Management

CEO - Lynn McConnell
A native of Los Angeles, Lynn graduated from California State University L.A., with a B.S. in Public Administration. While serving as a L.A. County Deputy Sheriff, Lynn continued his education at Cal State L.A. by pursuing graduate studies in Education. After a distinguished career in law enforcement, Lynn retired from the sheriff's department and formed a successful construction company. He became interested in commodities when he was asked by Ken Roberts to build an office for the "Ken Robert's Company". Seeing Lynn's interest in commodities Ken said, "Lynn, you should think about starting your own brokerage firm". So interested, in fact, that he decided to take Ken's advice and become neighbors of the "Ken Robert's Company" in Grants Pass, Oregon. As the owner of Great Pacific Trading Company, Lynn's integrity, leadership, and personal warmth are a source of inspiration for the brokers and staff at GPTC. A devoted family man, Lynn's other interests and hobbies include, fishing, flying and street-rods!

President - Jeff McConnell
After acquiring a general engineering license at the age of 21, Jeff began his own excavating business. For over a decade, Jeff operated all aspects of the business to see it grow into a successful venture. Jeff also worked as a Ventura County firefighter, and a volunteer for the Ventura County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team. He entered the family business (Great Pacific) in the beginning, starting at the bottom, and working his way up the ladder to learn all facets of the business. Jeff is a "roll up your sleeves" type of president, who is always available to his staff, offering a helping hand as well as advice whenever needed. Jeff lives by the Theodore Roosevelt saying, "The best executive is the one who has the sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it." When not overseeing the day to day operations of GPTC, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, skiing (both water and snow) and Civil War reenactments.

Vice President - Sean McGillivray - sean@gptc.com
Born and raised in Southern Oregon, Sean was a local high school graduate as well as graduate from the areas local college with a degree in Business Management. Running a successful Internet market firm up until 2004 Sean has always had a passion to succeed in business. Starting as our in house IT professional and moving quickly up to Senior Broker, Sean was a natural choice for our vacant Vice President position. Key in the development of our new Alternative Investment Division, Sean continues today to develop Great Pacific trader relations as well as foster new growth opportunities. When he isn’t in his office you will find him at the motocross track or at home with his lovely wife.

Office Manager - Shannon Jones
Shannon came to Great Pacific Trading Company in 1993. Prior to that she worked for the Karuk Indian Tribe in Northern California for 4 years before relocating to the Rogue Valley. Over the years, Shannon has worked and gained experience in many of the facets of Great Pacific Trading Company working her way up from New Accounts to the Order Desk, then to the Discount Desk. Currently, Shannon is the Office Manager. Outside of the office Shannon enjoys spending time with her husband, her son and step-son, as well as her many family and friends. She also enjoys traveling and watersports.

Compliance Officer - Stacy Hanley
Stacy joined Great Pacific Trading Company after spending several years in animal training and the veterinary medicine field. Prior to moving to Grants Pass, Stacy trained animals in Southern California for motion pictures and television. She was first introduced to commodity trading by a friend and since has studied the works of Ken Roberts and Larry Williams. Her interest in commodities encouraged her to pursue a change in career from working with animals to working with traders. Outside of work, Stacy enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons camping, fishing and playing racquetball. As GPTC’s Compliance Officer, Stacy ensures that the brokerage meets the high ethical standards required by the industry’s regulating bodies.

Accounting - Dixie Athanson
Dixie was born and raised in the Grants Pass area. After attending the local college on two scholarships, she focused her attention in the insurance and financial industries for ten years. Dixie has been with GPTC since 1994 gaining experience in all commodity aspects ranging from full service brokering to order desk entering. She now heads our Accounting department giving friendly and professional service. When not in the office, she enjoys water sports and sunny vacations with friends.

Senior Brokers

Gary Padgett - gary@gptc.com
After attending the University of Oregon in Eugene, where he majored in Child Psychology and Business, Gary was introduced to commodities through reading the Ken Roberts TWMPMM courses. Gary has been a broker for Great Pacific Trading Company since 1994 and has expanded his knowledge by reading the works of such industry names as Larry Williams, Jake Bernstein, Jim Rogers and John Murphy. Gary draws upon his vast experiences of the markets to assist his clients in developing the discipline, and knowledge necessary to trade futures and options. Although Gary directs most of his energy towards his career as a broker, he does enjoy his Church, spending time with his wife and kids, boat racing, and fishing.

Brian Harrington - brian@gptc.com
After receiving an athletic scholarship to play basketball for Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College, Brian graduated with a B.A. in Secondary Education. He went on to work for seven years as Principal of a Christian High School in Seattle. Brian moved to Grants Pass when offered a position to join the GPTC staff. His interest in History and sports, as well as his background of working with people, made him a welcome addition. He actively trades his own account and recommends that each trader develop and direct a personal style of trading, while keeping an open mind to implement time-tested methods. When not at the office, you'll find Brian mostly spending time with his wife and children; he also reads widely and enjoys recreational sports.

Scotty Lookabaugh - scotty@gptc.com
Scott was born and raised in the Grants Pass area. He became interested in commodities through friends. After first taking a position as a brokers assistant Scott moved into the paper trading department assisting novice traders. As an account executive, and to better serve his clients, Scott has expanded his trading knowledge through the works of Ken Roberts, Larry Williams, David Duty and the Elliott Wave Principle. Scott enjoys working with his clients in helping them develop their trading strategies. Outside of work you can find Scott riding his dirt bike or snowboarding.

Shaun Curry - shaun@gptc.com
After pitching in college for 2 years at College of the Siskiyous and then sustaining an arm injury, Shaun attended Chico State University where he majored in the Social Science field with a primary in Political Science and a secondary in International Relations. He is continuing his education by pursuing his master’s online in the political management field. He worked extensively on campaigns in California before continuing his political work in Oregon where he encountered a fantastic opportunity at Great Pacific. Shaun applies his unique educational background in politics to better assist him in dissecting the markets. His opinion is always consulted when considering the way politics impact the trading markets. Outside of the workplace, Shaun stays active in the political realm, loves engaging in any athletic competition and continues to write his own book.