Familiar Face In Riverhead Named New Associate Director Of Business Incubator At Calverton

CALVERTON, NY — A familiar face in Riverhead has a new position — she's been named as the associate director of the Business Incubator at Calverton.

Chris Kempner, a leader of economic and community development initiatives in Riverhead for 25 years, is set "to expand momentum of business ventures and economic development on the East End," according to a release from Stony Brook University's Business Incubator at Calverton announcing the news.

Kempner, former executive director for the Town of Riverhead Community Development Agency, will assume her new duties on May 15.

Kempner will oversee the operations of the large research and development facility "that provides an optimal environment for the development of emerging business ventures compatible with the unique setting of Long Island’s East End for its agricultural, aquaculture, environmental and high-tech industries," the release said.

Kempner comes to Stony Brook University with more 25 years of experience in economic development, legal, and political experience. Kempner was named executive director of Riverhead’s CDA in January, 2008, where she was responsible for projects designed to improve the environment, economy and quality of life for town residents, visitors and businesses via economic development, environmental restoration, affordable home ownership/repair and creation of workforce housing, the release said.

Projects included downtown business district revitalization, Calverton Enterprise Park redevelopment, historic restoration, and environmental programs including those focused upon open space, remediation, alternative transportation, habitat restoration, business development incentives, urban renewal programs, and grant procurement/administration for capital projects.

Those projects included downtown waterfront revitalization, hotel construction, rail rehabilitation, infrastructure development to encourage business growth, low to moderate income homeowner-occupied home improvement programs, and senior citizen emergency home repairs, the release added.

“I am looking forward to joining the Stony Brook University Economic Development team and to work closely with Dr. Yacov Shamash, vice president for economic development, who has accomplished so much for the region. Together, we can undertake a concerted effort to reach out to eastern Long Island economic development officials and political leaders to accomplish the goals of creating more jobs and economic growth for the region," she said.

"Furthermore, I want to thank the Riverhead town board for the opportunity to work on many interesting projects that have helped transform Riverhead. In my new role at the business incubator, I look forward to continuing that close relationship and fostering new ones on the East End," Kempner said.

“Appointing Chris Kempner as associate director of the Business Incubator at Calverton will greatly strengthen Calverton’s contributions to the East End economy, creating new economic opportunities with sensitivity to the region’s unique heritage,” said Ann-Marie Scheidt, PhD, director of economic development. ”Her network of regional connections, as well as her outstanding skills and talents, will provide an invaluable resource for the Calverton program.”

Kempner is admitted to both the Hawaii State Bar and the New York State Bar. She is a licensed real estate broker and former elected Trustee of the Village of Greenport Board. Kempner previously worked for the Hawaii Community Development Authority as an Asset Management Specialist in 2004. Prior to that she was an Associate Attorney in the Finance and Real Estate Department for Cades Shutte, LLP, in Honolulu, the release said.