Bard College creates The Barbara Ess Fund for Artistic Expression in Photography
Annandale-On-Hudson, N.Y.— Bard College announces the creation of The Barbara Ess Fund for Artistic Expression in Photography.
This fund is made possible through a generous endowment from the Schwartz Family to honor their sister, Barbara Ess, a beloved teacher, colleague, mentor, artist, friend, and much-loved family member. The Barbara Ess Fund for Artistic Expression in Photography is an annual award that will cover the cost of course-related materials for a limited number of Bard College photography students on financial aid. Barbara’s sisters, Janet and Ellen believe Barbara would have loved this.
After joining the faculty at Bard in 1997 as a professor in the photography department, Barbara Ess committed herself to inspiring and encouraging her students to be the most interesting artists they could be. She shared her unique perspective and approach to photography and art in a way that connected with her students, demanding only that the work be honest, authentic, and thoughtful. Her students loved and respected her. Many of them have gone on to make impressive art and enjoy successful careers.
According to former student and Co-Chair in Photography at Bard MFA, Megan Plunkett, MFA ’17, “Barbara Ess was an artist of immense power and I continue to be amazed by all that she accomplished in her work. As a teacher, she was abuzz with ideas, energy, and experiments. She gave us the gift of being seen as artists, and the freedom to be ourselves in our studios. She changed so many of her student’s lives, mine very much included. It is my absolute pleasure to speak on behalf of the Barbara Ess Fund for Artistic Expression. In funding materials for photo students with financial need, Barbara’s frenetic, infectious joy for making will continue to thrive in new generations of Bard artists, something I know would bring her immense joy in return.”
Donations to the fund can be made online.
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New board members join Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
Sheffield— Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is pleased to announce four new members to its board of directors.
Karen Byers was the Managing Director and CFO of The John & Mary R. Markle Foundation, which undertook projects in information technology focused on health, national security, and the workforce. Karen also held leadership roles at the Theatre Communications Group and KPMG. Her volunteering includes a role as Treasurer of LJMN Media, Inc. Karen holds an M.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, an M.A. in Philosophy from Bryn Mawr College, and a B.A. in Philosophy, Magna Cum Laude, from Wheaton College.
Carol Flaton is a former financial advisor with expertise in restructuring, risk management, and governance. She currently serves as an independent director for companies undergoing transformation and has recently served on the boards of Hornblower, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Talen Energy Supply. Carol was a Managing Director at AlixPartners, specializing in restructurings and turnarounds. Prior to AlixPartners, she was a Managing Director at Lazard, where she advised debtors, creditors, and equity holders engaged in restructurings, debt exchanges, 363 sales, acquisitions, refinancings, and capital raises. Carol earned her B.S.B.A. from the University of Delaware and her M.B.A. from the IMD (International Institute of Management Development) in Switzerland. She is an elected member of the town’s Board of Finance and serves on the board of NCLC (Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy,) the state’s largest land trust.
Matthew King is a Senior Counsel for Google, where he works on a variety of strategic products and initiatives. Prior to Google, Matthew was an Associate in the Technology Transactions Group at Morrison & Foerster, a global law firm. He cares deeply about engagement and helping to support a thriving and sustainable community. He is involved in a variety of organizations with a focus on the arts, the environment, and LGBTQIA+ issues. Matthew earned his B.A. from Columbia University and his J.D. from the Fordham University School of Law.
Michael Obasohan, Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Pittsfield, has worked across higher education and local and state government sectors, focusing on racial justice and creating inclusive communities. He oversees the integration and development of Pittsfield’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department for staff, and he fosters strategic partnerships with local businesses to champion DEI for just outcomes for diverse communities. Michael was a leader in student life and academic affairs for over ten years at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams, serving as the Assistant Director of Diversity Programs & Multicultural Education and Associate Director of College Readiness and Success. Prior to that, he was an Academic Advisor at Berkshire Community College in the TRiO program that serves students of color, first-generation, and students with disabilities. Micheal also served as an elected City Councilor in North Adams and worked with Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and U.S. Department of Justice to bring the City-SPIRIT program to Berkshire County; creating a space for communities of color to participate in civic engagement. Michael earned an M.S. in Higher Education from Bay Path University, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Higher Education and Leadership from UMass Amherst, and a B.A. in Arts Management from MCLA. Michael’s consultancy work includes developing LGBTQIA+ and cultural competency training for local businesses and nonprofits throughout Berkshire County.
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Berkshire Museum welcomes new Chief Finance Officer
Pittsfield— The Berkshire Museum appoints Julia Marko as Chief Finance Officer.
Marko brings a wealth of experience, having most recently served as the Director of Finance and Operations at BART Charter Public School in Adams since July 2020. Prior to that, she was the Business Manager at the same institution from January 2017 to July 2020 and worked for several years in the Business Office of the Pittsfield Public Schools.
Marko joins the senior leadership team at Berkshire Museum during a pivotal time in its history as the museum prepares for a major renovation project later this year. Her extensive background in managing financial operations and strategic planning will be invaluable as the museum embarks on this transformative journey.
Marko’s role will involve leading and managing the museum’s finance and operations functions, including financial accounting, internal controls, facility operations, guest services, the gift shop, HR, IT, and overall operations. Her commitment to the museum’s goals as an inclusive, accessible, and diverse institution will be vital in fostering a successful and equitable organization.
For more information, visit www.berkshiremuseum.org.
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Lee Bank announces key promotions and internal reorganization
Lee— Lee Bank announces its comprehensive initiative to reimagine its Consumer Banking Division. This endeavor is designed to enhance customer experience and strengthen its brand identity by optimizing product offerings, improving delivery channels, and bolstering outreach; centering focus on exploring new ways to connect with customers and engage with the community.
Michelle “Shelly” Bombardier has been promoted to the position of Lee Branch Manager. With a combined 17 years of experience at Lee Bank, Bombardier brings a deep understanding of our customers’ needs and a strong local connection. Her ability to anticipate and problem solve will further strengthen our team’s ability to better foresee and support our customers’ needs.
Bombardier’s promotion follows the retirement of Lorita Trombly, who has dedicated 11 years to managing the Lee branch of Lee Bank, always with excellence and our customers in mind. After devoting over 40 years to the banking industry, Lorita looks forward to enjoying more time with her family and engaging in volunteer work during her well-earned retirement. Lorita’s positivity and smiling face in the branch will be missed. The Bank and customers alike thank Lorita for her many years of service to our community and wish her the very best in this new chapter.
Alison Brigham has been promoted to Vice President of Brand Experience and Community Impact. In Alison’s seven years at Lee Bank, her work has helped the Bank embody its core values. As processes and delivery channels are enhanced, she will ensure loyalty to the roots of the brand that has brought us where we are today. Additionally, Alison’s role involves showcasing community impact through the Lee Bank Foundation’s contributions. Alison serves on various boards including Link to Libraries, Flying Cloud Institute, New England Financial Marketing Association, EforAll, and the Finance Committee for the Town of Lenox.
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Berkshire Opera Festival announces naming of its artistic directorship
Berkshire— Berkshire Opera Festival (BOF) is pleased to announce the naming of its artistic directorship for William E. Briggs, in honor of his longstanding and transformative support of Berkshire Opera Festival.
Briggs, along with partner Donald Usher, has provided both financial and in-kind backing through the years that has been immensely beneficial to the company’s operations. Brian Garman, BOF’s William E. Briggs Artistic Director and Co-Founder, remarked, “We’re so very pleased to name this position for Bill Briggs, whose support has been absolutely critical to BOF’s success over the past decade. I am deeply humbled by his generosity, and delighted to count him and Don as friends.”
In response to this naming, Mr. Briggs commented, “I was intrigued by the idea of bringing opera back to the Berkshires, and very eager to support the vision of these two young entrepreneurs (Garman and co-founder Jonathon Loy.) As BOF continues to expand its programming to include more productions, educational initiatives, and community outreach, my hope is that many others will join me in financially supporting this exceptional organization.”
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Newsweek names Berkshire Bank one of ‘America’s Greatest Workplaces 2024’
Berkshire— Newsweek has named Berkshire Bank one of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2024. This is the second consecutive year Berkshire has been recognized for its industry-leading company culture, having been honored as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers by Forbes in 2023.
America’s Greatest Workplaces 2024 honorees were selected based on an independent study that included more than 1.5 million company reviews and 250,000 interviews on topics like culture, career progression, training, and senior management.
Berkshire Bank is committed to being a workplace of choice and creating an environment where all employees can reach their full potential by offering programs that include paid time off to volunteer, an employee assistance fund, rewards and recognition and professional development. Additional information on career opportunities with Berkshire Bank can be found at BerkshireBank.com/Careers.
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Greylock welcomed more than 170 youth and families for Youth Week 2024
Pittsfield— Greylock Federal Credit Union celebrated Youth Week 2024 with a kick-off event at its Community Empowerment Center and week-long festivities throughout all of its branches.
“For us at Greylock, we recognize and understand that financial wellness isn’t a one-and-done concept, but rather, a way of life that involves individuals of all ages. That’s why we were especially thrilled to welcome more than 170 young people and their families to our Youth Week 2024 event on Aug. 5th,” said Roberta McCulloch-Dews, vice-president of Marketing.
This year’s theme, the “Amazing Savings Race,” featured a map that included key financial wellness stops, including the benefits of a savings or checking account, the 50-30-20 rule, and the power of compound interest, among other things. Outside in the parking lot, guests enjoyed face painting, sand art activities, and games. Krispy Cones was on hand serving hot dogs and hamburgers and Operation Copsicle, led by the Pittsfield Police Department, shared refreshing treats.
Throughout the week, new and existing Greylock youth members, 17 and under, were invited to visit any of Greylock’s branches, which were also outfitted in race decorations to match the theme. Inside, youth members had an opportunity to meet with branch staff to perform transactions noted on their Amazing Savings Race map, enjoy free giveaways, enter a raffle for an Amazon Fire tablet (one winner per branch), and sign up for a new Youth Club CD special, available for that week only.
