Kevin O’Connell is the Executive Director of the NACS Foundation, the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) philanthropic arm. Under Kevin’s leadership, the Foundation is advancing its mission to unify and amplify the charitable efforts of the convenience and fuel retailing industry. It focuses on key pillars such as serving first responders, combating hunger, supporting healthy children and families, and fostering environmental stewardship.
Kevin spearheads transformative initiatives, including expanding 24/7 Day—a nationwide event honoring first responders that has grown by over 2,000% in five years—and the strategic development of programs to address food insecurity, educational scholarships, and community resilience. As the Foundation embarks on its next chapter, Kevin is focused on building sustainable revenue streams, fostering strategic partnerships, and elevating the Foundation’s impact on communities across America.
Kevin brings over 18 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and storytelling. Before joining NACS, he founded and served as a strategic advisor to FYN Creative, where he empowered universities and nonprofits through campaigns, digital content, and trainings. Before FYN Creative, he also launched The Niche Movement, a global platform helping thousands of students and young professionals redefine their career paths. Kevin also served as an adjunct professor at The George Washington University School of Business, where he taught courses in leadership and marketing.
An advocate for community engagement, Kevin actively volunteers with organizations such as Food & Friends in Washington, DC. He holds a B.S. in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an M.A. in Leadership and Public Administration from Centenary University.
Kevin’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for storytelling inspire his work in creating impactful programs, mobilizing resources, and redefining the role of convenience stores as community cornerstones. He is a sought-after speaker on nonprofit growth, community engagement, and innovative fundraising strategies.