NAPLES, FL, June 09, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Brenda O'Connor has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. O'Connor's distinguished career in the hospitality industry is marked by her tenure as executive director of membership at Naples Yacht Club, a position she has held since 2014. In this capacity, she manages administrative operations, engages directly with members, attends board meetings and participates in numerous evening social events. She also serves as the staff liaison for the club's Speaker Series. Her leadership and commitment have been instrumental in elevating the club's reputation, contributing significantly to its ranking as the number one yacht club in Florida and fifth in the United States according to the Platinum Clubs of America rating system. The club is also recognized among the top 50 yacht clubs globally.

Ms. O'Connor takes pride in her role as gatekeeper for membership, working closely with staff to ensure an exceptional experience for members and fostering a sophisticated, welcoming atmosphere. Her collaborative approach with executive staff has cultivated a culture of excellence and camaraderie, making her work deeply rewarding.

Prior to joining Naples Yacht Club, Ms. O'Connor served as a senior vice president at the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce from 2002 to 2014. In this role, she was responsible for advancing organizational initiatives and supporting local business development. Her expertise in networking and organizational development was evident as she worked to strengthen community ties and promote economic growth throughout Naples.

Ms. O'Connor began her professional journey in retail management, overseeing stores for various companies across the country. Her responsibilities included store merchandising and assisting with new store openings, which allowed her to develop strong skills in initiative, advancement and operational leadership. Although she initially pursued a career in fashion merchandising, her experiences in retail provided a foundation that would later support her transition into chamber leadership and hospitality management.

Academically, Ms. O'Connor's background includes coursework in fashion merchandising, which informed her early interest in retail and contributed to her understanding of consumer engagement and presentation. In 2008, she completed the Leadership Collier Program, further enhancing her leadership capabilities and expanding her professional network within Collier County.

Reflecting on her career, Ms. O'Connor attributes her success to the values instilled in her during her upbringing and the lessons learned throughout her varied career experiences. She also acknowledges the support of her husband, friends and colleagues as integral to her achievements. She believes that confidence is a key element of success.

Beyond her professional roles, Ms. O'Connor is deeply involved in civic initiatives throughout Southwest Florida. Since 2016, she has held multiple leadership positions with the Women's Foundation of Collier County, including governance chair, secretary and treasurer, and President. She has served as board president of Youth Haven, and as event chair for several non-profit fundraisers, primarily focused on initiatives helping under-served women and children.

For more than 15 years, Ms. O'Connor has taught etiquette classes through Champions for Learning, Ave Maria University and various nonprofit organizations. Her instruction emphasizes confidence-building and effective communication skills for young people preparing to enter professional environments.

Throughout her career, Ms. O'Connor's contributions have been recognized with several honors, including being named among the Top 100 Business Leaders in Collier County for 2024 to 2025 and receiving the Women of Initiative Award in 2013. She also earned both the Glass Slipper Award from Champions for Learning and inclusion in The Naples 100 by Naples Illustrated.

Born in Chicago, Ms. O'Connor enjoys playing golf and spending time with her husband and their two dogs outside of her professional commitments. In the upcoming years, she remains dedicated to community engagement by continuing to teach etiquette classes focused on practical skills essential for professional success. Her ongoing goal is to empower young individuals with networking abilities and self-presentation techniques that will prepare them for future opportunities. She remains passionate about her work and her commitment to helping others improve their lives.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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