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John “Jack” O’Reilly Jr. –
A Founding Visionary of SEMCA
SEMCA honors the life and legacy of John B. “Jack” O’Reilly Jr., a founding visionary whose leadership and dedication continues to shape our organization and the Southeast Michigan region. Jack passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of public service and innovation.
Jack’s transformative work in founding the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) established it as the official Michigan Works! Agency and the Substance Abuse Services Coordinating Agency for Monroe and Out-Wayne counties. His leadership ensured SEMCA became a vital resource for the region’s businesses and individuals navigating transitions in both their personal and professional lives.
As Congress began negotiating what eventually became the 1998 Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which required substantial restructuring of Workforce Development Boards (WDBs), Jack’s expertise and collaborative approach were instrumental in navigating this change. As a senior manager at the Downriver Community Conference (DCC), he recognized the need for a new model of workforce development. The model Jack developed was formally embraced by local communities and the State, leading to the creation of the Southeast Governmental Alliance (SEGA) and the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA). The SEGA/SEMCA Boards then appointed Jack to be the first Executive Director of these organizations, where he set them on a path of sustained growth and impact.

Jack’s contributions to public service extended far beyond SEMCA. Over three decades, he served as City Council President and Mayor of Dearborn, leading transformative projects such as the opening of the Dearborn Administrative Center and the Wagner Place development. His leadership revitalized parts of the city while honoring its rich history and traditions.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Jack was the son of John B. O’Reilly Sr., Dearborn’s former mayor and police chief. He graduated from St. Alphonsus High School, the University of Detroit, and Oakland University. Early in his career, Jack served as staff counsel and district director for the late Congressman John Dingell and later as chief of staff in the Michigan State Senate.
Jack’s leadership extended to regional and national collaborations. He was active in organizations such as the Michigan Municipal League, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, and Urban Core Mayors, among others. As president of the Michigan Municipal League from 2015 to 2016, he championed municipal advocacy and was recognized with the 2022 Honorary Life Membership Award for his service.
Jack’s greatest source of pride was his family. Together with his wife, Christina, he raised three sons — Devon, Sean, and Dylan — and found immense joy in his five grandchildren.

SEMCA remains committed to advancing the vision Jack O’Reilly Jr. set in motion, ensuring that his legacy of service and innovation endures. His transformative leadership not only established SEMCA’s foundation but also left an indelible mark on Southeast Michigan. His contributions to the region and the lives of countless individuals will be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
Jack O’Reilly Jr.’s vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication inspire us to continue the work he so passionately began.
Abdul Haidous – Chairman, SEGA Board
Charlotte (Charlie) Mahoney – Chairwoman, Workforce Development Board
Gregory Pitoniak – Chief Executive Officer