Experienced Leadership. Practical Solutions. Lasting Impact.
Daniel O’Connor brings more than 20 years of athletics and education leadership across the United States and United Kingdom. At the United Nations International School in New York, he led K–12 Athletics and Physical Education, serving more than 1,500 students, managing a departmental budget exceeding $2.5 million, developing more than 80 coaches and staff, and increasing athletic participation by 50%.
His experience spans strategic planning, recruitment, operations, facilities, technology, and partnerships. Through DOC Advisory, Daniel works directly with school leaders to strengthen athletic programs, improve systems, develop people, and create lasting opportunities for students.
Every engagement is personally led by Daniel, ensuring schools receive experienced, practical guidance and a partner who remains accountable throughout the process.
Start with the challenge, not a package.
Every school is different. In a 20-30 minute conversation, Daniel will listen to the situation, clarify the decisions ahead and determine whether DOC Advisory can help. If there is a fit, you will receive a tailored scope, timeline and investment.
Meet the Founder
Operator experience. International perspective. School-centered judgment.
Daniel O’Connor founded DOC Advisory to help schools strengthen their athletic programs through experienced leadership, thoughtful planning, and practical solutions grounded in the realities of school life.
With more than 20 years of experience across the United Kingdom and United States, Daniel has developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing school leaders. His career has encompassed teaching, coaching, aquatics, athletic administration, strategic planning, and the leadership of complex K–12 athletics and physical education programs.
During nine years at the United Nations International School in New York, including five years as Director of Athletics and Physical Education, Daniel helped transform the school's athletics program. His leadership focused on creating more opportunities for students, strengthening coaching and staffing, modernizing operations, developing strategic partnerships, and establishing a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Daniel also led UNIS through the NIAAA Quality Program Assessment, resulting in the school's recognition as a 2025 Exemplary Athletic Program. This achievement reflects his belief in using established standards, evidence, and meaningful stakeholder engagement to drive sustainable improvement.
Originally from Walsall, England, Daniel earned his BA (Hons) in Physical Education and Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education from the University of Wolverhampton. His professional journey has taken him from the United Kingdom to Chicago and New York, providing an international perspective on education, athletics, and school leadership.
Daniel believes that successful athletics programs should strengthen the wider school community while supporting students' personal development, wellbeing, and competitive aspirations.
Through DOC Advisory, he brings this philosophy and experience directly to schools, working collaboratively with leaders to identify opportunities, address challenges, and create meaningful, lasting improvements.
Professional Credentials and Leadership
Professional Certifications
Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA)
National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association
Certified International Athletic Administrator (CIAA)
National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association
Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA)
National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association
Association Leadership & Service
Quality Program Assessment Co-Chair
New York State Athletic Administrators Association (NYSAAA)
Associate Postseason Coordinator
NYSAIS Athletic Association
Former Secretary & Sport Coordinator
New York City Athletic League (NYCAL)
Recognition
Selected by the University of Wolverhampton for its Every Story Has a Start alumni campaign.
“If it hadn't been for the University of Wolverhampton, I wouldn't be where I am now. It inspired me, challenged me and motivated me.”
Professional Engagements & Speaking
Sharing knowledge. Developing leaders. Strengthening interscholastic athletics.
Daniel O'Connor contributes to the advancement of interscholastic athletics through national and state conference presentations, professional education, university guest lectures, and association leadership.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in athletics and education, Daniel shares practical insights into governance, leadership, communication, program evaluation, and building sustainable athletics programs that support student development.
Manhattanville University | Sports Governance
Guest Speaker | October 2026
Invited by adjunct professor Steve Young, Daniel joined students in Manhattanville University's Sports Governance course to share insights from his experience leading K–12 athletics and physical education at the United Nations International School in New York City.
The session explored three essential aspects of successful interscholastic athletics programs: their educational purpose, the responsibilities of athletic administrators, and the importance of effective governance in building positive, inclusive, and accountable athletic cultures.
Through practical examples and interactive discussions, Daniel highlighted how athletic leaders balance competitive success with the broader educational mission of their schools.
NYSAAA New York State Athletic Directors Conference
Leadership Education Instructor & Workshop Presenter | Saratoga Springs, New York | March 2026
Daniel contributed to the professional development of athletic administrators at the 2026 NYSAAA Conference through two educational sessions.
He co-taught NIAAA LTC 799: Standards of Excellence in Interscholastic Athletic Programs, focusing on organizational assessment, strategic planning, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Alongside Dr. Patrick Irving, CMAA, Daniel also co-presented The QPA: Promoting the Best in All of Us, exploring how evidence-based evaluation and established professional standards can strengthen athletic departments.
Drawing on his experience leading UNIS through the NIAAA Quality Program Assessment, Daniel shared practical insights into building more effective, accountable, and student-centered athletics programs.
NIAAA National Athletic Directors Conference
Conference Presenter | Tampa, Florida | December 2025
Daniel presented on behalf of BAND, a group communication and management platform, at the 2025 NIAAA National Athletic Directors Conference.
Focusing on effective communication in interscholastic athletics, the presentation explored how clear, consistent, and organized communication can strengthen athletic department operations, support coaches, engage families, and improve collaboration across school communities.
The engagement reflected Daniel's experience integrating technology and developing communication systems to improve the effectiveness of school athletics programs.
Let's Strengthen Your Athletic Program
Whether your school is evaluating its current program, planning for growth, recruiting key personnel, or navigating a leadership transition, DOC Advisory provides experienced guidance tailored to your priorities.