Elizabeth O'Connor

Elizabeth brings over fifteen years of fundraising experience. She has worked in both health care and education philanthropy. In her role at FAST she provides leadership and strategy guidance to the team to raise critically needed funds to support the mission of FAST. Elizabeth has three children; her oldest son, Ryan, lives with Angelman syndrome.

Tell us a bit about how you come to the world of AS: One word … Ryan. My first-born son and now almost nine year-old is my link to the world of Angelman syndrome. He was diagnosed at eighteen months old, and lives with the difficult condition everyday. I'm thrilled to start working with FAST and I'm committed to using my talents to help our work finding a cure for Angelman syndrome. I'm a parent with a fundraising background anxious to engage philanthropists big and small in the opportunity to support life-changing science.

What did you do before FAST? I have been in fundraising for over 15 years. I started my career at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, then went to my alma mater, Loyola Academy, and most recently was fundraising for a national organization called Gift of Adoption. I took a small hiatus to have our children, Ryan (8), Patty (6), and Jay (2).

How you will support FAST’s mission to a cure: I have always wondered why I was led toward this career and now it seems crystal clear. I am determined to support FAST's mission by raising critically needed funds to advance the scientific breakthroughs happening right now!

Tell us 5 fun facts about you:

• I met my husband Ben while working at Loyola Academy

• I played Division I lacrosse at Boston College

• I was an assistant girls varsity lacrosse coach at Loyola Academy and won 6 state titles. And, the girls lacrosse team still fundraises for Angelman syndrome every season :)

• We live in Lake Bluff, IL (a small town north of Chicago on Lake Michigan).

• I love skiing with my angel, Ryan!