The Network closed its 2025 Local Leadership Series with an inspiring conversation featuring Stephanie O’Connor, senior vice president, chief technology and people officer at City Utilities of Springfield. She spoke candidly about leadership, women in technology, and purpose, reminding young professionals that innovation thrives when people lead with heart, authenticity, and collaboration. In 1992, O’Connor began her City Utilities’ career as an IT intern and now she oversees information technology, human resources, and SpringNet broadband – areas she views as deeply connected. Over the past three decades she’s helped establish CU’s Support Center, led major modernization initiatives, and championed  efforts to ensure more voices are represented at the table. “Technology is only as successful as the people who carry it through the culture,” she said. 

After discovering her love of technology, O’Connor moved from Oklahoma to Springfield in 1991 to attend Missouri State for its comprehensive computer science program. While still a student, she interviewed for a programming job at CU. During the interview, she chose to be honest and share that programming wasn’t her true passion, but she was excited about the chance to work with people and technology. That honesty cost her the position, but it led to an internship that launched her career. “Every challenge has an opportunity on the other side,” she said.  

Early in her career, she was one of only two women in the IT department, an experience that helped shape her leadership philosophy and the simple mantra she lives by: “Be true, be you, be kind.” O’Connor’s journey illustrates how honesty, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities have guided her path. In 2020, O’Connor sought to empower women to see themselves in a male-dominated environment, so she started SWAG – Strong Women Achieving Goals. Even with a delayed launch thanks to the pandemic, CU’s female staff grew by 7% in three years. SWAG focuses on work-life balance, strong leadership, and building support networks, and has also inspired similar groups outside CU, including the Springfield Police Department. 

O’Connor reflected on how her leadership has evolved. Once she believed leaders needed all the answers, she now sees leadership as knowing who has the answers and building strong teams around that knowledge. For her, leadership isn’t about a title or having all the solutions – it’s about creating an environment where people can grow and succeed together. 

This philosophy shapes her approach to mentoring. She works with many across the organization, viewing these relationships as a two-way exchange. “I often feel like I get more out of it than I put in,” she said. One guiding principle: never ask her team to do something she wouldn’t do herself, whether testing new systems or solving problems side by side. 

She offered advice for young leaders: don’t let fear drive your decisions. “Try new things, even when imposter syndrome shows up,” she said. She encourages learning new technology instead of fearing it. “You are not going to lose your job to technology, but you may lose it to someone else who has adopted it,” she said. She also stressed the importance of strong relationships and taking time to recharge so you can give more to others.  

For O’Connor, these values are closely tied to her community. She appreciates the small-town feel within the city, the neighbors CU serves, and how the community comes together. City Utilities, she said, is deeply connected to Springfield’s identity, taking pride in serving residents. Whether it’s laying fiber, maintaining utilities, or repairing sidewalks, CU’s work is all about improving quality of life. She urged the audience to share their experiences, good or bad, so CU can continue to grow and serve better. “We can’t improve what we don’t hear about,” she said.  

The Network’s Local Leadership Series continues to provide valuable opportunities for Springfield’s young professionals to connect with established leaders, gain insight, and grow their careers. Stay tuned for future events that foster leadership development and strengthen our community. 

Thank you to our 2025 Presenting Program Sponsor, OMB Bank, and our 2025 Local Leadership Series Presenting Sponsor: