Cori accepting her award from Casper Local Board member Susan Stubson.

Monday August 19th the Casper Local Board of the Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) awarded Cori Cosner-Burton the Tony Cate Award for Nonprofit Leadership.  

Cori Cosner-Burton is the Executive Director of Mercer Family Resource Center, a nonprofit that has been serving youth and families in Natrona County since 1971. She started her tenure with Mercer FRC in 2000 as an intern. She has a Master of Social work from the University of Wyoming and worked in the Natrona County School District as a social worker. In 2009, after working as the clinical supervisor at Mercer FRC, she became executive director. She led a three-year $1.2 million capital campaign and hosts an annual Dancing with the Stars of Casper fundraiser for the Mercer FRC.   

The event, held at Occasions by Cory in Casper, welcomed board, staff, and supporters of the Mercer Family Resource Center and Cori’s friends and family. Casper Local Board members Katrina Beckman and Susan Stubson spoke and presented the award to Cori. 

The Tony Cate Award was created in 2016 by the Wyoming Community Foundation’s Casper Area Local Board to honor nonprofit leaders. Those selected for the award approach their work with care, integrity, and a goal to build a better community.   

“We are proud to announce Cori as the honoree for the Tony Cate award,” says Kellie Clausen, Casper Local Board Chair, who nominated Cosner-Burton for the award. “With Cori’s commitment to Natrona County youth and families, our community has benefitted greatly from her experience.” 

Cori with current and past staff of Mercer Family Resource Center. 

The Mercer Family Resource Center provides education, counseling, and prevention services that build stronger and healthier youth and families in the Casper community. It takes a strong team and dedicated director to plant strong roots in a community. Cori Cosner-Burton, has strengthened the place in which she works and lives for many years with her connection to Mercer Family Resource Center.   

Beyond Mercer Family Resource Center, Cori was an active member of the Casper Rotary Club from 2009-2020. She is a graduate from Leadership WY, Class of 2018. She serves on several nonprofit boards and volunteers at many local events.