Berkshire Natural Resources Council promotes Nick Pitel to Director of Conservation
Lenox— Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Nick Pitel to Director of Conservation. Pitel succeeds Beth Mills, who retired at the end of 2024 after three years of dedicated service to land conservation at BNRC. Pitel will lead the organization’s conservation efforts across Berkshire County.
A lifelong explorer of nature, Pitel grew up in Otego, New York, where he developed a deep connection to the outdoors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in field biology from Paul Smith’s College and a master’s degree in forest ecology and management from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. His extensive professional background includes developing conservation plans for farm and forest landowners in western Massachusetts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and stewarding protected farmland for the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Pitel is also a licensed forester and previously worked with the Columbia Land Conservancy before joining BNRC in 2022.
“Nick is incredibly knowledgeable about forest ecology and agriculture,” said BNRC President Jenny Hansell. We are lucky that he came to us several years ago and learned the ins and outs of what we do, so now he can step seamlessly into the role. We have a lot of work to do in the coming years to protect critical land and habitat before it’s too late, and I’m so pleased that Nick will be leading us there.”
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Pittsfield Cooperative Bank hires Karen Sargent as Dalton Branch Manager
Pittsfield— Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) is pleased to announce the hiring of Karen Sargent as the new AVP/Branch Manager of its Dalton branch location. Sargent will oversee daily operations, mentor staff, and ensure the delivery of exceptional service to the bank’s valued customers.
With an impressive track record in banking and a deep commitment to community engagement, Sargent brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her new role. Sargent joins Pittsfield Cooperative Bank with more than fifteen years of experience in the financial services industry. Her expertise spans branch operations, customer relationship management, business banking, and team leadership at several regional institutions, including Adams Community, Berkshire, Citizens, and NBT Banks. A lifelong resident of Berkshire County, Sargent is deeply rooted in the community and has been actively involved in various local organizations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the Co-op Bank family,” said Dana Robb, VP, Retail Banking and Operations. “Her extensive experience, customer-focused approach, and passion for fostering community connections align perfectly with our mission. We are confident she will make a significant impact in the Dalton branch and beyond.”
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UCP of Western Massachusetts hires Justine Buckley as Director of Quality Compliance
Pittsfield— UCP of Western Massachusetts is excited to announce the addition of Justine Buckley as Director of Quality Compliance. Buckley will establish compliance procedures and develop organizational strategies to ensure that UCP continues to fulfill guidelines with all federal, state, and local regulations.
Buckley’s 14-year career in human services spans a wide range of experience, from implementing Positive Behavior Support systems to various supervisory roles. Previously, at The Arc of Opportunity in Fitchburg, Justine worked as the Division Director of Day Habilitation and Family Support. At Venture, she worked as a Direct Support Professional, Case Manager, Positive Behavior Support Coordinator, and Behavior Specialist.
This wide range of responsibilities has given Justine an impressive skill set as a team player, clear communicator, and effective leader. Her approach to quality and compliance is evidence-based and aims to achieve innovative solutions that result in positive outcomes. Justine received her B.A. in Psychology from UMass Amherst. She is a Certified Trainer of Proactive Approaches to Behavioral Challenges and a Certified Universal Positive Behavior Support Trainer.
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Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center hires Ally Nowak as Box Office Assistant
Great Barrington— The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center hires Ally Nowak as Box Office Assistant.
Nowak has a background in both performing and arts management and is excited to bring that experience and passion to the Mahaiwe. With a B.A. in Arts Management from the Hartt School of Music, she has worked with a variety of arts organizations, including Hartford Stage, Infinity Music Hall, College Street Music Hall, and Sofar Sounds in New York. She was previously a classical vocalist and continues to explore her love of music.
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100% of Berkshire Bank employees volunteered in their communities in 2024
Berkshire— Berkshire Bank employees achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024: 100% participation in the company’s award-winning volunteer program.
In all, employees completed more than 250 company-sponsored projects that totaled more than 11,500 hours of service across Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island, as well as thousands more hours volunteering as individuals in their hometown communities.
“Volunteering is a core part of our identity and values at Berkshire Bank,” said Lori Kiely, managing director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. “For more than 175 years, Berkshire Bank has been the partner our communities rely on to help provide an important safety net for those in need and create a better tomorrow.”
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Dalton Rotary Club supports local food pantries, fire departments and the Berkshire Humane Society
Dalton— Dalton Rotary Club closed out 2024 by awarding $3,550 in financial assistance to local food pantries, fire departments and the Berkshire Humane Society. The gifts were made possible by Dalton Rotary’s 2024 fundraising efforts, primarily through its annual golf tournament.
The club gave $750 each to the St. Agnes, Loaves & Fishes, and Hinsdale food pantries; $250 each to the Dalton, Hinsdale, Windsor, and Lanesborough fire departments; and $300 to the Berkshire Humane Society.
“Food security has become a significant issue for the Central Berkshire community and the Butternut Fire demonstrated the importance of supporting our fire departments,” said Michelle Pullano, Dalton Rotary president. “We’re happy to help these organizations that provide such essential services with donations made possible through the generosity of our tournament sponsors, especially Greylock Federal Credit Union, Pittsfield Co-op Bank, Lombardi, Clairmont & Keegan CPAs, and L.P. Adams Co.”
