About Kara

Most people learn their first civics lesson while sitting in a classroom, but Kara Hahn first remembers serving the public while riding in Karathe back of pickup truck with her dad after Hurricane Gloria ravaged Long Island back in 1985.  A volunteer firefighter, Ron Gerry showed 14-year old Kara and her brother Kevin and sister Kristin what it means to make a difference in people’s lives. For days, they worked side-by-side with other community members to clear downed trees from the roadways.

Today, as she drives those same roadways with her daughters Karina and Hope, Kara continues to be inspired by those early lessons and seeks to instill that same sense of civic responsibility in her children.

Born in Port Jefferson, raised in Stony Brook and now raising her family in Setauket, Kara cares deeply about our community.  As current President of the Civic Association of the Setaukets and Stony Brook, she has dedicated herself to making a difference in this area. In fact, the Village Times Herald recognized that dedication by naming her “Civic Woman of the Year.”  

Kara was raised to value service to the community, and her parents, Ron Gerry a volunteer firefighter and Pam a substitute teacher and long-time community activist, inspired her to choose public service to make a difference in people's lives.  She spent several years as the Public Policy Coordinator for a Child Care Advocacy organization in the City of Philadelphia where she witnesses first hand the power to make change that exists in different levels of government. 

During her time with Suffolk County, working directly for Presiding Officer Bill Lindsay and Deputy Presiding Officer Vivian Viloria-Fisher, Kara has worked on a wide range of critical issues facing Suffolk residents such as public safety, economic development, government transparency and environmental protection. This work with the the Legislature has offered her the opportunity to become acquainted with the inner-workings and procedures of Suffolk County Government and to make extensive contacts within the Three Village district and around Suffolk County. 

Kara also serves on the Board of Directors of the Child Care Council of Suffolk, Inc.  Other Community work includes volunteering for the Three Village Historical Society and Gallery North in Setauket.  Past President of the Three Village Democratic Club, and past 2nd Vice Chair of the Brookhaven Town Democratic Committee, Kara remains active in local Democratic activities as committee member and volunteer for the Suffolk County Democratic Committee.

Hahn earned a Masters degree in Social Work Policy from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelors degree with distinction from the University of Delaware.

Kara’s deep roots and commitment to our community, coupled with her expertise and demonstrated effectiveness at the county level add up to one thing – a candidate for county legislature who will serve our interests with passion, intelligence and skill.

Keep Up With Kara