The ABS Team

ABS is a full-service association management company located just a stone’s throw away from New Jersey’s Capitol Building in Trenton. The firm serves a diversified client base comprised of professional associations, nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies, offering expertise in public relations, communications, government affairs, and nonprofit accounting. 

Karla Pollack and Paula Harrington—the firm’s founders and principals—have experience in managing and directing trade and professional organizations.  The company is a Certified Woman Owned and controlled business with a proven track-record of delivering the highest level of service and customer satisfaction to its clients.

About the ABS Team

ABS’ seasoned team of professionals offers a diverse range of skills and substantial collective experience in business and association management.  We take pride in our ability to quickly get up-to-speed on our clients’ industries and become a seamless part of their team.

Karla Pollack, Principal
Karla brings a dynamic blend of marketing expertise and strategic insight to her work in association management, government affairs, and public relations. With decades of experience coordinating communication campaigns and advocacy initiatives at the local and state levels, she has led efforts that advance client policy goals, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and elevate visibility.

She works closely with Boards, Executive Directors, and Association Members to deliver results-driven solutions tailored to each organization’s needs. Her creative approach to problem solving—paired with a strong foundation in digital engagement and coalition building—ensures that every client’s mission is supported with clarity and momentum.

Before launching ABS, Karla served as Director of Member Services and Marketing at the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, representing 21,000 member companies. That experience gave her a deep understanding of all aspects of association operations and a lasting commitment to client success.

Karla currently serves on the Board of the Rescue Mission of Trenton and Trenton Rotary Foundation. She previously served as a board member of the Trenton Rotary Club (President in 2004/2005), Central Jersey Chapter of the LPGA Amateur Golf Association, and Women in Development Mercer County.

She also owned Varsity Liquors, a fine wine shop in Princeton, NJ for six years, adding greater depth to her business management experience.

Karla earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA.

Paula Harrington, Principal
Paula brings extensive project management expertise, with a strong track record of enhancing client relationships, improving communications, and strengthening financial performance. Her background in strategic planning and coalition building enables her to craft focused messaging that resonates with key stakeholders and drives organizational progress. With a unique blend of experience in financial management and public relations, Paula helps clients align their resources with their mission—empowering them to act decisively and expand their impact.

Prior to founding ABS, Paula served as a member of the Executive Branch of the State of NJ, providing project management services for the NJ Department of Labor. In that role, she worked on the first statewide business plan, a major reorganization of state agencies for the purpose of consolidating administration and other common business resources.  Previous to public service, she spent five years working at the state’s top lobbying and association management group in Trenton, NJ.

Paula currently serves as a Board Member for Volunteers of America Delaware Valley, as well as four HUD (Housing and Urban Development) homes for people with developmental disabilities. She has served as Vice-Chair of the Mercer County Workforce Investment Board, which offers programs and services to provide employers access to qualified workers, and equip job seekers to compete in today’s job market.  She is the recipient of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Women of Achievement Award.  Paula is active in several professional trade associations and civic organizations and lives in Yardley, PA.

Elizabeth (Libby) Vinson, Emeritus
ABS proudly recognizes Libby’s long and distinguished service to ABS clients with the honorary title of Emeritus.

For more than two decades, Libby led impactful government and public affairs campaigns at both the state and national levels. Her deep policy expertise, strategic insight, and tireless commitment were instrumental in advancing ABS’s mission across sectors.

In a fitting next chapter, Libby was selected—after a nationwide search—as the CEO of the New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP). Her longstanding work in the human services arena aligns perfectly with NJACP’s mission to promote quality supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ABS could not be prouder and fully supports her in this leadership role.

Libby began her public affairs career at the nation’s largest statewide employer association, where she coordinated lobbying efforts on education, workforce development, and small business issues. She remains active in local politics and community service, is a graduate of the Christine Todd Whitman Series for women in leadership, and serves on the Board of the Millhill Family Development Center in Trenton. She previously served on the Mercer County Community College Board of Trustees.

Libby holds a bachelor’s degree with honors from Lehigh University and a master’s in politics and public affairs from Rutgers University’s Bloustein School.

Ann C. Zawartkay, CPA, CGMA, Chief Financial Officer
Ann joined ABS in 2017 as CFO. She recognizes the critical need for quality accounting and compliance services tailored specifically to the needs of the nonprofit community. She specializes in accounting services for nonprofit organizations, including preparation of federal and state registrations and renewals, bookkeeping and financial reporting, and outsourced chief financial officer services.

Prior to joining ABS, Ann joined State Theatre New Jersey in April 2015 as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. Prior to her tenure at the Theatre, Ann spent ten years at Mercadien, P.C. Certified Public Accountants, providing auditing and accounting advisory services to nonprofit and government entities. As a member of the firm’s Nonprofit and Government Services Group, her responsibilities included managing, training, and supervising staff in the planning and performance of audit engagements, and resolving audit issues with management and board members of clients. Ann also served as the Chief of Authorities and Auditing with the Division of Local Government Services, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, where she monitored compliance of local authorities with prevailing statutes, and oversaw the examination of local authority budgets and audits.

Ann holds a B.S. in Accounting and a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Lehigh University, where she was a high honors graduate and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She is a certified public accountant licensed in the State of New Jersey, A Chartered Global Management Accountant, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Ann is a frequent speaker on both nonprofit and government topics, and serves as a faculty member for the BoardConnect program of VolunteerConnect.

Johnny Ott, Graphic Designer & Illustrator
Johnny Ott brings a unique blend of artistry and strategy to his role as Graphic Designer & Illustrator at ABS. He specializes in developing a wide range of graphic assets that power ABS’s marketing and social media campaigns, ensuring each piece is both eye-catching and purpose-driven.

From therapeutic coloring book illustrations to branding, logo design, and social media graphics, Johnny’s work reflects a deep understanding of visual storytelling. His ability to merge creativity with client goals helps turn every campaign into a compelling visual experience that delivers real results.

Phyllis Fell, Consultant
Phyllis brings a unique blend of business insight and community commitment to her consulting role with ABS. In addition to her consulting work, Phyllis manages a successful real estate practice.

Her prior leadership at Visitation Home, Inc.—a nonprofit supporting adults with developmental disabilities—reflects her alignment with ABS’ values and mission. Earlier in her career, Phyllis worked in sales and strategic growth in the technology and health and wellness sectors, experience that informs her ability to identify and pursue new opportunities for ABS and its clients.

Phyllis is very active in the nonprofit sector, giving her a solid understanding of all facets of association management. She currently serves as a Big Sister as part of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Mercer County, and previously served on the Board of Community Outreach and as Vice President of the Princeton Chapter of Deborah Hospital Foundation. In these roles, she helped spearhead fundraising efforts and coordinated philanthropic events. She attended the College of New Jersey and recently returned to Thomas Edison State College for business management.

Gary Mekash
Office Assistant and Database Management