Gary Kapner, a lifelong New Jersey resident, was born in Newark, raised in West Caldwell and has lived in Mendham Township since 2019, following 30 years in New Providence. He and his wife, Rachel, have been married for 37 years. They moved to Mendham for its quiet neighborhoods, large lots, abundant open space, and rural charm.

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Gary and Rachel own CWI.Design, a custom home furnishings company serving mid to high-end residential clients primarily in the New York Metropolitan area, as well as the NJ shore and South Florida. For 25 years, they have sourced, designed, manufactured, and installed bespoke furnishings. Gary's role encompasses sales, training, HR, payroll, benefits administration, logistics, warehousing, technology, advertising, and finance.

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Currently, Gary serves as the chair of the Mendham Township Zoning Board of Adjustment and president of the Oak Knoll Property Owners Association. Previously, in New Providence, he served on the planning board for 10 years, as borough councilman for two terms, and as council president. His committee assignments included public safety, finance, public works, shared services, sustainability, economic development, and the planning board.

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Gary is the immediate past president of the New Providence Lions Club and a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award recipient. He has also served as fundraising chair for the BSA Patriots' Path Council's Good Scout Award, founding member and past president of the New Providence Business Association, and board member of the Suburban Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he is a member of the Elks Lodge 1246 Summit NJ, William Paca Club New Providence NJ, and an honorary member of PBA Local 132 New Providence NJ.

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CWI.Design has participated in the Women's Association of Morristown Medical Center's Mansion in May since 2006. They also support the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation, where Rachel serves as a board member.