By: Julie Means

Leaving a Lasting Legacy by Inspiring and Helping Others

Looking for helpers

Looking for and recognizing helpers is easy when you’re also a helper. Will and Jenny O’Neill are active helpers in our community, serving our city of Newport Beach in many impactful ways. Dedicated to making life better for the residents of Newport Beach is not only something they believe in and do, but it is what they want to leave as a legacy for their two children. Inspired by the legendary Mr. Rogers, and recently re-elected as Mayor of Newport Beach for the second time, Will is looking for and recognizing helpers publicly this year.

”We all have opportunities to step up and be helpers in big and small ways every day. Strong communities bound together by mutual service are healthy communities,” he said.

As Mayor, Will is responsible for the citizens of Newport Beach and its citizens' safety, well-being, and quality of life. As parents, Will and Jenny are responsible for the well-being of their children, Aubrey (11) and Sean (9). These two facets of life come together in the best way for Newport Beach.

“At 36 years old, I was the youngest Mayor in at least 50 years when my colleagues selected me in 2020. I was the first council member with a young family in at least a generation,” he said. “Raising young children while serving helped open my eyes to needs like park renovation (we are spending millions of dollars to rehab across the park system) and increased partnerships with our local school district (like adding a School Resource Officer from the Newport Beach Police Department). My work for the past eight years has been focused on a thriving Newport Beach for all ages and experiences. Newport Beach is truly a special place.”

Early Life

Both native Californians, Jenny grew up in La Cañada, and Will in Fresno. Their educational pursuits would eventually shape their destinies. Jenny graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from USC in 2005 and became an elementary school teacher. Will majored in history at Stanford, earning his Bachelor of Arts in 2004, and followed his family's tradition by attending law school, graduating from U.C. Hastings College of the Law with a J.D. in 2007.

Introduced at a tailgate party before the USC/Stanford game on October 6, 2007, Will and Jenny had no idea the day would be significant beyond the football game. Stanford, a 41-point underdog with a 1-3 record, shocked everyone by defeating the second-ranked Trojans, 24-23, in one of college football's biggest upsets, according to Sports Illustrated. As momentous as the game was, it was an even more momentous occasion for Will and Jenny.

“It was the best day of my life!” Will exclaimed.

Will and Jenny were married July 25, 2009 at La Cañada Presbyterian Church. In 2013, after starting their family, they moved to Newport Beach, drawn by its beauty and opportunities for their careers and community connection.

“Our daughter had just been born, and Newport Beach fit every desire for a young family,” they explained. “Superb schools, great public safety, and outdoor living. By the time Hoag’s nursing staff welcomed our son into the world, we were hooked.”

The longtime Newport Beach residents moved to Newport Coast in 2019, cherishing its unique character and amenities.

“Newport Coast is a gem that has attracted people from all over the world,” they said. “Like our other city's villages, it has its own unique feel and character. From the open space trails to the Crystal Cove cottages to the amazing dining opportunities, and more, Newport Coast is a gem that has attracted people worldwide.”

Professional Life

While serving his second term as mayor of Newport Beach, which is [nearly] a full-time job, Will is also a business litigation partner at Ross, Wolcott, Teinert & Prout, LLP.

He is also in his sixth term as Chairman of the Newport Beach Finance Committee, an elected board member of the Orange County Republican Party, past Chairman of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency, past President of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers (Orange County), current elected board member of the Orange County Bar Association, current Trustee of the Celtic Bar Association, board member of the Pacific Club, and past president of the U.C. Hastings Board of Governors (alumni association).

Jenny has loved working with children in both a volunteer and professional capacity ever since she was a young student herself. After receiving her degree and credential from USC, Jenny taught elementary school (primarily 5th grade) for 8 years in the Beverly Hills and Irvine Unified School Districts. After becoming a mom, Jenny transitioned to serving local school and church communities on a volunteer basis, on parent boards at each school their children have attended as well as in the classroom. From her middle school days to the present, Jenny fills her cup at church where she enjoys working with neurotypical and exceptional kids.

Life outside of work/school

The O’Neills are a sports-loving family. Their children participate in flag football and soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball and flag football in the spring. Will volunteers as an AYSO soccer referee, dressed in bright yellow.

“During the summer, our kids are having SUPER EPIC days in the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard program. We are thrilled to see the new Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard building come to fruition.”

Family Adventures

The O’Neills take two family road trips each year to visit different national parks around the country. They recently returned from an East Coast trip, during which they visited Shenandoah, New River Gorge, Great Smoky Mountain and Mammoth Cave National Parks.

“We discovered four years ago that our children could endure lengthy car trips, which opened up vast swaths of our nation for exploration. Since 2021, we have visited 24 National Parks. From rock climbing at Grand Teton to the tunnel view of Yosemite to hiking across a crater in Hawaii Volcanoes to exploring a Civil War fort in the Gulf of Mexico at Dry Tortugas to spelunking under Mammoth Cave, we have seen our nation through new lenses.”

Legacy

Legacy is very important to the O’Neills. Jenny is a third-generation Trojan, and Will is a fourth-generation attorney.

“Educational legacy does indeed matter a lot because history has taught that education and a sharp mind cannot be stripped away as easily as possessions. Education alone, though, has never carried the day.” Will explained. George Washington said in his famous Farewell Address: ‘Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.’”

Both Will and Jenny were raised in churches and continue their spiritual legacy by raising their children at Mariners Church. Jenny is a Sunday School teacher there. She is also active with their children’s school.

In addition to Mariners Church, the family also supports the Ben Carlson Foundation, Patrick's Purpose, and Beta Foster Care.

New Traditions

Although Will had never ridden in a parade until voters elected him to office, his children have had a different experience.

My kids don’t remember a time when they didn’t ride shotgun in the Balboa Island parade, throwing a dozen pounds of candy at kids lining the parade route, or throwing candy at kids while walking in multiple parades on Fourth of July. To all the dentists out there, you’re welcome for the business!” he shared.

Family Motto “Do your best.”

Interesting Facts

Will competed in shot put and discus at Stanford and lettered.
Jenny is a third-generation USC graduate.
Will is a fourth-generation attorney.
Will received more votes than anyone else in the city's history when he ran for re-election in 2020.
Will helped lead an effort to reduce the Transportation Corridor Agencies' debt by $1.275 billion [in 2023 and a collective reduction of] $3.1 billion by 2030.

The O’Neills’ dedication to their community, professional achievements, and their commitment to family create a powerful legacy for Newport Beach.

IG: @realwilloneill