Connor McDermott

Connor McDermott has built a career around government relations. Before joining POINT OF DIFFERENCE STRATEGIES, Connor served as a Government Affairs Manager for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Throughout his time working for the administration, Connor acted as the first line of communication for mayors, county officials and legislators throughout the Chicagoland region. Connor assisted in passing the State’s Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan while working directly with regional stakeholders regarding specific projects. He also played a role in helping guide the rest of the Governor’s Legislative Agenda including the consolidation of more than 650 police and fire pension systems and a comprehensive gaming package. Connor also played an integral role in guiding legislators and local stakeholders through the pandemic. He and his team helped municipalities apply for state & federal funds, along with building out testing/vaccine capacity across the state.

Before joining the administration, Connor worked on Governor JB Pritzker’s campaign as the Will County Political Director. He handled political relationships across the county while helping grow the region’s field program.

Connor also worked for the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus as a legislative assistant for State Senator Michael E. Hastings. Connor managed the Senator’s legislative agenda along with day to day services in his Springfield office. While working for Senator Hastings, Connor learned the ins and outs of the legislative process and state government as a whole.