LINKsmart > About Us

Debra Taylor Blair, President

Deb oversees the day to day operations at LINK and manages LINK's strategic initiatives. Prior to founding LINK, Debra worked as an Administrative Assistant in various real estate offices while working her way through the Co-Op program at Northeastern University. In 1987, her senior year, Deb founded LINK in Boston. She has since taken the company through a series of transitions: from a hard copy paper distributed report, to one of the first listing services to integrate public records and floor plans, to the current user friendly .NET Web Application. In 2007, Deb and her team launched LINK Nantucket, followed by LINK Martha's Vineyard in 2008. In addition to her Software As A Service (SAAS) company, Deb started the LINK Guest Lecture Series in 2006, a speaker series that features industry experts on a variety of topics. The proceeds from the LINK Guest Lecture Series are donated to a local non-profit organizations. She is a member of Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council and currently serves on two start up Business Advisory Boards. Debra is married to Charles Blair and has two children, Taylor and Tristan. In her spare time, she enjoys open water swimming, sailing and Bikram Yoga. Debra received her BS in economics from Northeastern University and recently completed the Harvard Business School Owner President Management Program.

Lara Thompson, Controller

Lara is responsible for the daily accounting operations and Human Resources for LINK. She collects the receivables, processes the payables, resolves client billing issues and assists employees with their benefits. Prior to working for LINK, Lara worked as a freelance accountant. She managed customer accounts and the general ledger function of three businesses. During this time, she also took on projects such as preparing client tax returns, developing client business plans and compiling INS documents and supporting paperwork for residency and naturalization. In addition to these accomplishments, she received her MA Real Estate license in 2004. She began her career working as a staff accountant for a UK based tour operator in downtown Boston. Lara received her BS in accounting from Murray State University in Kentucky. Lara is married and has three lovely children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending it with her family and listening to her children and her husband talk about their day.

Susan Hernon, Office Manager

Susan is responsible for Data Administration and Office Management at LINK. Her strong data management skills are reflected in LINK's accurate data display and dissemination. Prior to working at LINK, Susan worked at Comdisco as an Office Manager overseeing daily operations and a staff of thirty. Susan resides north of Boston and enjoys reading and traveling in her spare time. She is married and has two grown children.

Attila Delisle, Senior Developer

Attila is responsible for software development, the compilation of LINK statistics and custom reports. He attended the University of Maine, where he studied Political Science, Computer Science, and Philosophy. Attila joined LINK as a Technical Support Specialists in October of 2000 after developing reservation software for the Edgartown Harbormaster's Department. He currently lives in South Portland, Maine with his wife Jessica and son Rigel.

Eleanor Wilson, Operations and Client Services

Eleanor is responsible for operational oversight of LINK's Client Services Department, including Technical Support, Training and Data Administration for LINK Martha's Vineyard and LINK Nantucket. Prior to LINK, Eleanor was a regional sales manager and loan originator on the Cape and Islands for Sentry Bank. Eleanor received her BS in Health Administration from Ithaca College with Minors in Business, English and Psychology. Eleanor and her husband Bruce moved to Martha's Vineyard for a "short" stay in 1987...that stay has lasted over 23 years. They have two children and are actively involved in community initiatives on Martha's Vineyard.

Richard Stroupe, Advisor

Richard is a Washington DC based entrepreneur, investor and advisor with more than 12 years of diverse experience in supporting mission-critical application development for the U.S. Federal Government. He is currently the founder and managing principal of Crimson Holdings, LLC and investing member of Blu Venture Investors, LLC. Richard was the previous founder and CEO of TRS Consulting Inc, which was acquired by NCI Information Systems Inc in July 2009. Richard also served as Sr. Vice President and General Manager for NCI after the acquisition. Prior to TRS/NCI, Richard delivered software development and database administration support at companies, such as Oracle Corporation, BAE Systems, and SAIC. In addition to his duties, Richard also serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Adjunct Professor at The George Washington University and as a member of the board of advisors of the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University and the National Advisory Council for the School of Engineering and Applied Science at The George Washington University. Richard holds a BS in Computer Information Systems from Appalachian State University and an MS in Engineering Management from The George Washington University. In addition, he is a graduate of numerous executive education programs, including The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and The Owner/President Management (OPM) program from Harvard Business School.

Richard has been working with LINK since 2010. His insight into software and business development has been invaluable. We look forward to a continued relationship with Richard and to welcoming other members to our advisory board in the coming years.