PROFILE

After leaving the entertainment industry as actor, model and singer, Chuck Oakes began his corporate career as a Recruiter for a search firm, which ultimately led to a Generalist role with a major grocery chain. He quickly earned a reputation for excellence and innovative problem solving. As an example, the President’s Council on Hiring Workers with Disabilities asked Chuck to become an Advisor due to his success in this area. While providing customized training for such clients as Amtrak and the Dept. of Labor, the next touch point of his career concentrated on outplacement and job transition. His first published book, WHEN THE PINK SLIP COMES HOME, was part of a multi-media package and earned him international recognition. Expanding to address the aging of our population, Chuck’s latest book, MAKING YOUR HOME SENIOR-FRIENDLY, explores creative means to support and protect our aging loved ones in their own homes. As a result of his efforts, he was invited to join two committees at the United Nations pertaining to aging. At the state level, Chuck has become a Champion for Change at the CT State Legislature, where he continues to work with Senators to draft legislation. 

He has written numerous articles on recruitment, diversity, aging, job search, recruitment, workforce violence prevention and others for a variety of publications and websites including those of the American Management Association, Prentice-Hall, USA Disabled, the Progressive Grocer and others.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Overview—Chuck has made an impact on three populations: workers with disabilities, displaced and dislocated workers and senior citizens.

• Author, two books on job search and aging

  • WHEN THE PINK SLIP COMES HOME

  • MAKING YOUR HOME SENIOR-FRIENDLY

• Former actor, model and entertainer

  • “The Stetson Man” for Coty Cosmetics

  • Opening Act for the Kingston Trio

  • Numerous billboard, television and print assignments

• Outplacement consultant, coach and trainer

• Published in diversity, recruitment, job loss, aging and other areas

  • Prentice-Hall, the American Management Association, USA Disabled and others

• Engaging speaker for aging and job loss subjects

CREDENTIALS AND AFFILIATIONS

• Member, the Communications Coordination Committee at the United Nations

• “Champion for Change” at the CT State Capital

• Member, the Committee on Aging at the United Nations

• Former Adviser, The President’s Council on Hiring the Disabled

• Author, Making Your Home Senior-Friendly

• Author, When the Pink Slip Comes Home

• Member, Steering Committee, the CT Coalition for Culture Change for Long Term Care

• Member, the Connecticut Coalition on Aging

• Certified Aging in Place Specialist, CAPS, the National Association of Home Builders

• Miss America Pageant MC and Judge in CT

WHAT PEOPLE SAY…

“For all persons of all ages and here, focusing on seniors, this slim but sage volume is an attractive and compelling “must” to own, read, share and apply. The text is universal and the illustrations warm and inviting. The book is person-friendly, as promised by the title, and helpful both conceptually and for practical aspects of living.”
Dr. L. D. Misek-Falkoff, “Respectful-Interfaces Programme” of the Communications Coordination Committee for the United Nations; Member, Sub-Committee on Older Women, U.N. Commission on the Status of Women.

“Making Your Home Senior Friendly by Chuck Oakes is easy to read, full of great recommendations on making a home senior friendly and safe and provides some great resources. This book should be a “must read” for seniors wanting to stay in their own homes, and for their friends, families and caregivers. Kudos - Chuck Oakes for identifying these issues and writing about them.”
Shelley Ludwick, Director of Clinical Programs, Visiting Nurse Association of America, VNAA (Visiting Nurse Association of America)

“I am not a regular home renovator or handy person. I am renovating the family home now with a general contractor. My eighty eight-year-old father will also move in. My contractor and I found the book: Making Your Home Senior Friendly informative, useful, easy reading and entertaining. We used many of the recommendations in the book.” 
Sheldon Craig Lubin, Homeowner