Patrick T. O’Connor is a strategic, innovative, and entrepreneurial executive whose career has been built at the point where mission, markets, and technology meet. He has led and grown organizations across sectors—from global manufacturing and advanced materials to government-owned enterprises and impact-driven institutions.

Most recently, Patrick served as Chief Executive Officer of Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR), a unique, self-funded manufacturing corporation within the U.S. Department of Justice. In this role, he held full P&L responsibility for seven diverse business groups—agribusiness, clothing and textiles, electronics, fleet, office furniture, recycling, and services—with annual revenues exceeding $500 million and operations in more than 70 factories across more than 50 federal institutions. He was accountable for financial performance, workforce development, and the organization’s broader public-policy mission.

Before entering federal service, Patrick spent decades leading and advising technology and manufacturing companies in North America and Europe. His roles have included chief executive positions in advanced materials and nanotechnology firms, as well as senior business development and strategy leadership in large industrial enterprises. He has consistently been trusted to open new markets, structure strategic partnerships, and translate complex technologies into compelling value propositions for customers and investors.

Patrick’s work has always involved building bridges: between engineers and customers, between operating teams and boards, and between government stakeholders and private-sector partners. He is known for quickly mastering new technical domains, asking direct but respectful questions, and designing practical strategies that people can execute.

Today, through Applied Innovation International LLC, Patrick focuses his time on a select number of advisory engagements with boards, CEOs, and executive teams. Clients turn to him when the stakes are high and the path forward is not obvious—when an enterprise must grow without overreaching, transform without breaking trust, or perform under intense regulatory and political scrutiny.

In parallel, he contributes to innovation ecosystems through mentoring and collaboration with universities and research centers, helping the next generation of founders and leaders connect promising technologies to real-world markets and missions.

Patrick is based in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, and works with clients across the United States and internationally.