New CARA Charities Executive Director announced

Cathie Lyon

The board of directors of CARA Charities today announced the appointment of Cathie Lyon as the new Executive Director effective October 1, 2008. Lyon will replace Mary Lou Bogner, who is retiring after serving in the position since 1993.

Cathie Lyon brings to the organization some 20 years of motorsports experience, working in various roles throughout her career at Champ Car including Public Relations, Director of Accreditation, and the Director of the Pace Car and two-seater programs. She has worked with numerous organizations in her role in the open wheel racing industry and plans to employ her positive, energetic and hard-working approach in her new position with CARA.

Lyon stated, "It is an honor to be part of CARA and to carry on the tradition of dedication to the safety of children that was so capably developed during Mary Lou's tenure. CARA has always been an organization known for its hard work, its volunteers and its contributions to important causes. I look forward to working with everyone in the racing community – sponsors, tracks, teams, sanctioning bodies and drivers. I feel with my motorsports background and work with other charitable organizations such as the Association of Hole in the Wall Gang Camps and the Canary Fund, I can build on past efforts and work toward strengthening the future."

CARA President Daryle Feistman said, "Mary Lou's hard work and dedication has enabled CARA Charities to reach out to communities around the world and helped thousands of families during her tenure. The words "thank you" are just not enough.

"Cathie brings to the organization a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to help CARA Charities continue its mission while exploring new opportunities to expand our outreach to those in need."

Mary Lou Bogner said, "It has been my privilege and joy to serve as Executive Director of CARA Charities for the past 15 years. I can now look forward to spending time with my family and getting back to long neglected projects and hobbies. I would like to wish Cathie, the board and the organization well as they move forward."

Assisted by the support of sponsors, teams, drivers, members and race fans, CARA has donated more than $4 million dollars since their founding more than a quarter of a century ago. CARA focuses on helping children, hospitals, scholarship funds and ministries as well as charitable foundations assisting children.