Lisa Newcomb
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Lisa Newcomb has been the Empire State Association’s Executive Director since 1998. In that capacity, she represents the Association and its members by serving as an appointee on the Adult Care Facility/Assisted Living Residence Task Force created as part of the 2004 Assisted Living Reform Act. She also participates in numerous other Department of Health workgroups and committees designed to address assisted living and home care topics. Before becoming the Executive Director, Newcomb served as the Association’s director of member services, growing the size of the Association by enhancing membership value through personalized customer service and the development of high quality and cost saving member programs.

Anita Russo
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Anita L. Russo, CMP, joined ESAAL in April of 2006 and is responsible for the planning of all Association meetings, including the coordination and implementation of ESAAL’s annual conference and trade show. She has more than 10 years experience in association management and earned the impressive designation as a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP). In addition, Anita oversees the daily operations of the office and assists the Executive Director with membership programs.

Carla Erhartic
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Carla Erhartic began working at ESAAL in August 2008 following many distinguished years in senior care that took her from the Midwest to the Capital Region. She served as administrator of St. Joseph’s Villa Adult Home in Catskill, as interim administrator at Fountainview Adult Home in Guilderland, and as community business director at Atria Guilderland. Her career has included a position as Director of Carelinks Care-giving Program, sponsored by the Shenendehowa Senior Center in Clifton Park, and some time with The Eddy. In her position at ESAAL, Carla brings her valuable assisted living experience to develop policy and help enhance the organization’s direct member services.

Andrea Cirabisi
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Andrea Cirabisi started with ESAAL in March 2009 and serves as Administrative Associate. She is responsible for the bookkeeping functions, billing and database management. In addition to these duties, Andrea is learning membership services processes and assisting Anita Russo with the planning and coordinating of ESAAL’s meetings and conference with hopes to pursue designation as a Certified Meeting Professional.

Prior to joining ESAAL, Andrea worked in the real estate industry, serving as office manager for a real estate investor. She trained as a loan officer and subsequently opened her own business as Mortgage Broker. Andrea also brings over 12 years of experience as a reimbursement specialist for one of the Capital District’s largest physical therapy offices with extensive experience in medical billing, collections and customer service.