CAP-21 Hires Executive Director

CAP-21 President, Carolyn Trimbach is pleased to announce that the Board has hired Deborah Carhart as Executive Director. Trimbach stated, “The selection process was challenging but the Board believes that Deb’s unique and diverse qualifications will prove beneficial and the Board looks forward to working with Deb to move CAP-21 forward. Deb not only has a long term connection to our area but she brings years of experience working in the business world while also working with not-for-profits in community development.”

Deb’s family has owned property on Petrie Road since 1929, where Deb has summered throughout her life until she decided to make the Central Adirondacks her permanent home 2 years ago. Several members of her extended family are Old Forge residents and her sister and brother-in-law; Mary and Art Savaria recently opened the Painted Loon gift shop on Main Street.

In more than 25 years of executive management, Deb has held leadership positions in the fields of educational publishing, information, software and online businesses. Her experience spans a wide array of functional areas including Marketing, Sales Customer Service, Technical Support, Business Systems and Business Development.

In addition Deb, as a trainer, facilitator and motivational speaker has done strategic planning at both the corporate and strategic business group level as well as for not-for-profits. “It is these skills that will benefit CAP-21 and the community at large,” remarked Trimbach. Deb’s most recent position was CEO of IA Systems, Inc, an $8 Million software and services company serving financial institutions.

Throughout her career Deb has been an Active Board Member and Community Leader with a focus on economic development and collaborative community service.

Boards include: Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Northeastern NY, Center for Economic Growth and Excelsior College Advisory Group. Deb was the Founding Chair of the Tech Valley Business Council and the Women’s Fund of the Capital Region as well as the Marketing and Strategic Planning Chair of the Community Foundation of the Capital Region. In 2004, Deb was recognized as a “Woman of influence” and named Albany’s “Small Business Person of the Year “ in 2006.
Deb has two grown children and two grandchildren. Daughter Kelly is a technology consultant in Albany, NY and son Patrick is a restaurant owner and resides with his family in Bradenton, FL. Besides visiting her grandkids, Deb enjoys hiking, snowshoeing and kayaking with the changing seasons.

Trimbach concluded by saying “Please join the Board and staff of CAP-21 in giving Deborah Carhart a warm welcome to her new position. CAP-21 is planning a barbeque for later this summer so that the community can have the opportunity of meeting Deb. The Board wants to thank Mary Jane Lasher for serving as the Acting Executive Director and welcomes her back to her position as Vice President of the Board."