May 2026 Volunteer of the Month

 

Matt O’Connor
Vice President Operations
First Advantage

 

My role at PBSA:

Beyond just trying to be an active contributor, I serve as co-chair of the Access Subcommittee, which is part of the Government Relations Committee. Collectively the Access Subcommittee members track and monitor newly surfacing challenges to public records access throughout the US.

 

Why I wanted to volunteer with PBSA:

I’ve been a PBSA member for a long time, but admittedly not a very active one until about 10 years ago when I first presented a session with other members at the Annual Conference. Since then, I’ve continued to realize and recognize the value of collaborating with other industry experts to help solve problems impacting all of us in the screening industry.

 

What I do when not at work:

My wife and I love to travel. So, unlike the typical headshots we’re all used to, the photo I chose is me sharing a toast with Ernest Hemingway in Key West. I’m also an avid sports junkie and these Spring months are my favorite time of the year between ‘March Madness’, the Masters, and the start of baseball season.

 

What I'm reading:

A friend of mine recently turned me on to the ‘Mitch Rapp’ series by Vince Flynn, so I’m currently on the 4th book of that series which is called The Third Option. I’m also a lifelong Jimmy Buffett fan so I’ve been perusing a book called ‘Buffett Backstories’ about the people and places who inspired his songs.

 

Favorite website, podcast, blogs, etc.:

I’ve recently been checking out Les Rosen’s ‘Behind the Screens’ podcasts, and I’m always checking out new music and different bands on Spotify.

 

On my desk right now (books, personal items, etc.):

A picture of my wife and I from the Michael Jackson tribute show ‘ONE’ in Las Vegas, always a bottle of Deer Park spring water, and a I still have a copy of the 2026 Advocacy Day handout nearby!