Robert O'Connell

Bob O’Connell is the corporate counsel and secretary of HEMAR Insurance Corporation of America, a South Dakota corporation. HEMAR is an insurer of approximately $7 billion in student loans nationwide and is a subsidiary of Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae). Before joining HEMAR, O’Connell served in various capacities for the Blues in Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota. His last position at Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Dakota (now Wellmark) was vice president and chief administrative officer.

O’Connell has a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minn., and a Juris Doctor degree from Hamline University School of Law, also in St. Paul. He is admitted to practice law in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

O’Connell has served on numerous community boards and committees. He is presently a board member of the Good Shepherd Center in Sioux Falls and the Sioux Falls United Way Allocations Board.

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