Carolyn M. O’Connor was a great advocate for Cape Ann and a valued Chamber member and volunteer. 

She was the first Chairwoman of the Chamber’s Businesswomen’s Committee, which she helped organize in 1986 to support the growth of Cape Ann businesses and the professional development of the Chamber’s women members. In honor of her leadership and service the committee established the Carolyn M. O’Connor Scholarship in 2005 to help Cape Ann area women achieve their continuing education and career goals.

In the early 1980s she served two terms on the Gloucester City Council, where she also co-chaired the Planning and Development Committee. Her extensive community service included the Cape Ann League of Women Voters,

the Overall Economic Development Committee of Cape Ann and Addison Gilbert

Hospital.

While Ms. O’Conner served as an aide to former Congressman Michael

Harrington in the 1970s, her work on federal and state funding projects helped

deliver millions of dollars to Cape Ann, including grants for the Gloucester

fishing industry, the Jodrey State Fish Pier, and the Cape Ann Commercial

Fisherman’s Loan Fund.

In grateful appreciation for her support for the businesswomen of Cape Ann and her service to the Cape Ann community, we offer two scholarships each year to help Cape Ann area women achieve their continuing education and career goals.