Laurie Davis, CEO of the nonprofit Oswego Industries, plans to retire April 1 after nearly 28 years with the agency, its board of directors announced recently. At the same time, the board approved a management-services agreement, appointing Allen Connely as Davis’s successor, effective March 1. Connely, who is the CEO of Mozaic, will provide direct oversight of both agencies as part of a planned leadership-succession plan.
“We, at Mozaic, are grateful to have the resources to be able to help other organizations with similar missions to ours be successful so that they can continue to provide more of their mission within their communities,” Connely said in the announcement.
This management agreement comes “after careful consideration from both organizations” to be able to continue to maintain financial stability while still providing vital programs and services to the individuals that they support in their respective counties, the organizations said.
“I’m happy to share that my departure will bring a fresh face and experienced leader to the agencies through a well-developed succession plan. I’m confident that this plan along with the strong management team created will bring both agencies forward in success” Davis contended.
Since 2015, Davis has led the strategic initiatives and operational guidance for Oswego Industries and sister agency, Arc of Oswego County, per the March 23 announcement.
Davis has been instrumental in ensuring a constant environment for people with disabilities in the community through advocacy and the development of local partnerships. She secured state and federal funds to ensure continued business operations through the COVID-19 pandemic. She also restructured the senior-leadership team over the past two years and takes pride in the talent that will remain after her departure.