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Opportunities for Otsego Welcomes New Board Members

07.26.2022 - Oneonta, N.Y.

Opportunities for Otsego is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors. Dr. Elizabeth Blasco and Douglas Brenner will begin their terms in September 2022.

Elizabeth Blasco, a Board Certified Pediatrician, has been practicing at Bassett Healthcare since 2008 and serves as medical director of the Bassett Healthcare School Based Health Center at Springbrook. Dr. Blasco graduated from Duke University with a B.A., earned her M.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and completed her pediatric residency with the University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital.
 
Dr. Blasco has a long standing interest in working with the underserved rural population and recognizes how social inequities, housing instability, and food insecurity affect a child's health and opportunities for education and advancement.  “I believe working with a dedicated, community based organization such as OFO will be an important way I can draw upon my professional experience to help address these issues and help children reach their full potential.”

Douglas Brenner is a lifelong Otsego County resident with over thirty-four years in law enforcement. After graduating from Oneonta High School, Mr. Brenner earned his AAS from SUNY Morrisville before beginning his decorated career in law enforcement. Over his tenure, Mr. Brenner has been actively involved in addressing public health through participation on the Otsego County Alcohol and Other Drug Task Force; Otsego County Coalition on Suicide Prevention; and the Schoharie and Otsego Child Fatality Response Team. Mr. Brenner has been recognized for his contributions to the community by the Oneonta Job Corp Academy; the City of Oneonta Human Relations Committee; Jail Ministries of Otsego County; and was bestowed the Robert S. Sioussat Appreciation Award by LEAF for his efforts in drug and alcohol prevention.

“Knowing first hand through my roles in law enforcement, especially as Chief of the Oneonta City Police Department, the positive impact Opportunities for Otsego has for all residents in Otsego County, I am honored to be included as a member of the board of directors. After over 34 years as a law enforcement officer being able to give to the community, I am excited to continue that opportunity as a member of this great organization. I feel my experience working to improve the lives of everyone, as I had strived during my career, will be beneficial to the already great work being done by OFO.  I am humbled by the opportunity to serve on the board of directors and support the mission of Opportunities for Otsego.”

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