James J. O'Connor

James J. O'Connor serves as the Global Head of Venture Capital and Managing Director at William Blair, overseeing the firm's Venture Capital Group and its international partnerships with leading venture firms. As Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of 1871, O'Connor plays a pivotal role in strategic decision-making for the organization that supports startups in Chicago. With extensive experience in venture capital, O'Connor co-founded MOTOROLA VENTURES and held roles such as Chief Innovation Officer and Corporate Vice President at Motorola Solutions, where significant venture transactions were executed. O'Connor has also been involved in public service through the White House Fellowship and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Educational credentials include an MBA from Northwestern University, a JD from Georgetown University Law Center, and additional studies at prestigious institutions such as The London School of Economics and Trinity College Dublin. O'Connor co-manages a family farm focusing on sustainable practices and was instrumental in the founding of Change Ventures, a notable seed stage fund in the Baltics.