Mike O'Connell, the owner of O'Connell Designs, has been designing web sites since the web first appeared in the mid-90s.

He has worked as the web master for the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago; as a graphic designer for several organizations; and as a web consultant for several Chicago-based clients, as well as Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, one of the world's largest fishing tackle companies.

Mike earned a master's degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of South Carolina and taught web site design and JavaScript courses at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL, for two years.

Mike's also a wildlife and nature photographer and a cross-country ski patroller for a local section of the National Ski Patrol.