Oswego County Opportunities Seeks Board Members

OCO is seeking board members who have low incomes or who work with or represent the interests of people who are experiencing low incomes. Community members of all levels of experience, expertise, and skill sets willing to aid OCO in its mission of making our communities a better place for all to live, work, and play are encouraged to consider becoming an OCO board member.

“I became an OCO board member because I wanted to be a part the organization, learn more about its services and be a part of the positive impact OCO has on our county,” said Deana Michaels. “I’ve discovered that OCO truly serves the greater need of our county and I’m happy to lend my support as a board member.”

The Board of Directors helps assure a brighter future for those in need. Pictured here, standing from left, are OCO Board members Holly Carpenter (president), Ron Darrow, Chad Whelsky and Ted Sivers. Seated from left are OCO Board members John Zanewych and Terry Bennett.

The board is an active group that is involved at some level in virtually every aspect of the organization; from being alert to community concerns that can be addressed by OCO’s mission, objectives, and programs to participating in fundraising and outreach and promoting OCO’s programs to the community.

OCO board members do more than provide leadership and advisement. They offer candid and constructive feedback, approve major policies and actions, oversee financial management, and participate on one of OCO’s three standing committees, Operations, Governance, and Audit and Quality Assurance.

“I have had an opportunity to participate in events for OCO’s clients as well staff developments days,” said OCO Board Member Yvonne Petrella. “Each time I learn something new. I've been a board member for more than 20 years and am in awe of the number of clients served in our county and the creative ways the staff works to keep programs up to date to meet the increasing needs. I also have a chance to meet the clients and hear their stories of how OCO positively impacts their lives.”

 “OCO’s services are vital to our county,” said Board Member Joe Caruana. “Executive Director Diane Cooper-Currier and the staff at OCO are concerned about our community and truly care about OCO’s mission and the clients it serves. As board members we share those concerns. OCO is the most fulfilling organization I have been associated with.”

As the county’s Community Action Agency, OCO’s principal focus is on eliminating the impact poverty has on Oswego County.  As a result of this designation, one-third of OCO’s Board members are required to be either low-income residents of Oswego County themselves or representatives of the county’s low-income sector.  These individuals are required to be selected to serve on the Board through a democratic process of voting by those they represent: individuals with low incomes.

“Being an OCO board member is very rewarding experience, said Michaels. “My role as a board member has certainly impressed upon me just how important OCO is to our communities. Becoming an OCO board member is a great opportunity for anyone interested in serving the greater good of our county, building friendships, and walking away from each meeting fulfilled in knowing that you made a difference.” 

“It is gratifying to be a part of a system that continually gives to the community and to help shape its programs and services,” added Petrella. “I would encourage others to become a board member without reservation.”

Help shape the future of Community Action in Oswego County by becoming an OCO board member. For information call 315-598-4717, ext. 1030 or visit our homepage at www.oco.org. Application deadline is January 31.

Did you know? A private, non-profit agency, OCO touches the lives of approximately 20,000 people each year through more than 50 programs operating in 100 locations throughout Oswego County. The agency, which is a United Way of Greater Oswego County member, employs nearly 600 people and has over 1200 highly valued volunteers. For more information, visit OCO's website at www.oco.org. Now you know ... it’s OCO!

Help make a brighter future for Oswego County by becoming a member of the Board of Directors for Oswego County Opportunities (OCO).  Community members of all levels of experience, expertise, and skill sets willing to aid OCO in its mission of making our communities a better place for all to live, work, and play are encouraged to consider becoming an OCO board member. Standing from left are OCO Board members Holly Carpenter (president), Ron Darrow, Chad Whelsky and Ted Sivers. Seated from left are OCO Board members John Zanewych and Terry Bennett.