University Park resident Connie O'Neill, who was named the city's 2012 Citizen of the Year, modestly turned down an opportunity to speak when she was recognized at the Goar Park Gazebo on Wednesday morning after the Park Cities Fourth July Parade, though her resume is filled with plenty of things she could boast about.
O'Neill, a University Park resident for over 20 years, has been actively involved in assisting charitable and nonprofit efforts, especially those involving education and health care.
"On the education front, she is a new member of the SMU Board of Trustees," according to a news release from Steve Mace, University Park's community information officer. "A member of the finance committee of Highland Park ISD, she also serves as President of the Highland Park Education Foundation, and is past president of La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas. Rounding out her service to others, Connie serves on Dallas Woman’s Club board, and is a past chair of the Crystal Charity Ball."
Currently, O'Neill serves on the board of the Children's Medical Center Foundation, and she is on the Children's Medical Center hospital board. O'Neill also is a Board of Directors member and treasurer for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is an organization she became involved with in 1992.
After being notified that she had been selected as the Citizen of the Year, O'Neill said she was "surprised" and "deeply flattered" to receive city's award, which was initiated by the UP City Council in 2005 to honor residents who are dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout the community, according to the news release.
Having graduated from SMU in 1977, O'Neill worked for Ernst & Young until 1985, as a certified public accountant. She and her husband Chris live in University Park and have four children.