Cooperstown, NY [October 24, 2006] – Celeste Carpiano, Executive Director of the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) was elected President of the National Council of County Association Executives (NCCAE) on October, 21st 2006 in Cooperstown, NY.

“It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to represent county government on the national level,” said Celeste Carpiano, Executive Director, NJAC. “I look forward to lobbying the federal and state governments on behalf of counties nationwide to ensure that county government’s voice is heard.”

“County governments police our streets, build bridges and roadways, educate our children, promote economic development, protect our most vulnerable citizens and are first responders to natural and man made disasters. We make our communities stronger and safer places to raise a family and perform countless other jobs that affect the lives of every American citizen, every day of the year,” noted Carpiano. “I intend to work closely with the National Association of Counties organization to implement an agenda that will make county government stronger.”

“The NCCAE is fortunate to have someone as capable as Celeste leading their organization. She has worked day and night to turn NJAC into a force in New Jersey and I am sure she will use that same determination and vision on the national level to make county governments more effective,” said Doug Cabana, President, NJAC.

“Celeste is a special person and a born leader,” said Louis Magazzu, 1st Vice President, NJAC. “She has the rare combination of intelligence, insight and commitment that makes people take notice and listen to her concerns. The NCCAE and counties nationwide will benefit greatly from having Celeste as their president.”

About NJAC:
The New Jersey Association of Counties serves as an advocacy group for county governments and their taxpayers, promotes federal and state legislative initiatives that advance county interests, fosters cooperation and coordination among New Jersey’s 21 counties and aids county officials in providing efficient and effective service to their constituencies.

About NCCAE:
Established in 1980, the NCCAE is the national council representing county association executives. The council provides executive directors from each county association with the opportunity to meet, exchange information, promote and improve county government.

Short Biography – Celeste Carpiano:
Since 1994, Ms. Carpiano has served as Executive Director of the New Jersey Association of Counties, a Trenton-based organization representing the interests of the State’s 21 counties. In this capacity she is responsible for lobbying on behalf of county government on the local, State and Federal level. She created the format for the NJAC Foundation, the non-profit educational arm of the Association and serves as Foundation’s Executive Director. Additionally she is responsible for increasing the Association’s visibility through the oversight of extensive public and media relation campaigns.

Ms. Carpiano holds a B.S. in Business Administration, a M.A. in Educational Administration and is a certified School Business Administrator. Ms. Carpiano is a resident of Colts Neck, NJ and is married with two children