OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD
Shawn O’Neail, ’97 and ’99 “Shawn stood out singularly among his peers, demonstrating mature judgment and decision-making qualifications seldom observed. It was my distinct privilege to have been a part of Shawn’s development as an exceptional graduate leader.” — Fred Marty, former vice president for administrative and information services, Missouri State
After receiving his master’s degree, Shawn O’Neail was selected for the most prestigious management internship program offered by the executive branch of the federal government: the Presidential Management Intern Program. He entered federal public service and spent the next six years working with the Social Security Administration. O’Neail was later selected for leadership positions with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Now, still in his 30s, he is the executive director of federal government affairs for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, a global pharmaceutical firm that ranks third in the world in terms of sales. Novartis develops and markets drugs for cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and other diseases. O’Neail is responsible for representing the Novartis position to members of Congress, congressional staff/ committees, executive branch officials and key consumer groups. His work has led to the passage, and defeat, of federal legislation at the highest levels. Why did you choose Missouri State? I visited several college campuses before making my decision to attend Missouri State. For me, it was about atmosphere and a feeling of being at home. I loved the look of the campus, the academic opportunities and the welcoming personalities of the students and staff.
What are the greatest challenges and rewards of your current role? Some of the greatest rewards of my position are being able to work with members of Congress to create legislation and policy that will ensure companies like Novartis continue to discover new treatments and create jobs here in the United States. However, Washington, D.C., is a challenging place to navigate at times. It is a constant challenge to make sure our message is heard. What motivated you to spend your career in public service? I always liked politics and government and knew at a young age I would spend time working in public service. I worked on several political campaigns, interned in a district office and helped run the campaign of a Missouri House candidate. Equally important were the experiences I had at Missouri State working in the administrative services division. Fred Marty allowed me to work on projects that required us to interface with local and state government officials. These experiences guided my decision to work in the public sector. What do you consider your most important personal accomplishment? Without a doubt, marrying my wife and starting a family with her is, and always will be, my greatest accomplishment. Though I have enjoyed a lot of success, I
JOB TITLE: Executive director of federal government affairs, Novartis Corporation LIVES IN: Centreville, Va. NATIVE OF: Hillsboro, Mo. FAMILY: Wife, Robin; daughters, Kennedy and Keira EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in education, 1997, master’s degree in public administration, 1999, both Missouri State University AWARDS AND HONORS: Social Security Administration Deputy Commissioner’s Citation and the Kansas City Regional Commissioner’s Citation; National MS Society’s Leadership Award
have also stumbled. She has always been there to pick me up and stayed by my side when times were not easy. My wife and my twin girls are the greatest gift from heaven anyone could wish for. What advice would you give to a current Missouri State student? Experience as much as you can. College is a time to experiment and Missouri State is one of the greatest laboratories. Study hard, play hard. Get involved in student life activities, support athletics and attend theater productions. Enjoy Springfield, too, and make sure to learn the local history. M I S S O U R I S TAT E S P R I N G 2013
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