Christine Schaeffer Ossont graduated from Sidney Central School in 1966, SUNY Oneonta in 1970 and received her master's degree in 1972 in Education/Psychology. She taught elementary school for five years, then moved from Skaneateles to New Hartford, New York in 1974.
Chris became a realtor in 1976, working for her mentor and community leader, Joe Carucci, for 30 years. Chris received local, state and national recognition with Prudential Real Estate. She was named local Realtor Associate of the Year and then Realtor Associate of the Year for New York State, the most coveted award of realtors and the first time the award was earned upstate. Chris won the Prudential National Marketing Award. She continuously earned the Prudential President's Circle Award for the top 2% of agents nationwide. She later received the Realtor Emeritus Award, for 40 years of professional commitment and service.
Real estate was a way of life for Chris. With her degree in education and psychology, she could advise buyers and sellers and help improve their quality of life. Chris survived cancer at 32 and, with three babies in diapers, endured a year of chemo. She learned to understand adversity, acquired survival skills and was then able to guide others through challenging times. Immigrants, first-time buyers, four GE general managers, cardio-thoracic surgeons, transfers and local buyers and sellers all appreciated working with a trusted, understanding agent.
John Brown, owner of her company, called Chris an "exceptional businesswoman who possesses all of the best qualities of our profession. Her service is legendary."
Chris has enjoyed being involved in community organizations. She was a volunteer director of the Junior League Thrift Shop, president of the Oneida-Herkimer County Planning Advisory Board and an Elder in her Presbyterian Church, serving on Women's Council, Board of Deacons and as president of the Nursery School Board. She was a board member and communications chair of the Welcome Wagon Club, creating monthly newsletters for 350 members. She is an officer in P.E.O., an international women's organization that supports education. Chris and mentor Joe Carucci co-founded The Genesis Group, a regional organization of business leaders that "connects the dots," supporting and promoting initiatives and facilitating communication in the Mohawk Valley region. She serves on the executive board, and created the Education Hall of Fame recognition event, which hosts annual events of 300 people. Career Days include 1,500 students in Oneida County and 900 students in Herkimer County. Genesis is a respected leader that supports areas of education, healthcare, tourism and business, and includes events for 9/11, elected official forums, regional leader forums, online current news and has committees for drone education, literacy, data analytics and the 23-member Chamber Alliance.
Chris has three daughters and sons-in-law, 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and enjoys supporting their activities. She's very proud of her brother, Steve Schaeffer, who passed away in December 2022. He loved Sidney so much!
We are proud to recognize Christine Schaeffer Ossont as a Wall of Fame honoree.