Shane Oschman has been tapped to take over Bradford’s Office of Economic and Community Development upon the retirement of Executive Director Sara Andrews later this year.
Oschman began with the OECD as deputy director on Monday, and will work with Andrews over the coming months, learning the ropes of the agency.
“I was very interested in the position,” Oschman told The Era. He has more than 23 years of banking experience with Northwest Bank, which will aid the OECD in its fiscal operations as well as its commercial and residential property purchases, constructions and property management endeavors.
“It seemed like a really good fit,” he said. “I want to help preserve what we’ve already started to build.”
Oschman lauded the work of the OECD, with the community projects and economic development successes that are revitalizing the area.
“Obviously there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel,” he said, adding that he will be fortunate to build on what Andrews has accomplished over her decades at the agency. “What has already happened is very successful.
“I have plenty to learn from Sara to keep the programs going,” Oschman said. He added that he will be looking forward to not only continuing successful programs, but also to bringing more to fruition.
“A very important part of this position is to keep an open mind about other things we can do so when an opportunity comes up we are prepared and positioned to take advantage of it,” he said. “I am excited for the opportunity.”
Andrews was pleased to have a community-minded person like Oschman to take over.
“What stood out to us as a part of the hiring process, is Shane’s level of management experience at Northwest Bank along with the leadership role he has taken on with several community organizations and boards,” she said. “I am very confident that the future professional team we have in place at the OECD with Shane, Anita Dolan and Sarah Matzner, will carry on community and economic work in the community at a high level for years to come.”
Oschman has a degree in communication arts with a focus on public relations and marketing. Having lived in Bradford since 2006, Oschman has also served on many local boards and has a deep understanding of the Bradford community.
Oschman added, “I have a deep love for the Bradford area and it will be rewarding to give back to Bradford a bit of what Bradford has afforded me. Through my many experiences in the Bradford community I have built a rapport collaborating with Sara Andrews and Anita Dolan. To now work alongside them in preserving and improving the Bradford community will be an honor.”
Oschman lives in Bradford with his wife, Bridgette.
Most recently, Oschman served as consultant to the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce while the agency searched for an executive director. He served as the president of the board of directors for the Bradford Area Creative and Performing Arts Center; on the Bradford Area School Board, where he serves as president; on the board of The Guidance Center, where he was past president; as the treasurer for the Willow Creek Triathlon; past president of the board for Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce; member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Bradford; past member of Downtown Bradford Revitalization Corp.; producer, co-director, stage manager, light designer, master electrician and performer with Kiwanis Kapers; director, performer, light designer with Bradford Little Theatre; and performer with Olean (N.Y.) Community Theatre.
