OSWEGO – Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) has honored its Executive Administrative Manager Shelby Fowler with the agency’s prestigious Amelia Whelahan Leadership Award.
Fowler, who joined OCO in 2021 as an executive assistant, was named executive administration manager in 2023. In her current position, Fowler provides administrative and operational support to the executive director and executive leadership team by coordinating internal processes, communications, and special projects. She also ensures effective governance by managing Board of Directors activities, maintaining official records, and facilitating communication between leadership, staff, and external partners. Additionally, Fowler supervises an administrative specialist and focuses on improving organizational systems to enhance efficiency and ensure compliance.
“Shelby has shown initiative and creativity in developing and improving systems and streamlining complex processes,” said OCO Executive Director Diane Cooper-Cooper. “She is actively involved in several intra-agency committees and has been a driving force behind reinvigorating the OCO Wellness Committee. Shelby developed the OCO Intranet page “The Beacon”, developed an OCO Contract Management system and has developed systems to improve OCO processes and systems.”
A leader in the community, Fowler is the vice president of the Granby Fire Dept. and treasurer for the Lanigan Parent Teacher Group. A current participant in Leadership Oswego County, she was a part of the NYS Community Action Emerging Leaders program, a 2024 recipient the OCO Outstanding Employee award, and has participated in a number of other training courses to develop her skills.
“I love working at OCO,” said Fowler. “I get to be the change I want to see—empowering others to reach their goals and live with dignity. I have the opportunity to strengthen communication, improve systems, and support our leadership and Board of Directors so they can focus on what matters most; serving our community.”
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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