Executive director to retire after 41 years with Oswego County Opportunities; talks about plans for new life
By Stefan Yablonski
Diane Cooper-Currier joined the staff of Oswego County Opportunities in 1984 as the agency’s Girls Group Home supervisor.
In 2002, she was named as OCO’s deputy executive director. Cooper-Currier was named executive director in December of 2007.
Now, in 2025 she plans to retire and move on to the next chapter of her life. But she also wants to continue to give back to her community. She has dedicated her life’s work to helping improve the lives of others by helping them succeed and see their full potential.
Q: Congratulations on your retirement! When is your last day on the job?
A: I do not have a final date. That is dependent on when a new leader is selected and a transition plan is created. The search committee is currently recruiting for applicants.
Q: So, what’s next for you?
A: Spending time watching my grandchildren grow and traveling with my husband. Hopefully, I can convince him to buy a trailer and we can spend some time on the road. I also have overgrown gardens that I can’t wait to tend to. And I look forward to spending time having lunches with my friends!
Q: Do you plan to move to a warmer climate?
A: Yes, I hope we can escape the winter months in Oswego for more than a week or two as I am not limited by my vacation days!
Q: Will you continue to do volunteer work?
A: I hope that I can continue to contribute to the community through board or volunteer activities. After 41 years of serving the community, I can’t imagine not being able to continue in some capacity. I also hope to do some consulting work with my husband and a small group he is part of.
Q: After 41 years on the job, what you will miss?
A: I will miss all the people I work with, hearing the inspiring stories on how Oswego County Opportunities’ services change lives; I will miss the ability to explore opportunities to improve organizational systems, process and services. I will miss the personal fulfillment and sense of purpose of impacting the greater good that I experienced every day I went to work at Oswego County Opportunities.
Q: Is there anything that you won’t miss?
A: I will not miss having to get up every morning and be out the door by 8 a.m. to get to a meeting.
Q: Why now? What made you decide now was the right time to retire?
A: It is time. The agency is strong and we have a strong leadership team.
Forty-one years in human services is a long time and 17 years as executive director is also a long time. It is time to have someone lead the organization in to the future.
Q: Was it an easy decision for you?
A: This was not an easy decision and one I have struggled with for a few years and this year, I just decided that I am ready to slow down, smell the roses and spend time with my family and friends.
Q: So what is the first thing you are going to do on day one of retirement?
A: Stay in my pajamas all day.
