The head of government relations for Essex Junction’s IBM plant has retired.
John O’Kane retired recently after more than 47 years with IBM. Since 1998 O’Kane has been IBM’s voice in the Vermont Legislature. O’Kane began his career in the mailroom of the company’s New York offices.
In his position as government relations manager, O’Kane voiced IBM’s opposition to Vermont’s recently passed health care reform law, saying it would result in double taxation for IBM and other businesses that offer their own health benefits.
The 67-year-old O’Kane tells the Burlington Free Press he’s moving to Seattle to be near two of his grandchildren.