After graduating From Michigan State University with both a B.A. and M.A. in 1981, Francis O’Hern began an almost 30-year career in broadcast television production, working in a number of crafts, from camera operator to technical director. From 1989 on, he worked as an audio engineer for sports broadcast in Chicago and nationally. In 2004 he was instrumental in organizing Chicago sports broadcast technicians under an IATSE contract and was subsequently elected president of the new IATSE Broadcast local there, 762, a post he still holds. He was hired full time into the IATSE Organizing Department in 2010 and was an original member of the IATSE Broadcast Department when it was formed in 2012. In that role he has helped sports broadcast technicians working in major TV markets and for regional and national employers organize themselves under IATSE representation.

In addition to his work for the IATSE, Fran is a member of the Chicago Entertainment Industry Labor Council. He enjoys spending time with his wife and family and playing and coaching basketball.