By TRACEY DRURY
tdrury@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1609

A search has begun for a new executive director for Gilda's Club Western New York, following the resignation of Mary Beth Karr.

She joined the agency in 2002 as its founding executive director. A release from the agency says Karr told the board of directors she believes it is time to move on.

"Founders are not meant to stay forever, and this is a logical time in the organization's life cycle for a change in leadership," she said.

Karr plans to remain in Buffalo, where her husband Antone (Joe) Alber serves as dean of the Richard J. Wehle School of Business at Canisius College.

Her resignation is effective Sept. 24.

Jock Mitchell, board chairman, credited Karr for helping get the organization off the ground and helping establish Gilda's Club as a "warm and welcoming community of emotional and social support for those Western New Yorkers living with cancer."

Kathy Kurtz, program manager and coordinator for the Noogieland children's program, will handle day-to-day operations until the search for a new executive director is complete. She has been with Gilda's Club WNY since 2004.

The nonprofit organization offers support and programming for men, women and children living with cancer, as well as their families and friends. Services include lectures, workshops and social events.