Former OEO Director Francie Mathes Honored

The Connie Greer Lifetime Action Award celebrates the promise of Community Action, a movement dedicated to changing lives, fostering hope, and improving communities across America. We are committed to empowering individuals to help themselves and one another, believing that lasting change can only come through collective action.

Francie Mathes, former director of the Minnesota Office of Economic Opportunity, was honored with the Connie Greer Lifetime Action Award at the 2024 Community Action Annual Training Conference in Duluth. She was honored because of her tireless efforts in advancing this mission. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on the Community Action movement, advocating for the poor and strengthening our network at all levels.

The award is named after Connie Greer, who devoted her career to fulfilling the promise of Community Action. Starting her journey in Bemidji, Minnesota, in 1973, Connie worked at the Bi-County Community Action Council before joining the Minnesota Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) in 1980, where she became a powerful voice for the poor within state government. Her passion and commitment earned her national recognition as a leader in the Community Action movement, culminating in her retirement from OEO in 2014.

We celebrate Francie Mathes’s invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication to fighting poverty and uplifting communities, exemplifying the spirit of Community Action.