The ABS Team

Association Business Solutions (ABS) and Porzio Governmental Affairs (PGA) jointly announced in January 2026 that ABS has joined PGA to establish and grow the firm’s Association Management practice, further strengthening their collective ability to serve nonprofit, association, and for-profit clients across New Jersey.

Together with PGA, the integration expands the services available to clients of both organizations, combining ABS’s personalized association management expertise with PGA’s strategic advocacy, government relations, and policy resources. Clients benefit from enhanced capabilities, broader networks, and additional professional support—while maintaining the continuity, trusted relationships, and high-touch service that have long defined both firms.

About the ABS Team

Karla Pollack and Paula Harrington—the ABS founders and principals—bring decades of experience serving New Jersey’s nonprofit and association community. Our approach is designed to eliminate administrative burdens on volunteer leadership, create a seamless experience for members and stakeholders, and build a strong operational foundation from which clients can grow, amplify their advocacy voice, and deliver lasting value to their community.

Karla Pollack, Director, Porzio Governmental Affairs (PGA) Association Management

Karla manages the Association Management division at Porzio Governmental Affairs (PGA), where she helps clients achieve their strategic goals through advocacy, nonprofit financials, and comprehensive association management services. She partners with Boards, Executive Directors, and members to develop campaigns and initiatives that enhance visibility, drive stakeholder engagement, and deliver measurable results.

Karla formerly led Association Business Solutions (ABS), now part of PGA, where she delivered comprehensive association management services to organizations across New Jersey. She brings expertise in financial management, membership growth, communications, digital engagement, event planning, strategic planning, and PAC management—ensuring organizations operate efficiently while advancing their missions.

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 association operations and a strong commitment to client success. Her creative approach, combined with operational excellence, helps clients build coalitions, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and amplify their influence at the local, state, and national levels.

Karla actively serves her community, including on the boards of the Rescue Mission of Trenton and the Trenton Rotary Foundation. She previously held leadership roles with the Trenton Rotary Club (President, 2004–2005), the Central Jersey Chapter of the LPGA Amateur Golf Association, and Women in Development Mercer County, bringing extensive governance experience to her client work.

Inspired by her Shih Tzu mix Wesley and work in the disability space, Karla collaborated with Johnny Ott to create the therapeutic coloring book series, Wesley & Friends. All copies printed outside of Amazon have been donated to individuals of all ages and abilities. The project celebrates the special bond between people and animals while promoting creativity, mindfulness, and stress reduction through the therapeutic benefits of coloring.

Karla earned a B.S. in Marketing from Susquehanna University (Selinsgrove, PA) and also draws on hands-on business management experience from her prior ownership of Varsity Liquors in Princeton, NJ.

Paula Harrington, PGA Senior Director

Paula helps clients act decisively and expand their impact through expert project management, strategic planning, and association management. She brings a strong track record of strengthening client relationships, improving communications, and optimizing financial performance. Her experience in coalition building and crafting focused, stakeholder-driven messaging ensures clients advance their goals and drive meaningful organizational progress.

Paula co-founded ABS, now part of Porzio Governmental Affairs (PGA), where she provides full-service association management and advisory support to organizations across New Jersey and beyond. She leverages her experience in financial management, coalition building, public relations, and strategic planning to help clients operate efficiently, advance their priorities, and maximize impact.

Prior to founding ABS, Paula served in the Executive Branch of the State of New Jersey, providing project management for the Department of Labor. She contributed to the first statewide business plan and led major agency reorganizations to consolidate administration and shared resources. Earlier in her career, she spent five years at one of New Jersey’s top lobbying

and association management firms in Trenton, gaining valuable insight into advocacy, policy, and organizational operations.

Paula is active in her community and professional networks, serving on the boards of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley and four HUD homes for individuals with developmental disabilities. She previously served as Vice-Chair of the Mercer County Workforce Investment Board and was recognized as a 2016 Women of Achievement by the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce. She resides in Yardley, PA.

Ann C. Zawartkay, CPA, CGMA
President, Non-profit Accounting Solutions (NPAS)

Ann formed NPAS in 2014, recognizing the necessity for quality accounting and compliance services tailored specifically to the needs of the non-profit community. NPAS specializes in accounting services for non-profit and tax-exempt organizations, including bookkeeping, financial reporting, budgeting, outsourced accounting department, and outsourced Controller/CFO services.

Prior to forming NPAS, Ann spent ten years at Mercadien, P.C., Certified Public Accountants, providing auditing and accounting advisory services to non-profit 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 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. She resides in Robbinsville, New Jersey.

Johnny Ott, Senior Association Manager

Johnny helps clients strengthen their organizations through a blend of strategic association management and creative visual communication. At PGA, he deepens membership relations by building strong connections with members, sponsors, and stakeholders, while supporting core functions such as database oversight, communications, website content management, and event coordination.

As a visual specialist, John creates marketing assets, advertising materials, and social media content that elevate client visibility and reinforce their messaging. His expertise in visual identity, branding, and graphic design—including logos, digital content, and therapeutic illustrations—ensures that every piece aligns with the client’s organizational goals.

By combining thoughtful design with hands-on association management, John helps clients enhance engagement and achieve measurable results. His ability to merge creativity with client goals—whether through compelling design or strategic stakeholder engagement—helps deliver experiences and results that resonate.

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

Gary has been an integral member of the association management team for 15 years, bringing meticulous attention to detail that clients depend on every day. His work centers on database compilation and contact research, the behind-the-scenes work that keeps association operations running smoothly and communications reaching the right people.

Gary is proficient across a broad range of digital platforms, including Excel, custom databases, Zoho, Constant Contact, and WordPress. Whatever the system, his colleagues and clients have come to rely on one consistent hallmark of his work: accuracy. In association management, where a wrong contact or outdated record can mean a missed connection, Gary’s precision isn’t just a skill — it’s an asset.