Jack Connors (businessman): Difference between revisions
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'''John "Jack" Connors''' (June 9, 1942 - July 23, 2024) was an American businessman and philanthropist from [[Boston, Massachusetts]]. He grew up in [[Roslindale, MA]] and attended [[Boston College]]. He co-founded [[Hill Holliday|Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Inc.]] in 1968, which grew to become one of the leading advertising agencies in the United States, working with prominent clients like [[Bank of America]] and [[Dunkin' Donuts]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryan |first=Marquard |last2= |first2= |last3= |last4= |first4= |title=Jack Connors, advertising titan and legendary philanthropist-power broker, dies at 82 - The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/07/23/metro/jack-connors-advertising-titan-legendary-philanthropist-power-broker-dies-82/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2021, he left his office in the [[John Hancock Tower]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edelman |first=Larry |last2= |first2= |last3= |last4= |first4= |title=‘I love this town.’ Jack Connors is leaving behind the Hancock tower, but not his philanthropy - The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/09/business/jack-connors-knows-boston-he-loves-has-left-too-many-people-behind/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |
'''John "Jack" Connors''' (June 9, 1942 - July 23, 2024) was an American businessman and philanthropist from [[Boston, Massachusetts]]. He grew up in [[Roslindale, MA]] and attended [[Boston College]]. He co-founded [[Hill Holliday|Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Inc.]] in 1968, which grew to become one of the leading advertising agencies in the United States, working with prominent clients like [[Bank of America]], [[Massachusetts Lottery]], and [[Dunkin' Donuts]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryan |first=Marquard |last2= |first2= |last3= |last4= |first4= |title=Jack Connors, advertising titan and legendary philanthropist-power broker, dies at 82 - The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/07/23/metro/jack-connors-advertising-titan-legendary-philanthropist-power-broker-dies-82/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2021, he left his office in the [[John Hancock Tower]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edelman |first=Larry |last2= |first2= |last3= |last4= |first4= |title=‘I love this town.’ Jack Connors is leaving behind the Hancock tower, but not his philanthropy - The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/09/business/jack-connors-knows-boston-he-loves-has-left-too-many-people-behind/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Beyond his business work, Connors was active in philanthropic endeavors, particularly in healthcare |
Beyond his business work, Connors was active in philanthropic endeavors, particularly in healthcare in Boston.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Alison |date=2022-04-03 |title=Jack Connors & Robert Keefe Named Foundation Trustees |url=https://insidecharity.org/2022/04/03/jack-connors-robert-keefe-named-cummings-foundation-trustees/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=InsideCharity.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Doyle |first=Patrick |date=2013-03-26 |title=The List: Boston's 25 Most Powerful People in Boston Philanthropy 2013 |url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2013/03/26/most-powerful-people-boston-philanthropy-list/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Boston Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kix |first=Paul |date=2010-09-27 |title=Is Jack Connors the Last King of Boston? |url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2010/09/27/jack-connors-last-king-boston/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Boston Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> As chairman of the board of trustees at [[Partners HealthCare]] (now [[Mass General Brigham]]), he played a crucial role in advancing the largest healthcare provider in Massachusetts.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2017-01-01 |title=The one hundred honoree: Jack Connors, Jr. |url=https://giving.massgeneral.org/stories/jack-connors-jr |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Massachusetts General Hospital Giving |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Retiring Partners HealthCare chairman Jack Connors feted by friends and colleagues |url=https://www.boston.com/uncategorized/noprimarytagmatch/2012/06/13/retiring-partners-healthcare-chairman-jack-connors-feted-by-friends-and-colleagues/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref> He also chaired the [[Dana–Farber Cancer Institute|Dana-Farber]]/Partners CancerCare and Harvard CancerCare boards.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=In Memoriam: John M. (Jack) Connors |url=https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/sites/bc-news/articles/2024/summer/in-memoriam-jack-connors.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Boston College |language=en}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlson |first=Eryn |last2= |last3= |last4= |first4= |title=Camp Harbor View’s Beach Ball raises $6 million - The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/names/2016/06/12/camp-harbor-view-beach-ball-raises/UGulevQ5Hz3W4upKZ1BLbI/story.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US}}</ref> He founded the Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Soroff |first=Jonathan |date=2023-12-13 |title=The Interview: Legendary Philanthropist and Ad Man Jack Connors |url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2023/12/13/jack-connors-boston/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Boston Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Communication |first=BWH Strategic |date=2024-07-23 |title=In Memoriam: Jack Connors Jr. |url=https://bwhbulletin.org/2024/07/23/in-memoriam-jack-connors-jr/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Brigham Bulletin |language=en-US}}</ref> He helped raise money for the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program.<ref>{{Cite web |title=‘Medicine that Matters’ gala raises more than $1 million to support health care for homeless {{!}} Dorchester Reporter |url=https://www.dotnews.com/2018/medicine-matters-gala-raises-more-1-million-support-health-care |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=www.dotnews.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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Connors was active in supporting education. He served as University Trustee and twice as Chair of the Board of Boston College.<ref name=":1" /> He chaired capital campaigns for BC and regularly donated.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Connor |date=2017-03-23 |title=Longtime Trustees Connors and Gabelli Talk Monan's Impact |url=https://www.bcheights.com/2017/03/23/longtime-trustees-connors-gabelli-monans-impact/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=The Heights |language=en-US}}</ref> He supported Catholic schools.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shanahan |first=Mark |last2= |first2= |last3= |last4= |last5= |first5= |title=Campaign for Catholic Schools marks milestone - The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/names/2013/06/08/jack-connors-helps-campaign-for-catholic-school-mark-milestone/6RXjV80LRhDJ79rTuJKFuJ/story.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Major work underway at the old St. Gregory’s schoolhouse {{!}} Dorchester Reporter |url=https://www.dotnews.com/columns/2015/major-work-underway-old-st-gregory-s-schoolhouse |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=www.dotnews.com |language=en}}</ref> He founded and supported the [[Archdiocese of Boston]]’s Campaign for Catholic Schools, which has raised $130 million.<ref name=":1" /> He was instrumental in establishing Camp Harbor View, a summer camp for Boston's underserved youth,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boston philanthropist Jack Connors remembered for work with inner-city children - CBS Boston |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/video/boston-philanthropist-jack-connors-remembered-for-work-with-inner-city-children/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why Jack Connors is one happy camper these days |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2018/08/29/why-jack-connors-is-one-happy-camper-these-days.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=www.bizjournals.com}}</ref> He supported [[One Fund Boston]] after the [[Boston Marathon bombing]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doyle |first=Patrick |date=2013-04-24 |title=The Philanthropy Power Players Behind One Fund Boston |url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2013/04/24/power-players-behind-one-fund-boston/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Boston Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Connors supported MA Governor Charlie Baker<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leung |first=Shirley |last2= |last3= |last4= |first4= |title=Jack Connors raises $200,000 for Charlie Baker - The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/10/07/man-jack-connors-raises-for-charlie-baker/3956KRr3Vv4Lrp5qM723HJ/story.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US}}</ref> and he chaired his re-election campaign in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shira |first=Schoenberg |date=2018-09-06 |title=Boston philanthropist Jack Connors, a Democrat, to chair Gov. Baker's campaign |url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2018/09/boston_philanthropist_jack_con.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=masslive |language=en}}</ref> He received the Award for Inspired Leadership from the [[Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McAllaster |first=Chloe |date=2018-10-12 |title=BC Alum Jack Connors Jr. Honored with Award for Inspired Leadership |url=https://www.bcheights.com/2018/10/12/bc-alum-jack-connors-received-award-for-inspired-leadership/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=The Heights |language=en-US}}</ref> He was a friend and supporter of longtime Boston Mayor [[Thomas Menino]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The day Jack Connors took Tom Menino for a ride |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/mass_roundup/2014/11/the-day-jack-connors-took-tom-menino-for-a-ride.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=www.bizjournals.com}}</ref> |
Connors supported MA Governor Charlie Baker<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leung |first=Shirley |last2= |last3= |last4= |first4= |title=Jack Connors raises $200,000 for Charlie Baker - The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/10/07/man-jack-connors-raises-for-charlie-baker/3956KRr3Vv4Lrp5qM723HJ/story.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US}}</ref> and he chaired his re-election campaign in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shira |first=Schoenberg |date=2018-09-06 |title=Boston philanthropist Jack Connors, a Democrat, to chair Gov. Baker's campaign |url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2018/09/boston_philanthropist_jack_con.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=masslive |language=en}}</ref> He received the Award for Inspired Leadership from the [[Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McAllaster |first=Chloe |date=2018-10-12 |title=BC Alum Jack Connors Jr. Honored with Award for Inspired Leadership |url=https://www.bcheights.com/2018/10/12/bc-alum-jack-connors-received-award-for-inspired-leadership/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=The Heights |language=en-US}}</ref> He was a friend and supporter of longtime Boston Mayor [[Thomas Menino]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The day Jack Connors took Tom Menino for a ride |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/mass_roundup/2014/11/the-day-jack-connors-took-tom-menino-for-a-ride.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=www.bizjournals.com}}</ref> |
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His contributions have earned him various awards and honorary degrees, recognizing his impact on business and community service.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-23 |title=Appreciation: Jack Connors was a quiet hero of Boston |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/07/23/appreciation-jack-connors-was-a-quiet-hero-of-boston/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Boston Herald |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2024 [[Jesuits|Jesuits USA East]] honored Connors and his wife with the ''[[Ad maiorem Dei gloriam|Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam]]'' Award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jack and Eileen Connors to be Honored at the 2024 Jesuit Gala |url=https://www.jesuitseast.org/press-release/jack-and-eileen-connors-to-be-honored-at-the-2024-jesuit-gala/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=USA East Province |language=en-US}}</ref> |
His contributions have earned him various awards and honorary degrees, recognizing his impact on business and community service.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-23 |title=Appreciation: Jack Connors was a quiet hero of Boston |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/07/23/appreciation-jack-connors-was-a-quiet-hero-of-boston/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Boston Herald |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2024 [[Jesuits|Jesuits USA East]] honored Connors and his wife with the ''[[Ad maiorem Dei gloriam|Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam]]'' Award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jack and Eileen Connors to be Honored at the 2024 Jesuit Gala |url=https://www.jesuitseast.org/press-release/jack-and-eileen-connors-to-be-honored-at-the-2024-jesuit-gala/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=USA East Province |language=en-US}}</ref> He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree from Boston College in 2007.<ref name=":1" /> |
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== Death == |
== Death == |
Revision as of 05:29, 24 July 2024
John "Jack" Connors (June 9, 1942 - July 23, 2024) was an American businessman and philanthropist from Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up in Roslindale, MA and attended Boston College. He co-founded Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Inc. in 1968, which grew to become one of the leading advertising agencies in the United States, working with prominent clients like Bank of America, Massachusetts Lottery, and Dunkin' Donuts.[1] In 2021, he left his office in the John Hancock Tower.[2]
Beyond his business work, Connors was active in philanthropic endeavors, particularly in healthcare in Boston.[3][4][5] As chairman of the board of trustees at Partners HealthCare (now Mass General Brigham), he played a crucial role in advancing the largest healthcare provider in Massachusetts.[6][7] He also chaired the Dana-Farber/Partners CancerCare and Harvard CancerCare boards.[8] [9] He founded the Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.[10][11] He helped raise money for the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program.[12]
Connors was active in supporting education. He served as University Trustee and twice as Chair of the Board of Boston College.[8] He chaired capital campaigns for BC and regularly donated.[13] He supported Catholic schools.[14][15] He founded and supported the Archdiocese of Boston’s Campaign for Catholic Schools, which has raised $130 million.[8] He was instrumental in establishing Camp Harbor View, a summer camp for Boston's underserved youth,[16][17] He supported One Fund Boston after the Boston Marathon bombing.[18]
Connors supported MA Governor Charlie Baker[19] and he chaired his re-election campaign in 2018.[20] He received the Award for Inspired Leadership from the Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.[21] He was a friend and supporter of longtime Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.[22]
His contributions have earned him various awards and honorary degrees, recognizing his impact on business and community service.[23] In 2024 Jesuits USA East honored Connors and his wife with the Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam Award.[24] He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree from Boston College in 2007.[8]
Death
Connors died in July 2024 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.[25] Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said: "His generosity of spirit and true love for all people is evident in the countless interactions with those who could do nothing for him but for whom he moved mountains to provide access to opportunity. His core blend of generosity, kindness, and humility is magic. Boston is undoubtedly changed forever because of his vision and commitment."[25] The Governor of Massachusetts Maura Healey wrote: “Massachusetts lost a champion today and I have lost a friend. Jack Connors was a leader in business, but his most lasting legacy will come from his generosity and philanthropy.”[25][26] Cardinal Seán Patrick O'Malley wrote: “We have lost a great friend and a great leader of our common life in Greater Boston, but we are a better community of neighbors, friends, and citizens because he lived and worked among us for so long."[25]
Sources
- ^ Bryan, Marquard. "Jack Connors, advertising titan and legendary philanthropist-power broker, dies at 82 - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ Edelman, Larry. "'I love this town.' Jack Connors is leaving behind the Hancock tower, but not his philanthropy - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ Harding, Alison (2022-04-03). "Jack Connors & Robert Keefe Named Foundation Trustees". InsideCharity.org. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ Doyle, Patrick (2013-03-26). "The List: Boston's 25 Most Powerful People in Boston Philanthropy 2013". Boston Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ Kix, Paul (2010-09-27). "Is Jack Connors the Last King of Boston?". Boston Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ "The one hundred honoree: Jack Connors, Jr". Massachusetts General Hospital Giving. 2017-01-01. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ "Retiring Partners HealthCare chairman Jack Connors feted by friends and colleagues". www.boston.com. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ a b c d "In Memoriam: John M. (Jack) Connors". Boston College. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ Carlson, Eryn. "Camp Harbor View's Beach Ball raises $6 million - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ Soroff, Jonathan (2023-12-13). "The Interview: Legendary Philanthropist and Ad Man Jack Connors". Boston Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ Communication, BWH Strategic (2024-07-23). "In Memoriam: Jack Connors Jr". Brigham Bulletin. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ "'Medicine that Matters' gala raises more than $1 million to support health care for homeless | Dorchester Reporter". www.dotnews.com. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ Murphy, Connor (2017-03-23). "Longtime Trustees Connors and Gabelli Talk Monan's Impact". The Heights. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ Shanahan, Mark. "Campaign for Catholic Schools marks milestone - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ "Major work underway at the old St. Gregory's schoolhouse | Dorchester Reporter". www.dotnews.com. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ "Boston philanthropist Jack Connors remembered for work with inner-city children - CBS Boston". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ "Why Jack Connors is one happy camper these days". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ Doyle, Patrick (2013-04-24). "The Philanthropy Power Players Behind One Fund Boston". Boston Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ Leung, Shirley. "Jack Connors raises $200,000 for Charlie Baker - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ Shira, Schoenberg (2018-09-06). "Boston philanthropist Jack Connors, a Democrat, to chair Gov. Baker's campaign". masslive. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ McAllaster, Chloe (2018-10-12). "BC Alum Jack Connors Jr. Honored with Award for Inspired Leadership". The Heights. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ "The day Jack Connors took Tom Menino for a ride". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ "Appreciation: Jack Connors was a quiet hero of Boston". Boston Herald. 2024-07-23. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ "Jack and Eileen Connors to be Honored at the 2024 Jesuit Gala". USA East Province. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ a b c d Haynes, Veronica (2024-07-23). "Longtime Boston philanthropist Jack Connors dies after cancer battle". WCVB. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ "Governor Healey Issues Statement on Jack Connors".
- Boston College alumni
- Deaths from pancreatic cancer
- 2024 deaths
- People from Roslindale
- 1942 births
- American corporate directors
- American philanthropists
- American advertising executives
- American advertising people
- American financiers
- Boston College people
- American health care businesspeople
- Businesspeople from Boston
- Harvard University people
- Catholics from Massachusetts