We Are A.J. O’Connor

We Help Organizations Succeed by Helping People Succeed.

Welcome to A.J. O’Connor

Our experienced team of experts provide the individualized attention and customized solutions that achieve transformative results.

Founded on core family values and a commitment to building strong, long-lasting partnerships, we approach our work with the confidence and expertise that only comes with more than 35 years in the business. Working with companies of all sizes, needs and budgets, AJO develops high-performing teams and global leaders for organizational success.

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EXECUTIVE & CAREER COACHES
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ORGANIZATIONS SERVED
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COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE

Our Mission

Empowering transformation that enables you to achieve sustainable results.
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Relationships

AJO proudly partners with organizations of all sizes, including all the major Fortune 500 categories.

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Reputation

Established in 1983, AJO is committed to building lasting partnerships through individualized attention.

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Results

AJO has served more than 600 organizations, activating the success of more than 25,000 careers.

Our Approach
to Partnering

AJO’s 4-phase methodology is designed for long-term impact to individuals, teams and organizations.

Partner

We assess your needs and clearly define and prioritize your goals.

Plan

We design and deliver customized and scalable solutions based on desired outcomes.

Perform

We work alongside you to execute the plan and create strategies for sustained success.

Progress

We provide ongoing support and continuously solicit feedback to measure service impact.

Our Clients

Mitsubishi
H & M
Atlantic Health System
NY
Kyowa Kiriin
Senda
Novartis
Wakefern
Dun & Bradstreet
BD
Deloitte
Insmed
Schindle
Global Aerospace
Emblem Health
Neomorph
Learning Ally
Wyndham
Omega
AGFA
Panasonic
Suburban Propane

Our Memberships

AJO proudly belongs to a number of leading professional organizations which provide a deep network of resources and continuous learning opportunities.

ACG
ATD
BioNJ
Ellevate
FDU
Morris County Chamber of Commerce
SHRM

Our History

AJO is a family organization built on a passion for empowering people as they navigate their career journeys to reach their full potential. Founded during a national recession in 1983 by Andrew Sr. and Betty O’Connor, AJO has a deep history of delivering insights, guidance and expertise to individuals and organizations in transition.

AJO’s History

Our Philanthropy

Giving back is a core value of AJO and philanthropy is an integral part of our company’s culture. We are dedicated to supporting causes that align with our strong family values and help those in need.

Charitable Causes We Support

St. Jude's Children Hospital
American Cancer Society
Progeria Research
JDRF
Alzheimer's Foundation of America
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Caring Capital
Jersey Battered Women’s Service
NJ Special Olympics
https://www.policeunitytour.com/
Good Grief, Inc. (Morristown)
The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ
Cornerstone Family Programs and Morristown Neighborhood House

Transformation
by Design

READ THE AJO BLOG

The Importance of Assessing Your Online Presence

An “online presence” or “social media presence” shares information that can speak to both you and your company’s brand. Personal blogs, your own website, comments you have made online, articles or news picked up by search engines (e.g., Google) or social media sites, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, are all examples of […]

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Coach’s Corner: Q&A with Brian Szepkouski

AJO’s Coach’s Corner blog series this month highlights Brian Szepkouski, a leading authority on the language of leadership, international executive development and strategic planning for business expansion. With a passion for inspiring individuals to reach their highest potential, Brian is an expert in evolving leaders who role model consistent influence to empower teams who want […]

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A.J. O’Connor Announces Expanded Leadership Team

HR Consulting and Leadership Coaching Firm Names Joyce Heckman, Vice President, Talent Development and Neal Wendel, Practice Leader, Career Transition Services PARSIPPANY, N.J., September 15, 2022 – A.J. O’Connor Associates (AJO), the company known for helping organizations succeed by helping people succeed, today announced that it has extended its leadership team to prepare for further […]

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Are you ready to transform? Contact us today.

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Shannon O’Connor Bock

President, A.J. O’Connor Associates

A third-generation owner of this long-established family business, Shannon has been playing an integral role in the firm’s organizational strategy and growth for nearly 12 years. Gaining experience through hands-on involvement in all aspects of the business, she has cultivated a skillset that allows her to navigate seamlessly from concept to execution in the areas of client engagement, service innovation, operational efficiency and brand marketing.

Professional Bio

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Andy O’Connor

Principal, A.J. O’Connor Associates

For nearly 25 years, Andy proudly served as the second-generation owner and President of A.J. O’Connor Associates (AJO), an HR consulting firm that was founded in New Jersey in 1983. In 2022, he assumed the role of Principal and head of business development when he transitioned the ownership of the firm to the third-generation, Shannon O’Connor Bock.

Professional Bio

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Joyce Heckman

Vice President, Talent Development

Joyce is responsible for providing the strategic direction of the firm’s leadership development, executive coaching and consulting services. She focuses on the design and delivery of customized solutions for clients, while implementing internal processes for organizational effectiveness.

Professional Bio

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Neal Wendel

Practice Leader, Career Transition Services

Neal is responsible for designing and delivering high quality career transition services to AJO’s clients and their impacted employees. In addition to client and candidate relationship management, he also provides the strategic direction for market growth and development in this practice.

Professional Bio

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JoAnn Graziano

VP, Finance & Administration

As Vice President of Finance and Administration, JoAnn ensures seamless delivery and client satisfaction in all areas of responsibility working closely with our customers, external service providers, associates and the community.

Professional Bio

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Alison Patzer

Director, Marketing & Communications

Alison is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring AJO messaging and brand, as well as for communication campaigns to engage clients, coaches and consultants as well as the internal team.

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Laura Bogaards

Manager, Client Engagement

As AJO Manager, Client Engagements, Laura is responsible for managing AJO's Talent & Leadership Development programs and projects and for liaising between our clients and internal resources.

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Alexandra Hathaway

Instructional Designer

As an Instructional Designer, Alexandra provides support for the Talent and Leadership Development Practice and general company projects. She is responsible for creating, maintaining, and enhancing content, making sure all training deliverables are instructionally sound and consistent.

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Suzanne Russo

Client Engagement Manager & Systems Administrator

As AJO's Client Engagement Manager & Systems Administrator, Suzanne is responsible for client engagement activities related to AJO's Career Transition Services as well as for IT support, technology vendor management, reporting and analytics.

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Jessica Erwood

Office Manager

Jessica is responsible for managing the day-to-day workflow and operations of the AJO office, as well as for providing administrative support to the team.

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