2014
Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

In his role as chair of the local organizing committee for OCEANS’14, Darrell O’Neill orchestrated an event that was deemed a success by all involved. Darrell is being recognized for his diligent and significant work in attracting and hosting the OCEANS’14 conference in St. John’s. The OCEANS series of conferences are arguably the premier gathering of the world’s ocean science, technology and engineering community. The conference attracted approximately 2,000 delegates to St. John’s for the event. In fact, Destination St. John’s recently presented its annual Award of Distinction to OCEANS’14 for Convention of the Year.

Not only did Darrell convince the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Marine Technology Society that Newfoundland and Labrador was ready to host this prestigious event, he also convinced the local ocean science, technology and engineering community that they could do it. Darrell’s leadership led to involvement from industry, academia and government which were essential for a successful conference.

Darrell has displayed passion for, and commitment to, the development of the ocean technology community within Newfoundland and Labrador. He has been a tremendous supporter of industry through the development and delivery of Provincial Government support programs targeting the ocean technology community in the province. Darrell has been instrumental in enabling many of the local ocean technology companies to make a name for themselves on the world stage.

Darrell is always accessible, ever insightful, is a standard bearer of integrity and is highly respected by all of his clients and colleagues. His leadership kept the multi-stakeholder OCEANS’14 organizing committee clearly focused on the task at hand and his ability to build relationships and bring the right people to the table created a recipe for success.

Darrell has committed the vast majority of his career to public service. He has embodied the essence of a public servant in that his focus is not on himself but on the people of this province. He has been very successful in this role and his efforts will leave a lasting impact.