Dan O’Brien is the founding Executive Director of The Corvus Institute, where he leads the organization’s mission to identify, train, and connect the next generation of leaders in politics, policy, and public service. Drawing on his background in legislative analysis, campaign operations, and nonprofit program development, Dan oversees Corvus’s strategic vision, national partnerships, and student pipeline initiatives.

Dan previously served as a Legal Staff Analyst for the Illinois State Senate, where he analyzed legislation, budgets, and agency performance while supporting media relations and bipartisan outreach efforts. He also worked with the Office of Legal Services at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), contributing to regulatory compliance and legal research projects. 

A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and minors in Legal Studies, Agricultural and Consumer Economics, and Spanish, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield, Dan brings a multidimensional perspective to leadership development in the political sphere. His career has centered on bridging the gap between civic ideals and practical governance—developing programs that empower students to translate their passion for politics into meaningful, career-ready experience.

Under his leadership, The Corvus Institute aims to build a sustainable talent pipeline that not only supports ambitious students but also strengthens the institutions that shape public life.