This year marks a notable milestone for Opportunities, Incorporated as Barb LeDuc, President/CEO, celebrates 40 years of success through service. LeDuc started her tenure on December 18th, 1984, as a student intern, and has been making an impact at Opportunities, Inc. ever since. LeDuc began as a day camp counselor before being hired full-time as a Placement Specialist for people with disabilities, placing participants in community integrated employment sites. In August of 1988, LeDuc successfully launched Diversified Personnel Services, a full-service staffing agency located in Watertown. Additional locations currently include Fort Atkinson, Oconomowoc, and Janesville communities.
LeDuc was promoted to Vice-President of Opportunities, Inc. where she continued oversight of Diversified Personnel Services, community and supported employment services, Project JOIN, Workforce Development contracts and human resources. In 2000, Opportunities Inc. broke ground and underwent the first of many facility expansions. Along with then President/CEO Spence Jensen, she led a community fundraising campaign “Building for the Future” to raise donations for the renovation.
In 2002, LeDuc officially became President/CEO of Opportunities, Inc. following Spence Jensen’s retirement. Under LeDuc’s leadership, the organization continued to realize growth and in 2011, built a 90,000-square-foot facility to enhance services to Nestle Purina Petcare Corporation providing a safe and quality environment for those served with diverse abilities.
Growth continued through her vision for program expansion, as Opportunities, Inc. acquired Green Valley Enterprises in 2022, allowing the organization to continue to serve Dodge County and ensure employment and training services in the region. LeDuc’s service extended to both local and national Boards of Directors including Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin, SourceAmerica, RFWinAction, CCLS-Residential, United Way, Criminal Justice Coalition, and the Police and Fire Commission.
Opportunities, Inc. Board Chairman, Jeffry Theder stated this of LeDuc, “Her leadership, dedication, and innovative direction over these 40 years have seen the continued growth of the company and most certainly the positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities that the mission serves. With utmost respect and admiration, I would like to congratulate Barb on her past and future service”.
Through LeDuc’s passion, new Mission Services and Social Enterprise programming expanded to serve 3000 individuals with diverse abilities annually. Additionally, under LeDuc’s direction, through public and private partnerships, Opportunities, Inc. has raised donations from annual fundraising events to help support individuals and programs with limited funding, ensuring those pursuing training have an opportunity for advancement.
This last year, LeDuc was recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Milwaukee. Congratulations to LeDuc on 40 years of enriching lives through employment and training services.
