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Local Leaders React to Mike Treadwell’s Retirement

Treadwell is retiring after nearly 40 years leading economic development in Oswego County

By Stefan Yablonski

After nearly 40 years of leading Operation Oswego County, L. Michael Treadwell plans to retire as of Dec. 31.

Treadwell joined Operation Oswego County in 1983 and has served as executive director throughout his tenure. The local, nonprofit economic development corporation has helped to stimulate more than $5 billion in investment and helped create and retain more than 29,000 jobs in Oswego County.

The Operation Oswego County board of trustees named Austin Wheelock the new executive director of Operation Oswego County, effective Jan. 1. Wheelock was chosen after a comprehensive national search was conducted.

Here is what are saying about his retirement

“We always enjoyed working with Mike. Over the years he has been an avid supporter of community development and our businesses. He facilitated many opportunities that have helped make us successful. He will be greatly missed. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. He is a wonderful human being!”

Terry LeRoi
President of LeRoi Inc.

Mike’s dedication to the business community of Oswego County has opened countless doors for businesses that otherwise would not have had the opportunity to thrive and flourish. He has left a lifetime of impact on the Oswego County landscape.

Bill Carhart
CEO of Oswego County
Federal Credit Union.

“During the past 25 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mike on a number of projects for Operation Oswego County. Whether it was the annual report, a series of trade ads or video, he was always a pleasure to collaborate with. Mike has been a wonderful asset to Oswego County and to our community.”

Stephen Chirello
Owner of Steve Chirello Advertising.

“As executive director of Operation Oswego County since 1983, Mike has worked diligently to promote economic development in our county. It is no coincidence, that during his tenure, we have seen amazing growth and expansion. We were truly fortunate to have had such a driven and passionate person advocating for our county for almost four decades. Congratulations and enjoy a long and happy retirement.

Robert A. Corradino
Oswego Common Council president.

“It was always good to know that Operation Oswego County was in our markets and helping the communities to look toward the future. Your leadership has resulted in many positive aspects of the great Oswego County we have today. It’s amazing to see the change and growth in the county over the past 25 years I have been here.”

Buddy Stemple
Former plant manager at Novelis.

“Mike Treadwell has done an outstanding job as executive director of Operation Oswego County Inc. Mike has always been courteous, conscientious and dedicated in assisting businesses in the county for several decades.

Anthony Leotta
Former Oswego City Engineer.

“Mike Treadwell was a good man who loved the city of Oswego. He and I didn’t always agree on what was best for the city, but I respected him and appreciated his love of our city. The city of Oswego is evolving into a city of growth and positivity. He was part of that growth! And though we disagreed on politics, we worked together to make Oswego the city that it has grown into.

Tom Gillen
Former mayor of the city of Oswego.

“We celebrate Mike Treadwell’s amazing career and accomplishments while serving Oswego County and Central New York region.  Mike is an exceptional person and a visionary leader.  His efforts and the great team of people that have worked with him through the years have made Oswego County a better place. Under his leadership we’ve seen many economic development projects advanced, with lasting results. Mike has faithfully served our community and will truly be missed. We wish Mike the best in his well-earned retirement.”

Tim McKernan
Facility manager, EJ USA. 

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside Michael Treadwell on the County of Oswego IDA and Operation Oswego County boards. Michael has admirably served Oswego County, our business community and the region’s economic development organizations for nearly four decades and his knowledge and experience will be profoundly missed.”

Gary Toth
Chairman of the County of Oswego IDA and former member of the OOC board of directors.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mike for more than 20 years. Not only is he a Yankee fan, but he has a home in New Jersey. He has done a lot for the county and he will be missed. Austin [Wheelock] was a good choice to succeed him and will continue the positive work done by Operation Oswego County.

John Halleron
Advanced certified senior business advisor, Small Business Development Center, Oswego.