CASSOPOLIS — The leader of a local nonprofit organization presented an annual report to the county and announced his departure Thursday.

The Cass County Council on Aging shared its 2018 annual report with the Cass County Board of Commissioners during the boards regular meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday. Bob Cochrane, chief executive officer of the COA, presented the report.

According to the report, the COA had 35,617 total visits in 2018. Additionally, the COA received a total revenue of $3,308,297. Expenses totaled $3,092, 937.

Also in the report:

• The COA had an average of 2,968 visitors per month.

• The average age of clientele in 2018 was 71.

• 220 residents volunteered for a total of 23,462 volunteer hours in 2018.

• 26,904 congregate meals were served at four different locations.

• Meals on Wheels delivered 14,618 meals in the county. Meals on Wheels volunteers drove a total of 40,000 miles.

• Adult day services spent 21,000 hours helping 49 participants.

• The COA saw a 9-percent increase in fundraising.

“This is just a sampling of what we had going on this year,” Cochrane said. “It was a very good year for us. We had a great time, and we hope that we provided an excellent service to the older adults in Cass County.”

While presenting the report, Cochrane announced to the board that he would be retiring from his position as CEO of the COA, a position he has held for nearly 15 years. He announced that the COA has hired Marty Heirty, an account strategist at Force 5 in South Bend, to be his replacement.

“I will officially be out by the end of July,” Cochrane said. “It’s been a great 15 years. I love it, and I’m glad I did it.”

Following Cochrane’s announcement, several board members congratulated him on his retirement and thanked him for his years of service to the COA.

“Thank you for your service,” said board chair Robert Benjamin. “Thank you for what the Council on Aging does for the county.”

Also Thursday, the Cass County Board of Commissioners recognized the valedictorians and salutatorians from Cass County schools. The students in attendance received a Cass County pin, certificate of appreciation and a book on the history of Cass County.

“You guys are awesome,” Cass County Administrator Jeff Carmen said the students.  “You have 50,000 people across the county proud of what you have accomplished, represented by [the commissioners] standing in front of you.”