Write a commentEach year Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) honors an employee with its Amelia Whelahan Leadership Award.
This year was a first for the award as the agency chose two recipients, Carol Ireland and Mike Scaries.
Carol Ireland
Ireland joined OCO in 2014 and is currently the agency’s outreach services program manager. She has been instrumental in expanding OCO’s outreach program to reach street involved individuals including the homeless, mentally ill, and those with addictions. She has worked effectively with community stakeholders including law enforcement and other community groups to educate others about the needs of the unhoused.
“Carol is a deserving recipient of the Amelia Whelahan award, said OCO Health Education Services Coordinator Ellen Lazarek. “Her compassion, care, authenticity, and commitment to helping are reflective in her leadership skills. Our outreach team has blossomed under her leadership. Carol’s creative solutions and her ability to make connections, has helped so many people living on the street. I am appreciative of Carol’s talents, we are fortunate to have her on our team.”
Mike Scaries
Scaries began his career at OCO in 1988 as a resident counselor with Developmental Disabilities Services. In 1999, he became the compliance and quality assurance coordinator for OCO Residential Services and is currently the corporate compliance officer and quality assurance coordinator for the entire agency. In his role as corporate compliance officer, Scaries and his staff work with every department of OCO to ensure compliance with agency, state, and federal requirements for the many programs and services OCO Provides.
Additionally, Scaries is a trained investigator for NYS Reportable Investigations, HIPAA privacy officer, and Title VI discrimination officer.
Having served as the chairperson of OCO’s Residential Services Human Rights Behavior Committee, Scaries is focused on preserving the rights of others. A leader in his community, Scaries advocates for community initiatives, hosted musical acts during Porchfest, participates in the Oswego Renaissance Association initiatives, and serves as an Aquatics Instructor with the Fulton Family YMCA.
“Mike has left a positive mark on those he leads by listening, addressing concerns, and encouraging professional development in others,” said Cooper-Currier. “His high standards for honesty and transparency serve him well as he successfully navigates difficult conversations and is always considering people, organizations and relationships when making and implementing decisions.”
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 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.
