- Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation from United States Merchant Marine Academy, 1985
- J.D. from Temple University, 1993
- USCG Unlimited Master License
- 15 years sailing experience on various merchant marine vessels, 12 years experience working shoreside in a shipping company office.
- Member of the Nautical Institute
- Bachelor of Science from Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- Master of Arts from Cambridge College
- Master Mariner - Oceans, Unlimited Tonnage, Tankerman PIC, DL, DG
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 1994 Master of Science in Emergency Management, Massachusetts Maritime Academy 2016, USCG Unlimited Chief Mate , 1600 Ton Master's
Brian J. Connor is a 38-year veteran of the Emergency Medical Service Industry.
Brian began his career as an EMT at age 19, following his graduation from the Northeastern University EMT Program in 1979. He was hired as an EMT for Armstrong Ambulance Service, one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Massachusetts. He served in many clinical and managerial positions throughout the next 26 years, ultimately serving as the Chief Executive Officer for the last ten years while employed at Armstrong.
On April 25, 2006, Brian established LifeLine Ambulance Service. LifeLine quickly became one of the largest privately-owned ambulance companies in New England; with 13 offices strategically located throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire, 400 employees and fielding a fleet of more than 160 vehicles. Collectively LifeLine transported over 350 patients each day. LifeLine was awarded the “Pacesetters” award from the Boston Business Journal in April 2013 and was featured in the Boston Business Journal on January 25, 2013. On July 1, 2015, LifeLine and its subsidiaries were sold to Kamylon Capitol, a Massachusetts based holding company. Brian remained on as a Senior Advisor and Consultant and retired on January 1, 2017.
During his 38-year career in EMS, Brian also served as President of the Massachusetts Ambulance Association for over 14 years; served on many local and state EMS committees and advisory boards; and founded the “Emergency Medical Coalition of Ambulance Providers” in 2002. EMCAP was a nationwide organization made up of ambulance providers focused on advocating on the federal level on the establishment and implementation of what’s now known as the Nationwide Medicare Fee Schedule Program.
As a frequent employer and supporter of MMA students; Brian helped establish the MA Maritime EMS System through his donation of an Ambulance, Ford Explorer first responder unit and Golf Cart in 2012. MMA-EMS is the only college-based, 100% student-run EMS club in Massachusetts, and a select few nationwide, that owns and operates their own Class I Licensed Ambulance; providing emergency and non-emergency coverage to the Academy’s entire Campus; and transporting those injured or ill persons directly to local hospitals. In recognition of his leadership and service to the Academy, Brian was awarded the Massachusetts Maritime Medal of Valor by Admiral Richard Gurnon on June 13, 2013.
In 2018, through a $100,000 grant from the Connor Family, MMA-EMS purchased a brand-new Ambulance and now provides EMS coverage beyond the Academy’s Campus. I n recognition of his continued leadership and support of MMA-EMS, Brian was named an “Honorary Member of the Regiment” by the Cadets and awarded his second Medal of Valor by Admiral Francis McDonald in 2019.
Aside from EMS, Brian serves on many Hospital Boards and Foundations, he is a former Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout and was recognized for his many years of service by the Boston Council Boy Scout Council. Brian is also an advocate for public housing, currently serving as Chairman to the Arlington Housing Authority, appointed by both Governor Romney and Governor Baker.
His hobbies are restoring antique ambulances, boating, and fishing. He also holds a 50 GRT Masters License from the United States Merchant Marine and during the summer Captains for Sea Tow, rescuing stranded boaters.
Brian is a 1984 graduate of Northeastern University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He also received a Master’s Degree in Management in 1997 from Lesley University, Master’s Degree in Emergency Management in 2018 from Massachusetts Maritime Academy; and is currently completing both his Master’s Degree in Maritime Business and a Master’s Degree in Facilities Management at MMA, due to graduate with both Masters in the spring of 2020. Following this, Brian will be the first “Triple Buc”; the first person in the Academy’s history to have earned three separate degrees.
Brian resides in Arlington with his wife, Michele and two children, Elizabeth and Patrick.
2018 Graduate of Emergency Management MMA Program. In 2015, retired Deep Sea Master, Served as Master aboard M/V Maersk Arkansas in the Eastern Mediterranean container feeder service. Responsibilities included overall command, safe and efficient operation of vessel, navigation, crew management and ensuring vessel complies with local and international laws, as well as company and flag state policies. Managed ship's accounting, payrolls, and inventories. Also, safe docking and undocking of vessel when pilots unable or incompetent to do so in Port Said, Egypt.Served as Master aboard M/V Maersk Arkansas in the Baltic Sea and Northern Europe. Vessel was tasked to transport US and NATO military equipment and supplies bound for Afghanistan via Port of Riga Latvia and Klaipeda Lithuania. As Master, responsible for safe navigation when transiting the Kiel Canal twice a week on routine service without incident. The Kiel Canal, at 62 miles long, is the most congested canal in the world with the highest amount of vessel accidents. Also, had to maneuver around ice flow during harsh Baltic winters. Currently, Associate Professor teaching Bridge Resource Management to First Class Deck Cadets in FMSS 360 in prepping them for maritime industry
- Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 1984
- Master's in Higher Education Administration, American International College, 2012
- Retired after 24 years in industry on various vessels tankers, dredges, ferries, OSV deep sea tugs and barges, Master of Tow and Master on Articulated Tug barge units.
- USCG Designated Examiner, Train-the-Trainer Certification