Gene McConnell is one of America's foremost experts on the impact of pornography, sexual addiction, abuse, and other high-risk behaviors that have their origins in the root causes of shame. His dynamic and positive message educates individuals and organizations about the foundational elements of building and maintaining healthy relationships to enjoy excellence in marriage, the workplace, and the community. Known as a creative and articulate public speaker, his signature style is comprised of a unique blend of raw honesty, insight, and selflessness that leaves audience members moved in ways they have seldom experienced - if ever.
Gene's personal story is a powerful and mesmerizing one of brokenness and recovery. His real life experience has positioned him to develop highly successful programs that have helped hundreds of people face and overcome the difficult issues of sexual addiction and relational brokenness. Over the last 18 years, Gene has led programs to train therapists, pastors, law enforcement officers, medical professionals. He has been recognized for the excellence of his work by numerous organizations, including the Los Angeles Police Department.
In 1999, Gene founded Authentic Relationships International, a non-profit, human development organization dedicated to liberating people from toxic influences and beliefs to experience profound change in life and relationships. Prior to ARI, he served as a vice-president of Victim Assistance for a national organization, and has counseled and helped develop programs helping women trapped in the sex industry, he continues to be active in issues advocacy. His direct work and leadership influence with collaborative organizations brought over 100 women out of the sex industry. Gene has a heart for the next generation, and has presented his dramatic multi-media presentation, "The Power of Pornography™", to 70,000 college students, and over 60 college campuses across the country. Additionally, his proprietary program, "Pursuing The Hidden Heart™" is a unique program addressing shame and tools to build healthy relations and is being implemented all over the U.S and internationally.
As a sought after speaker and program leader at world and national conferences, Gene has been interviewed as a subject expert on programs such as Jenny Jones, Montel Williams, Donahue, Hard Copy, TBN, Geraldo, Tyra Banks, Good Morning S/A, and many others.
In 2004, Gene was recruited by Southcentral Foundation of Anchorage, Alaska. In his role as Program Director of Special Projects for the Office of the President, Gene has led primarily with the Young Men's Initiative, the Family Wellness Warriors Initiative, and video production. As the Program Director for the Young Men's Initiative, he developed, managed and directed all aspects of the training program, designed to provide experience for Alaska Native/American Indian young men, ages 19-27, in the areas of cultural awareness, education and employment, and life skills. The Family Wellness Warriors Initiative (FWWI) of Southcentral Foundation provides Alaska Native culturally-relevant services, training, and conferences addressing Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse and Neglect. As this program has developed and matured, Gene has played a crucial role in the philosophy and methods used by the program, as well as curriculum development. In addition, he has been a featured speaker and presenter for multiple events, including Beauty for Ashes, an intensive five-day conference of workshops, small groups, and featured speakers, which services approximately 200 Alaska Native individuals from across the state. In addition, Gene produced a video called Nallunitua Natmek Taillianga (I know from where I came), Mallunitua Natmen Agyugtuanga (I know where I want to go), a year long creative process. This video was created to communicate the beauty and pride of the Alaska Native culture and heritage.
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