Dan McConnon is a native Washingtonian, raised in eastern Washington, and has lived in Thurston County since moving to Tumwater in 1989 at age 8. He attended Olympia schools and spent his formative years exploring Olympia and the surrounding area, often in the forests and woodlands. Dan has worked in the technology industry since 1996, including IT roles in state agencies and small businesses, and since 2001 in multiple small software start-ups focused on improving the user experience. He lives on the outskirts of Olympia with his wife and their three rambunctious children. In his spare time, he can be found working with local organizations, running a part‑time IT services company, and puttering around his shop building and repairing various projects.
Dan has always been interested in Washington State history, and Olympia’s history in particular, dating back to his teenage years. A self‑taught learner, he believes there is always more to discover if we take the time to look beyond surface details, embracing his personal rule: “Always read the plaque.” In addition to learning more about the history around us, Dan believes there are aspects of our past that can engage all members of the community, and that by presenting history in ways that meet people where they are, everyone can benefit from its lessons.