Meet Deborah: Herkimer County’s New Community Development Director
Herkimer County’s first community development plan is in place, and it’s time to kickstart action.
Herkimer County appoints new Community Development Director
Deborah Kessler has been named the new Community Development Director for the county.
The creation of a Community Development Strategic Plan for Herkimer County begun when the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Herkimer County government, and county municipalities teamed up to sponsor a project to foster a shared vision for a prosperous future for Herkimer County.
During the creation of this plan, it became clear that, when it comes to innovative approaches, civic life and community development, it is happening in Herkimer County! Thus the title of the project was born.
Kessler’s responsibilities are to work to implement the Herkimer County Community Development Strategy. This will involve supporting and fostering initiatives to improve the quality of life. Kessler will spend time within the communities’ of Herkimer County getting to know each one’s issues, opportunities and important initiatives , in addition to work with members of the community and others on important community priorities.
“Herkimer County has great potential, many assets, and a rich history. We’re here to find out what’s working well in our county, where we need do better, and how we can break down silos and work together. I am looking forward to working with the communities of Herkimer County to discover, connect and benefit from the creative energies and ideas found throughout this remarkable area”
Kessler is no stranger to community involvement. She serves on the following board of directors; Central Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Empowered Pathways, and the Herkimer Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
She also works part-time as an entrepreneur by operating her own promotions, consulting and marketing company.
Kessler has a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the former Utica College and lives in Poland with her husband, Ward. She has two children; Brianna (Corey) and Adam (Faith) and three granddaughters.
Kessler can be reached at:
Deborah Kessler, Herkimer County Community Development Director
109 Mary Street Suite 1318
Herkimer, NY 13350
www.itshappeninginherkimer.org
(C)315-983-1383 (O)315-867-1379