Good News You May Have Missed
Opportunities for Otsego Taps Loucks as Head Start Director
ONEONTA—Opportunities for Otsego has announced that Tammy Loucks has been hired as Head Start director as of January 27. With her extensive experience in the non-profit sector, team leadership, program and financial management, Loucks will lead the Head Start program with innovation and dedication, officials said.
“I am honored to lead the Head Start Program at Opportunities for Otsego,” said Loucks on her appointment. “Providing children with a strong educational foundation and empowering families is at the heart of what we do, and I am thrilled to contribute to such meaningful work.”
Opportunities for Otsego’s Chief Executive Officer, Tanya Shalor, added, “Head Start is OFO’s most complex program and we are excited to have Tammy join our team with her demonstrated skill and experience to lead our program in Otsego County.”
According to a media release, in her new role, Loucks will manage a $4.4 million budget, lead a program team of 85 employees and oversee the operation of seven Head Start centers and home visiting services to more than 225 children and their families across Otsego County.
From pregnancy to preschool, Head Start promotes family health and well-being and prepares young children for kindergarten and life beyond school. Center-based services offer three- and four-year-old children a safe place to learn and explore, activities to enhance social skills, healthy meals and snacks, and connections to community services to help the entire family grow, officials said. Home-based services support pregnant women and families with children up to age five.
Opportunities for Otsego is a community action agency that has been fighting the “War on Poverty” in Otsego County since 1966. OFO’s mission is to be the leader in developing innovative solutions that promote healthy lives, thriving families, and caring communities.
“Our preferred future is a community that strives to alleviate poverty through collaborations that foster economic stability and social justice,” said Shalor.
