President Dr. Rick McMichael. “His successful track record of creating partnerships and coalitions and working with legislators on the Hill will be a real asset to the ACA. Bill is committed to helping us lead ACA toward our positive vision for the profession ... as we fight to end discrimination against chiropractic doctors and patients and continue our efforts toward the equitable inclusion of chiropractic care in national health care reform legislation.”

O’Connell earned a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, an MBA from the University of San Francisco and an MPA from Northern Illinois University. He also completed post graduate studies in marketing and strategic planning for nonprofit organizations at Northwestern University.

ACA is the largest chiropractic organization in the United States, representing more than 15,000 doctors of chiropractic and students.