"I extend my sincere gratitude to Chuck Rosenberg who stepped in to serve the Department admirably during a challenging transitional period," said Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales. "I am very pleased that Kevin has agreed to serve as my Chief of Staff. He is an outstanding lawyer and as U.S. Attorney in Connecticut demonstrated that he is a strong manager and leader."

Mr. O'Connor was appointed by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Connecticut's 48th U.S. Attorney in 2002. In January 2006, Mr. O'Connor also began serving in the Department's headquarters as the Associate Deputy Attorney General to oversee violent crime and gang-related policy initiatives for the Department.

Prior to his appointment as U.S. Attorney, Mr. O'Connor was a partner in the law firm of Day, Berry & Howard in Hartford, Conn. Mr. O'Connor also served as Corporation Counsel for the Town of West Hartford, Conn. from 1999 to 2001.

From 1995 to 1997, Mr. O'Connor served as Staff Attorney and Senior Counsel in the Division of Enforcement of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. From 1993 to 1995, Mr. O'Connor was a litigation associate with the law firm of Cahill Gordon & Reindel in New York City. From 1992 to 1993, Mr. O'Connor served as a law clerk to the Honorable William H. Timbers of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit.

He is a 1992 graduate, with high honors, from the University of Connecticut School of Law and a 1989 graduate, with honors, from the University of Notre Dame.

Mr. O'Connor will remain the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. After four to six months, he and the Attorney General will determine whether he continues to hold both positions.