Edward M. O’Brien is a civic leader, entrepreneur, and former two-term Mayor of West Haven, Connecticut. Elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2015, O’Brien led the state’s youngest city through a period of strategic redevelopment, with a focus on economic growth, infrastructure modernization, environmental protection and sustainability, and civic engagement. During his tenure, he served as a non-voting member of both the City Council and the Board of Education, helping to shape policy across multiple dimensions of public life.
In recognition of his innovative leadership in urban planning and economic revitalization, O’Brien was selected in 2016 as one of eight mayors nationwide to participate in the Mayors’ Institute on City Design, a joint initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, the United States Conference of Mayors, and the American Architectural Foundation.
O’Brien is the Founder and CEO of OBJewelers.com, a national leader in the custom fine jewelry e-commerce space. The company reflects his longstanding expertise in design and craftsmanship, developed over more than 30 years in the field. Prior to founding OBJewelers.com, he owned and operated GoldWorks, a custom jewelry design studio and retail business located in downtown West Haven for over two decades. He is a graduate of the Ezra F. Bowman School, a technical institution in Pennsylvania dedicated to the education of skilled tradespeople, and the Gemological Institute of America in New York City, a world-renowned authority in gemology and jewelry arts.
O’Brien’s public service spans over two decades. He was elected three times to the West Haven City Council, where he served as Council Chairman and Majority Leader, and chaired key committees on Redevelopment, Education, Public Health, and Public Safety. His regional and national contributions include roles with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the South Central Connecticut Regional Emergency Communications System, and the Workforce Alliance Chief Elected Officials Executive Committee.
Committed to civic life beyond elected office, O’Brien serves on the Board of Directors of the West Haven Community House and St. Lawrence School, and is affiliated with numerous civic organizations, including the West Haven Irish-American Club and the Elks Lodge 1537.
O’Brien resides in West Haven with his wife of 38 years, Roberta Madden O’Brien. They have two children: Caitlin O’Brien, who works in art education, and David O’Brien, who works in theater management.