LOS ANGELES — City of Hope, a leading cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and its International Home Furnishings Industry group (IHFI) honored Kevin O’Connor last night with the 2026 Spirit of Life Lifetime Achievement Award.
O’Connor was honored for his transformative impact on the furniture industry and longstanding commitment to City of Hope‘s lifesaving mission. During the gala event, the IHFI announced it had raised $1.3 million this year.
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.
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“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 where he worked closely for 11 years with industry icons Nat Ancell and Pat Norton, shaping the leadership principles that guided his career.
Since then, O’Connor held senior management roles at Singer Furniture, Burlington Furniture, Lee Inds., Hyundai Furniture and Master Design Furniture. In 1999, he partnered with Samuel and Grace Kuo to form Legacy Classic Furniture.
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.
In addition, O’Connor has served as chairman of the High Point Market Authority from 2008 to 2012 and previously chaired both the American Home Furnishings Alliance and City of Hope’s dinner committee for 12 years. Other honors include induction into the American Furniture Hall of Fame, the ADL American Heritage Award and the IHFRA Distinguished Service Award.
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.
