The Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) will recognize Carl Rosenkranz for 40 years of service on September 13, 2011.  The public is invited to attend an anniversary celebration from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. at OACAC at 215 S. Barnes in Springfield.
Rosenkranz joined the OACAC staff in 1971 after taking a position as a Field Service Representative/Adult Basic Education Coordinator.  Rosenkranz was appointed Executive Director of OACAC on October 9, 1974.

Under the leadership of Rosenkranz, OACAC continues to be one of the largest Community Action Agencies in Missouri, providing both jobs and community resources to families in Southwest Missouri.  OACAC provides service to over 57,000 low-income families in a ten county area and employs more than 600 part and full time employees.  In 2010 Rosenkranz oversaw a record budget of over $31 million up from $25,206,071 in 2009.

“For over 45 years OACAC has been a trusted resource and respected partner in Southwest Missouri. Our commitment to uplifting families as they strive for positive change has never been greater,” explains Rosenkranz. Helping people is his main focus and continues to be what he enjoys most about his job.

When asked what kept him at OACAC all these years Rosenkranz was quick to explain he enjoys the challenge and satisfaction of contributing to the general good.  He works tirelessly behind the scenes to secure funding sources and to advocate for low-income to provide them with as many opportunities as possible.  Rosenkranz has always employed the team approach when working with staff.  He does not believe one person runs an organization, rather that he guides his staff and encourages them to believe in their talents and abilities.  “I let people breathe.  If I don’t do that they won’t have an opportunity to be creative or innovative.  I want staff to know that their input will be listened to, evaluated, and included when policy decisions are made,” said Rosenkranz.

One of the most difficult aspects of Rosenkranz’s job is to decipher funding issues and compliance issues when working with federal guidelines.  The economic impact of his leadership is difficult to determine, but over the years OACAC has set up local Neighborhood Centers, Head Start Centers, made local purchases, hired local employees, set up decision making boards in each of the ten counties, and more.  Literally millions of dollars and thousands of employees have generated community development and income into the ten county area that OACAC serves.  OACAC collaborates with approximately 1,200 partner organizations and businesses to help dollars stretch even further.

Today, Rosenkranz oversees seven programs: Family Planning, Foster Grandparents, Head Start, Housing Assistance, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Neighborhood Centers and Weatherization.

From developing programs for families to initiating community projects, OACAC, under the leadership of Carl Rosenkranz is committed to making the Ozarks a better place to live and work for all residents.

OACAC congratulates Carl for his tireless dedication and service to the Southwest Missouri community.  For more information on all services that OACAC provides, please visit our website at www.oacac-caa.org

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