OAI
Overview
OAI, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois, dedicated to workforce development and community services. It primarily focuses on providing occupational safety training and facilitating employment for underrepresented populations. Originally founded as an independent community initiative, OAI has evolved to receive substantial federal, state, and foundation grants. In recent years, OAI has been notable for its leadership in hazardous waste worker training programs, improving public health standards in underserved communities.
Recent Developments
- New Leadership (January 2024): Juleen Savarese was named CEO of OAI, Inc., effective from January 1, 2024. Her appointment marks a shift towards strengthening management efficiency and enhancing the organization's delivery of value in government contracts.
- ProTech Oceans Task Order (2024): OAI was awarded a task order to support the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region through ProTech Oceans. This undertaking includes scientific analyses and compliance with key environmental acts, showcasing OAI's ongoing commitment to conservation and species management.
- CMMI Level 3 Appraisal (2024): Demonstrating its commitment to operational excellence, OAI achieved Level 3 appraisal from ISACA's Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), aligning business performance with operational goals effectively.
- PRSSO Evaluation Services (April 2024): OAI was granted a contract to support NOAA's Office of Performance, Risk and Social Science. Collaborating with Eastern Research Group, OAI aims to provide crucial evaluation services, contributing to NOAA's coastal resilience initiatives.
- NOAA Team Member of the Year (2023): Two employees from OAI were honored with the prestigious NOAA Team Member of the Year award, underlining OAI's impact and dedication within the scientific and administrative services sector.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 1976 |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Founders | Dr. John Everett among others originally |
| Revenue | Not publicly provided |
| Profits | Not applicable due to non-profit status |
| Key Investors | Not applicable; predominantly funded via grants |
| Industry | Workforce Development, Environmental Health & Safety |
| Number of Employees | Diverse across U.S. locations |
Early History
Founded in 1976, OAI began as a community-based initiative to foster workplace safety and public health. In 1995, OAI gained significant momentum by partnering with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), expanding its reach through comprehensive safety training programs. This period marked the beginning of OAI’s national recognition, as it consistently aligned its services to address the needs of at-risk and marginalized populations through various federal and state-subsidized programs.
Company Profile and Achievements
OAI, Inc. operates as a key player in providing job training aligned with public health and occupational standards across America. Its training programs, notably in hazardous waste and environmental health, distinguish OAI as an influential entity in workforce development:
- Developed and executed Hazardous Waste Worker and Environmental Careers Worker Training Programs.
- Engages in strategic partnerships, including with NIEHS for comprehensive occupational safety training.
- Empowers underserved communities by delivering job-centric skill development that leads to safe, meaningful employment.
- Utilizes a Train-the-Trainer model that expands local training capacities while focusing on diverse worker populations such as first responders and transitional workers.
- Recognized for innovation in infectious disease response training and ammonia safety awareness.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, OAI stands as a pivotal hub for workforce training and development, especially within communities requiring substantial support for gaining employment. It maintains significant contracts with governmental bodies like NOAA and leverages its expertise to fulfill federal and state training mandates. OAI remains competitively positioned through its subscription to robust project management standards like CMMI, ensuring service effectiveness and compliance.
Conclusion
OAI, Inc. has carved out a vital role within the non-profit sector, significantly impacting community health through occupational training. As it adapts to future challenges, its capacity to drive forward methodologies in environmental and public safety training will likely ensure continued relevance and contribution to workforce development in underrepresented regions. Upcoming strategic leadership and proactive federal collaborations indicate a burgeoning scope of influence and service reach.