Every year, our leadership team selects one "Camper" to receive our highest honor: Camper of the Year. This year’s award goes to someone who has worked tirelessly to elevate herself, her team, and Net Conversion as a whole. She truly embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Camper.

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We’re thrilled to celebrate Kelly O’Connor as our 2025 Camper of the Year. Here’s a look at what she had to say about her journey over the past twelve months:

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You’ve gone from Senior Media Buyer to Manager to Employee of the Year in a short span—what is the one project or "win" from the last 12 months that you feel truly defined this award for you?

I successfully automated the buy specifications for our buying team. This centralization now provides the team with a single platform for tracking all expenditures, estimates, and budgets.

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Now that you’re managing the "fabulous team" you started on, what has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about leadership (you being a leader) at Net Conversion?

In my view, the team dynamic remains consistent; we continue to work collaboratively and support one another. I am fortunate to have such a great team!

In your last interview, you mentioned your "uncanny ability to read people". How has that "superpower" helped you manage client relationships or mentor your team this year?

Understanding my team's diverse learning styles is invaluable. It allows me to tailor my approach and work with each individual at their optimal pace, which is a key factor in effective team development.

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If you could implement one new "Kelly O’Connor-inspired" tradition or workflow at NC for 2026, what would it be?

Somedays the workload can seem overwhelming. During billing, I created an “Invoice Reconciliation daily quota”, so that the team can now see how many invoices to reconcile each day to meet the deadline. So I would implement a workflow to show that, by working towards a goal each day, you are able to crush any deadline!

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You previously chose Brandon, Jacqueline, and Kristina as your survival partners. Now that you're Employee of the Year, if you had to delegate one "survival chore" to each of them based on their actual work strengths, who does what?

Brandon - Problem Solving, as my work bestie, together we can solve the world’s problems. 

Jacqueline - Communication  - you always know where you stand 

Kristina - Relationship Building - Gives the utmost respect, values different ideas, and is sensitive to how team members are feeling.

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Your rubber duck collection was growing last time we talked—has any specific duck become the "mascot" of your team's desks, or have you received any "Employee of the Year" ducks yet?

Sadly I no longer have the rubber duck collection. I upgraded my Jeep from a Wrangler to a Cherokee. No more ducks 🙁

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Since you’d spend a day alone at Universal’s Harry Potter world, which Hogwarts House do you think your management style most aligns with, and why?

I would say…Hufflepuff. I am a hard worker, I am super loyal, and try to be fair at all times.  I am dedicated to the team, and you can always count on me!

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That’s your entrance theme song—but if you had to pick a "Victory Song" specifically for the moment you found out you were Employee of the Year, what would it be?

On top of the world - Imagine Dragons or Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves

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Your last message was to "keep trying and stay positive". Looking at the talent coming up behind you, what is the one specific trait a person needs to go from a great analyst to Employee of the Year?

You are never too old to keep learning. Always set goals for yourself, daily, monthly, and for where you want to be this time next year.  Most importantly, get out of your own way; you are the only one to set yourself up for success.

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It’s clear that Kelly’s journey to Camper of the Year wasn’t just about the "wins" on paper, it was about her commitment to the people around her. Whether she’s crushing billing deadlines with her daily quota system or leading her team with Hufflepuff-level loyalty and fairness, Kelly proves that success at Net Conversion comes down to constant learning, persistent curiosity, and ultimately supporting one another. 

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Congratulations, Kelly!

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