​Jesse O’Connell directs the strategy development and implementation of ACE’s mission-driven relationships with external partner organizations, including the Council’s fundraising and revenue generating efforts to sustain the programs, products, and services that enrich ACE members and move the higher education field forward.

Prior to ACE he served as senior vice president for education policy at the Center for American Progress, where he led the organization’s cross-cutting efforts to advance policies to guarantee all Americans have access to high-quality educational opportunities across the full learning spectrum from early childhood education to K-12 education and through to higher education. During his time as strategy director for federal policy at Lumina Foundation he led the development and advancement of the foundation’s federal policy priorities, with the goal of increasing the attainment of high-quality credentials and promoting affordable pathways through postsecondary education. He has also held roles at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and Georgetown University, where he earned both a master’s and bachelor’s degree and was an All-American as a member of the track and field team.

In addition to his professional work, Jesse is passionate about volunteering in his community of Alexandria, VA where he lives with his wife and two children.