Mike O’Connell – Chief Executive Officer
Mike O’Connell brings extensive statewide, Congressional, and municipal campaign and program management experience to Black Diamond Outreach (BDO). From statewide ballot measures to municipal special elections, Mike’s succeeded on them all. Most recently, Mike managed outreach for a statewide, ongoing educational campaign. In this role, Mike directed grassroots and grasstops outreach, oversaw a robust continuing statewide field program, coordinated program targeting and analytics, advised the management team, and integrated outreach into the broader program.
Through BDO, Mike oversaw an outreach campaign for a statewide ballot measure. By implementing a targeted, site-based and door- to-door canvass program, Mike’s team played an integral role in the success of Colorado’s most comprehensive liquor law update in decades. Mike has managed the petition circulation process for multiple statewide ballot measures. Additionally, Mike is responsible for BDO’s sister company, Donor Development Strategies, which conducts a nationwide fundraising canvass program for Public Broadcast affiliates.
Mike previously worked for the Colorado AFL-CIO, serving as the member program director in 2012. There he was responsible for all voter contact, member mobilization, release staff program, worksite program, campaign metrics, and accountability reporting. He is a targeting and data management expert, which, when combined with extensive experience running field campaigns, ensures that every project is uniquely tailored to its specific needs.
Mark Truax – President
Mark Truax is a veteran political strategist and communicator with over 15 years of experience guiding clients through the complexities of politics, policy, and public affairs. As partner and president of Black Diamond Outreach (BDO), Mark has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s operations—from outreach frameworks and daily canvassing logistics to reporting systems and client management—helping position BDO as one of the nation’s premier field operations companies.
Specializing in local and statewide ballot measure strategy, Mark has led efforts in ballot access programs, campaign field operations, and vote-by-mail ballot chase initiatives. He understands the critical role of direct voter contact and works to integrate it into campaigns to inform and persuade targeted audiences effectively.
In addition to his leadership at BDO, Mark owns a national public affairs firm, advising clients on strategic outreach and engagement. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, where he also serves on the Board of Trustees.
Trever Hutcheson – VP of Operations
Trever Hutcheson, VP of Operations, has over a decade of experience managing citizen outreach campaigns across the U.S. His expertise spans year-round fundraising efforts, development work, and election-year expansions, making him adept at tailoring outreach strategies to meet the unique needs of each client. Trever began his career with the Public Interest Network, where he served as a campus organizer and canvass director around the country, building both citizen and financial support for public interest campaigns.
With Black Diamond Outreach, Trever works with the senior leadership team to oversee election cycle operations, our political organizing staff, and works closely with all petition and political field operations around the country. Since the 2018 cycle, he has been instrumental in delivering the expected results no matter the length or scale of the campaigns.
Based in Denver, CO, Trever enjoys spending his free time playing music, the outdoors, and traveling.