CCNO Assistant Director Jeff Hensley Retires After 36 Years on Jan. 22

Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, Inc. (CCNO) proudly announces the retirement of Assistant Director Jeff Hensley, effective January 22, 2026, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary 36-year career dedicated to public service and the communities of Northeast Oregon," the agency said in a release.

Hensley began with the organization when it operated as Help, Inc., joining the accounting department as a payroll clerk and advancing through multiple roles. "Through dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to serving others, Jeff steadily advanced through several roles within the organization." The release adds that "after nearly a decade of service, he was appointed Assistant Director, a position he has held with distinction for nearly 30 years."

CCNO acknowledged Hensley’s long service and leadership in a formal statement. "Community Connection of Northeast Oregon extends its heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to Jeff Hensley on his retirement and thanks him for 36 years of unwavering commitment, leadership, and compassion." The agency also posted the announcement on its social media channels, reproducing the release text in part.

Beyond personnel change, Hensley’s retirement matters to everyday riders and partner agencies because CCNO plays a central role in local transit and client transportation in Union County. The agency’s work includes coordinating rides for seniors, veterans and people with mobility needs and participating in regional planning with state and local partners. "This plan is for Union and Wallowa County only. Updates include Demographics; Local, Regional, Client Transportation Services New [...] meet at the La Grande VA Clinic. Vans are equipped with wheelchair and scoter capabilities and a caregiver may accompany the Veteran. Trips will take all day to complete," notes regional planning materials that list CCNO among active stakeholders.

CCNO appears in the county’s stakeholder roster alongside municipal and health partners, illustrating the network Hensley helped manage. Listed participants include Tiffanie Green, State of Oregon DHS; Rod Harwood, GOBHI; Cheryl Jarvis-Smith, ODOT/UCTAC member; Jamie Landa, Shelter from the Storm; Kane Lester, CCNO/UCTAC Member; Monica McLaughlin, Executive Director, Main Street; Jeff Poppe, Community Member/rider/CCNO Transit Council; Tricia Webster, CCNO; Gregory Wilding, State of Oregon DHS; Matt Willson, Employment Department; Jessie Wilson, City of La Grande/CCNO Transit Council; Kris Boler, MBA, EOCCO/GOBHI; Richard Burch, Community Member; Amy Busch, Wallowa Valley Center Wellness; Lisa Dawson, Northeast Oregon Economic Development District; Jennifer Hayslip, CCNO and WCTAC member; John Hillock, Commissioner and WCTAC; Dan Larman, City of Joseph; Caprice Locke, WCTAC member; Gloria McCrae, Community; Kunz, Public Transportation Consultant; Kane Lester, CCNO Transportation Program Manager; Diana Wright, CCNO Executive Assistant; Brian Blais, CHD, Union County Veterans Services; Shelley Burgess, Union County Administration Officer; Allison Moore, Union County Senior Department Specialist; Aiden X. Chavez, Grande Ronde Hospital; Sandra Meredith, Grande Ronde Hospital; Shannon Cleveland, Clinic Coordinator, Grande Ronde Hospital; Angie Jones, ODOT Region 5 Regional Transportation Coordinator.

The release also noted personal details that humanize the transition. "Beyond his professional contributions, Jeff is well known for his loyalty, both to CCNO and as an avid fan of the Raiders NFL team." It added, "As he enters retirement, Jeff looks forward to spending more time with his family, enjoying a well-earned next chapter after a lifetime of service."

The agency’s public statement gives clear recognition but leaves some operational questions unanswered. The release frames Hensley’s tenure with three time descriptors that do not neatly add up to a single hire timeline: a 36-year career, an appointment "after nearly a decade," and nearly 30 years as assistant director. CCNO has not provided exact hire or appointment years; residents and partner agencies will want confirmation of succession plans and any interim leadership arrangements to ensure continuity of transit services and program coordination.