Taking the Lead: A Q&A with GCC Board Chair Sean O'Kane

Global Citizen Circle Board Chair Sean O'Kane is a retired executive with 30+ years of experience in customer relations, operations, business development, alliance building, thought leadership, strategic management, and growth in both the private and public sectors, nationally and globally. He has held successful careers in hospitality, government, and technology. Beyond GCC, Sean serves – and has served – on several boards, including NH Public Broadcasting System, Franklin Pierce University (2013-2023), Bellwether Community Credit Union, Sail Portsmouth/Sea Challenge, and Granite United Way, Community Impact Committee.
 
Tell us a bit about  your professional background and how it led you to where you are today. 
I enjoyed a 24-year career in the hospitality industry. Although I never worked for Dunfey International Hotels, I first met Jack (Dunfey) in 1963 when I was 8 years old. It was the influence of the Dunfeys and my deep admiration for the family that led to my own hotel career. In my career, I was recognized as the General Manager of the Year in New Hampshire, General Manager of the Year in the U.S by the American Hotel and Lodging Association, and Travel Person of the Year in New Hampshire.

I also served as the chair of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, chair of the NH Lodging and Restaurant Association and as vice chair of the NH Political Library. 

In 2004, I was appointed, by then-Governor Benson, as Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development. In that time, I led trade missions to 11 countries, promoting New Hampshire-based businesses to overseas opportunities and was awarded the Medal of Peace and Commerce by the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

In my role, I oversaw the Divisions of Economic Development, Travel and Tourism Development, State Parks and Land and Forests, such a diverse but fascinating mix of competing interests that naturally fostered wide-ranging discussions about how to best achieve smart and sustainable growth in New Hampshire.

After my term, I joined the French-based energy efficiency multinational corporation, Schneider Electric. I worked with 12 dedicated countries in promoting energy-efficiency technologies for the 4 and 5-star global hotel market and served on the Advisory Board for the Center of Hospitality Research at Cornell University.

I am now retired, serving on several boards, most notably with Global Citizens Circle.

When did you first learn about Global Citizens Circle, and how has your engagement grown with GCC over the years?
I was first introduced to GCC in 1998, after returning to New Hampshire to run a convention hotel in Manchester. I attended a few Circles at the Parker House and was completely taken in by the level and content of the dialogue they fostered. I took notice of the number of New Hampshire people who attended these Circles and offered to host a couple of Circles at the hotel in Manchester to make it more accessible for these New Hampshire residents.  

Some years later, I met with Eleanor Dunfey-Freiburger and learned of the efforts to reconstitute GCC in collaboration with Southern New Hampshire University. I subsequently joined as an advisor and then joined the board just a few years ago.

What have been some of the most meaningful experiences you've had through GCC? 
It is impossible not to be in awe of the incredibly successful outreach and influence the Dunfey family has had in global conflicts and social issues. Their partners and advisors consisted of global leaders, social activists, Nobel Prize recipients, elders, and emerging leaders, all focused on open discussion and the sharing of experiences and knowledge to encourage proactive efforts to resolving conflict, to finding peace and to promoting diversity, equality and inclusion. In a world so fragmented by violence and politics, these accomplishments resonated strongly with me.

What do you tell others about the benefits of supporting and participating in GCC events and activities?
We have made recent efforts to re-engage with business leaders, returning to our founding days, to focus on addressing social, environmental, and conflict issues and challenges that we ​face today.  
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These leaders are in the position to address issues facing us in our respective communities. While some in the political theatre have attempted to make diversity, equity and inclusion a divisive concept, the reality is businesses face major challenges that a diverse employment base brings as well as in the communities in which they operate.  

An openness to understanding and working with a diverse employment base and community is critical for success today. And, the fact of the matter is, a diverse community offers new ideas, insight, energy, and engagement that keeps us from becoming stagnant. This is the very definition of the successes that have brought us to where we are today.

As Board Chair, what are your goals for GCC? 
As Board Chair, and in our current fiscal year, my objectives are to provide more board support to the remarkable work GCC Executive Director and President Theo Spanos Dunfey and Assistant Director Phoebe de Larrabeiti accomplish, sharply enhance our fundraising efforts, grow our board membership with an emphasis on targeting key business leaders, and to support our outreach in expanding our Emerging Leaders program and Global Partners.
 

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It is impossible not to be in awe of the incredibly successful outreach and influence the Dunfey family has had in global conflicts and social issues.
                                                                                                  – Sean O'Kane