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From Home Furnishing Business

City of Hope & IHFI Name Kevin O’Connor Spirit of Life Lifetime Achievement Honoree

January 28, 2026  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

City of Hope is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy, including CAR T cell therapy. Through its integrated model of research, treatment and education, City of Hope has advanced care for people around the world living with cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. 

The Spirit of Life® Lifetime Achievement Award is City of Hope’s most prestigious industry honor, recognizing individuals whose professional achievements and humanitarian values exemplify leadership, integrity and service. O’Connor joins a distinguished group of past honorees who have helped shape the future of the home furnishings industry while supporting critical medical research and patient care.

“Kevin O’Connor represents the very best of our industry—an innovator, mentor and servant leader whose generosity of time and talent has made a lasting impact,” said Sharon Joyce, Managing Vice President, Transformative Giving at City of Hope. “His lifelong commitment to City of Hope embodies the true spirit of this award.”

Born and raised in the New York City area, O’Connor began his furniture career after serving in the U.S. Army, launching into sales with Ethan Allen following his move to Chicago. He credits his 11 years with the company, working closely with industry icons Nat Ancell and Pat Norton, with shaping the leadership principles that guided his career.

Over the years, O’Connor held senior management roles at Singer Furniture, Burlington Furniture, Lee Industries, Hyundai Furniture and Master Design Furniture, experiences that ultimately led to his deep involvement with the Asian manufacturing community. In 1999, he partnered with Samuel and Grace Kuo to form Legacy Classic Furniture, a company that helped redefine furniture sourcing through its consolidated direct container model, providing smaller retailers nationwide access to high-quality case goods at import pricing.

In 2006, O’Connor was appointed president and CEO of Samson Marketing, the marketing arm of Samson Holding, overseeing a portfolio that included Legacy Classic Furniture, Universal Furniture, Baker Furniture, Craftmaster Furniture, and Samson Hospitality. While he stepped away from active management in 2014, he continues to serve as a consultant to Samson Holding Chairman Samuel Kuo.

Beyond his professional achievements, O’Connor has been deeply committed to industry service and philanthropy. He served as Chairman of the High Point Market Authority from 2008 to 2012, where he played a key role in revitalizing the semi-annual Pre-Market, and previously chaired both the American Home Furnishings Alliance and City of Hope’s dinner committee for 12 years. His many honors include induction into the American Furniture Hall of Fame, the ADL American Heritage Award, and the IHFRA Distinguished Service Award.

O’Connor and his wife, Madeline, currently reside on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, and remain actively connected to the industry and to City of Hope. The O’Connor family has long credited faith and community as central to their lives, values that continue to guide their philanthropic efforts.

To learn more about the IHFI Spirit of Life Award Gala, please visit the 2026 event page or contact Loren Boyko at 626-222-9764 or send an email to IHFIevents@COH.org