Concordance names new exec. director

A new executive director of the Long Branch Concordance (LBC) was appointed last week to fill the position once held by the group's founder, Terri S. Blair.

Debi Heptig was appointed by the LBC board of trustees Monday and will assume her new post Jan. 16, according to LBC interim executive director Kim Praitano.

Heptig, former executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Eatontown, could not be reached for comment.

In announcing the appointment, board President Dr. Golam Mathbor said in a press release, "Ms. Heptig stood out among a remarkable field of candidates for the position.

"She has an excellent understanding of the task at hand and an impressive record managing a nonprofit," he said. "She also has extensive experience with at-risk youth and community collaboration."

He added, "We look forward to working with her as the Long Branch Concordance continues to grow."

Blair, who has an extensive background in social services, was asked by the board to step down as executive director Nov. 4, a position she held since the group's inception in March 2004.

In a previous interview, Blair said her removal came as a "shock" and "with little explanation."

At that time, board spokeswoman JoAnn Abraham said, "The board acted as the board should act" when it decided to remove Blair from her post.

According to Abraham, Blair fell short in the skills set needed to fulfill the role of executive director of an the growing group.

The board has offered Blair a position at the LBC with different responsibilities, according to Abraham.

The details of the position Blair was offered are not being made public, Praitano said Monday, adding that the LBC board had not heard from Blair about whether she would accept an alternate role with the group.

Heptig comes to the LBC after serving as the executive director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County, a social service agency that assists children through one-to-one relationships with mentors.

Over the summer, Heptig also acted as a consultant grant writer and fund-raising coach.

"Now those skills will be valuable to the clients, volunteers and staff of the LBC on a full-time basis," Mathbor said in the release.

"This should help build on what exists, so that we can become an even more effective organization," he said.

Heptig is currently enrolled at New York University, working toward a graduate certificate in fundraising, according to the release.

The LBC is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit that connects coastal Monmouth County residents to vital social services and community-based programs.

The group obtains referrals and resources for health care, housing needs, at-risk youth, rent and utilities, job development, domestic violence, language skills and other areas.

The grassroots collaborative holds monthly meetings that bring local, regional, county-wide and faith-based organizations together to address problems in the community.

The many partnerships of the LBC include the Long Branch Rotary Club, Long Branch School-based Youth Services, Monmouth County Board of Social Services, New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services, Meals at Noon and the Monmouth Care Center.

The LBC has received approximately $168,000 in funding from July 1 to date, according to Abraham.

The breakdown of the funding is as follows: foundation grants in the amount of $146,000; a state grant for $12,500; donations amounting to $6,000, special events account for $2,600 and business grants totaling $650.

The group is currently planning for its recent $175,000 Family Supportive Center Initiative grant from the state Department of Children and Families, which it was awarded late last year.