by Contributor | May 5, 2026 2:03 pm
FULTON – Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) has honored its Benefits Manager Denise Runeare with the agency’s prestigious Amelia Whelahan Leadership Award.
Runeare began her career at OCO in 1994 as a program assistant, was promoted to department financial assistant in 1999, and joined Corporate Services in 2006 as benefits manager.
“We were fortunate to find such a good match for the position in Denise,” said Director of Human Resources Cindy Seeber. “Along with a fresh perspective, Denise has the fiscal and budgeting experience to manage employee benefits while having the right mix of soft skills to facilitate delicate employee concerns.”
As OCO’s Benefits Manager Runeare is responsible for all aspects of employee benefits, leave of absences, ensuring regulatory compliance, and related policy development. Additionally, Runeare monitors the agency’s claims performance and makes recommendations regarding design, budget, and rates.
Known for her strong budgeting, analytical, and research skills, Runeare balances the best interest of employees and the agency and sees that employees and supervisors are kept up to date on the correct application of OCO benefit and leave policies and regulations.
Among her notable accomplishments, Runeare was instrumental in transforming the agency’s retirement plan TPA to lower fees and improve services, adding additional voluntary benefits, and leading the implementation of additional health plan options, all of which benefited the agency and employees.
“Denise is a delight to work with,” said Seeber. “She is a leader and a role model for ethical conduct and accountability for herself and others.”
Presented annually, and selected by the Board of Directors, OCO’s Amelia Whelahan Leadership Award recognizes a staff member who has made outstanding contributions to OCO and the Human Services profession. The award is given in the memory of Amelia Whelahan, a dedicated and committed member of the OCO family for many years. Whelahan served on the agency’s Board of Directors, its Planning and Evaluation Committee, and as its President. For Whelahan’s many contributions and accomplishments, the Board of Directors recognizes her memory by honoring a distinguished employee with this award each year.
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