Democratic National Convention Committee names new chief operating officer

LOS ANGELES - The Democratic National Convention Committee named its chief of staff to fill the vacant post of chief operating officer Thursday.

Rod O'Connor succeeds Dan Foley, an experienced political organizer who resigned in late January, citing family and business demands.

The DNCC is working with the local host committee, LA Convention 2000, in organizing the Aug. 14-17 event at the Staples Center.

O'Connor will be in charge of the DNCC's departments of communication, production, credentialing and media logistics.

The appointment was announced by Lydia Camarillo, chief executive officer of the DNCC, who described him as one of her most valued and trusted advisers.

O'Connor was formerly chief of staff at the Democratic National Committee, served on Vice President Al Gore's senior staff, and managed staff and daily operations of Gore's 1996 campaign.

Camarillo also appointed Tom O'Donnell as managing director for the DNCC, overseeing all administrative, external affairs and management functions of the staff.

O'Donnell is a Washington, D.C., lawyer specializing in general business and public policy law.