Mamma Cass

Community activist becomes Seaford chamber president

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Karen Cass, left, was installed as president at a ceremony at Il Felice on Jan. 17.
Karen Cass, left, was installed as president at a ceremony at Il Felice on Jan. 17.
Susan Greico/Herald

Karen Cass, 56, has been an active member of Seaford community organizations for more than 40 years. But the waterfront hamlet — which she described as “something out of [the TV show] ‘Gilmore Girls’” — is more than just a place where she conducts business. 

“I enjoy mingling and I’m a huge chatterbox,” Cass said with a laugh. “I always like to be out in Seaford and hear ideas from people and politicians in my own community.”

Cass, of Exit Realty Premier, will bring her knowledge of the neighborhood to her newest leadership position: president of the Seaford Chamber of Commerce. 

“Mama Cass” — a nickname given to her by friends and family — has spent most of her life in Seaford. She became a resident when she was 9, first living on Peconic Avenue and then moving a few blocks to Jackson Avenue. She is a member of the Seaford High School class of 1979.

Cass said that she always knew she wanted to be in the business world after high school. In 1980, she got her first job in New York City, in corporate affairs, after graduating from Briarcliffe College, where she studied administrative business. She also did other jobs through the years, such as working the front desk for area gymnastic academies and, her personal favorite, becoming a full-time mom.

A decade later, Cass decided to bring her business home. She earned her real estate agent license and became a full-time agent with Exit. 

Joining the Seaford Chamber of Commerce was a no-brainer, she said. Whether she was marching in the Memorial Day Parade, volunteering at the annual Seaford Harvest Fair and community blood drives or assisting her daughters with the Bronco’s Youth Cheerleading Squad, Cass has been active in various community groups for years.

“I really wanted to get to know Seaford from a business perspective and network with my peers,” she said. “The chamber welcomed me in with open arms.”

Cass served as secretary to the chamber for seven years. She was installed as president at a ceremony at Il Felice restaurant on Jan. 17. 

As president, she said, her main goals are to increase membership and expand chamber events. Membership fees help the organization finance various programs and projects, including the holiday snowflakes that hang around the neighborhood, flags for patriotic ceremonies and awards and scholarships for Eagle Scouts, she explained. 

“We are really trying to get more people and businesses involved,” Cass said. “You don’t want to always sit at the table with the same six people. It’s a great way to help each other and share ideas.”

She said she also plans on scheduling meetings at the Seaford Historical Society Museum so that business owners will learn about the history of the community she holds dear.  “Seaford isn’t just important to me because of business, but because I live here and I have properties here,” she said. “The value of the schools and neighborhood will always directly affect me.”

Mary Lucere, an attorney and the immediate past president of the chamber, also described Seaford as a special, caring community. Lucere, who led the organization for two years, was named the chamber’s secretary at the 2017 installation 

Lucere said that she would help Cass and offer advice. However, she thinks that Cass is well-suited for the presidency.

“Karen is a very knowledgeable Seaford resident, who is very diligent with any task at hand,” Lucere said. “She is articulate, nice and a positive person … working with her is always enjoyable.”