As a law school graduate and Director of Operations for Soldier Field, Moira O’Connor has accomplished more in her 29 years of life than most. So much so that Crain’s selected her to be included in their annual 20 In Their 20s list.
Each year Crain’s selects 20 Chicago-area professionals who have not yet turned 30 but who already stand out in business, law, real estate, civic life or culture. O’Connor, a 2017 graduate of The John Marshall Law School, is the youngest and first female Director of Operations for the famous stadium. At Soldier Field, she oversees an operating budget of approximately $16 million, an annual $3 million capital improvement plan, and a staff of three dozen that swells to hundreds during events.
O’Connor broke into the industry by managing an ice rink on Chicago’s north side; the rink and Soldier Field have the same owner. She managed the rink while attending law school at night. She then volunteered to work all major events at Soldier Field, and as job openings arose at the stadium, she was given more and more opportunities, which led to her current position.
O’Connor’s career advice to those looking to follow in her footsteps is simple: “Go to law school and study for the bar whether or not you believe your career will be in the field. For me, I don’t believe I would have the job I do without law school. It gives me instant credibility in a room of usually middle-aged men, as well as provides me with a different perspective on how to view different situations.”
O’Connor grew up on the northside of Chicago and earned her undergraduate degree at Minnesota State University Mankato where she played on the women’s hockey team.
