Experience Works honors Texas woman for her support of older Americans
By media release
Aug 9, 2014
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Arlington, VA -- During a national leadership symposium held in Atlanta, Georgia, Experience Works honored Diane Cowan with the Cy Carpenter award for her leadership and strong commitment to the Experience Works’ mission, advocacy on behalf of older workers, and never-ending passion to help others succeed. 

Experience Works is a national nonprofit organization, which provides employment, training, and community service opportunities for individuals age 55 and older, and operates in 30 states and Puerto Rico, including 142 Texas counties.

The Cy Carpenter award is presented annually to an individual whose long-standing leadership and advocacy have contributed to improving the lives of low income older Americans by fostering individual economic self-sufficiency, and promoting community service activities as embodied in the Senior Community Service Employment Program, particularly in rural areas.

Cowan retired in 2012 after a more than 36-year career with Experience Works, where she held progressively responsible positions including Texas state director, and national customer service center director. In accepting the award, Cowan said, “I am honored and elated to receive this award. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to grow though my work with Experience Works. It led me to my true passion – working with people and doing my best to make a difference.”

In presenting the award, Experience Works board chair Phillip Klutts remarked, “Diane embodies the intent of the award.  We honor her for her long-standing leadership and advocacy, which has greatly impacted the quality of life for older Americans, particularly in rural areas.” 

The Cy Carpenter Award was established by Experience Works and named for Cy Carpenter, a former board member and pioneer in the field of older worker services that lead to the development and expansion of the Senior Community Service Employment Program. Past recipients include Cy Carpenter, Wisconsin Congressman David Obey, Experience Works Chairman of the Board Phillip Klutts, Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl, and retired Experience Works Missouri/Illinois Director Janice Bramwell. 
 
To find out more about Experience Works programs and services, including the Senior Community Service Employment Program, contact experienceworks@experienceworks.org, (703)522-7222, or visit www.experienceworks.org.