Berkshire Pulse hires first executive director
Housatonic— Inspired by dramatic increases in community demand for its programming, Berkshire Pulse is delighted to announce that Abigail (Abi) Rollins will join the organization as its first-ever Executive Director.
Rollins will drive strategic and business planning as well as development, and will oversee day-to-day operations including finance, administration, and facility operations. Rollins will partner with Founder and Artistic Director, Bettina Montano, who will increase her focus on leading Pulse’s mission and artistic vision, curriculum development, and continuing standards of excellence in programming and performance.
Rollins joins Berkshire Pulse from Berkshire Opera Festival, where she has served as Executive Director since 2019. She moved to the Berkshires from Boston, where she held the positions of General Manager and later Managing Director of Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, for a total of nine years. She honed her many skills in arts administration, through positions at Trisha Brown Dance Company, Lyric Stage Company, and Boston Ballet, among others. She has an MA in Arts Administration from Boston University, and a double-major undergraduate degree in Dance and Psychology from Kenyon College.
***
Berkshire HorseWorks expands board of directors with addition of Erin Seagrave, Director of Academic Operations at Berkshire Community College
Richmond— Berkshire HorseWorks, Inc. welcomes new board member Erin Seagrave, Director Of Academic Operations at Berkshire Community College.
In her current role as Director of Academic Operations for BCC, Erin serves as the administrative lead for academic and curricular requirements for students, as well as assists in the development, refinement, and implementation of assessment of general education course distributions and core competencies for the school. Prior to her work at BCC, Erin developed deep roots in the education space as an academic learning specialist, director of retention and student success, coordinator of student outreach, learning and development coordinator, and as an academic advisor.
“We are heavily recruiting to fill key spots on our board of directors as we look to secure funding for programs for those with mental health and literacy needs as well as identify critical collaborations to expand BHW’s presence in all Berkshire County. As we celebrate our 10th Year Anniversary and prepare for our Gala on September 20th, Erin’s vibrancy, creativity, and organizational skills will be invaluable in creating structure around BHW’s strategic plan for the next decade,” stated Executive Director, Hayley Sumner.
***
MountainOne announces officer promotions
North Adams— MountainOne is pleased to announce the promotion of several exceptional employees, also referred to as “Mountaineers,” to new positions, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, and impactful contributions to the company.
Betsy Kapner has been promoted to Vice President, Marketing Manager. Betsy joined MountainOne in July 2013, and recently celebrated her 10 year anniversary. Betsy has deep knowledge and expertise in marketing compliance requirements. She demonstrates an ongoing commitment to professional development, and excels at meeting deadlines, collaborating effectively with colleagues, and contributing meaningfully to every project. Betsy’s expertise and team-oriented approach make her invaluable to her team and to MountainOne.
Jessica Andrews has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Deposit Compliance and Fraud Administration Officer at MountainOne Bank. Since joining in 2005, Jessica has developed a deep understanding of the deposit compliance environment and helps lead the administration of the bank’s Fraud Reporting Platform. Her involvement in compliance projects demonstrates her leadership and commitment to MountainOne’s Core Commitment of Regulatory Accountability. This new role is a fitting tribute to her ongoing efforts and success.
Lisa Mineau has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Senior Human Resources Operations Officer at MountainOne. Over her 43-year career, Lisa has adapted to change and taken on increasingly significant responsibilities. She started as a teller at North Adams Hoosac Savings Bank and then as a Customer Service Representative in Community Banking before finding her passion in Human Resources in 2002. Lisa’s recently enhanced role includes oversight of payroll, benefits, and personnel administration. Lisa’s high integrity, energy, and multitasking skills make her a valuable asset to the HR team.
***
Boyd Biomedical appoints Michael Fallone as Vice President of Launch by Boyd
Lee— Michael Fallone has joined Boyd Biomedical as Vice President of Launch by Boyd. In his new role, Fallone is responsible for the division Launch by Boyd, a full-service brand and marketing agency for biomedical companies. He has joined the Company’s Senior Leadership Team and reports to the Chief Commercial Officer.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for Boyd Biomedical as the Company is accelerating its strategic growth plan. Chief Executive Officer Stephen Boyd said “Our growth is accelerating because of the investments we continue to make in our people and capabilities. Michael brings a wealth of experience and critical leadership to our team and our Launch by Boyd agency.”
Fallone is a well-known marketing executive and creative leader with over thirty years of experience and a proven history of professional success. Before joining Boyd Biomedical, Michael was Head of Marketing at aptihealth. Previously, he was Chief Creative Office and Principal of id29, a premier brand strategy, marketing, and design agency in upstate New York. He has a demonstrated ability to develop business strategy, brand strategy, marketing strategy, and successful marketing communications initiatives for global brands, including PUMA, Steve Case, Scholastic, PUMA Golf, Microsoft, SI Group, Pioneer Bank, Cobra Golf, Hasbro, and Universal Music.
***
MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board elects new board officers and celebrates FY24 accomplishments at its annual Board Meeting
Berkshire— The Board of Directors of the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board (BWB) convened virtually at its annual board meeting on June 6th to discuss workforce strategies and reflect on the successes of the past year.
The BWB recognized the following individuals for their tireless commitment toward enhancing the region’s skilled workforce:
- Monique Blake, Miraval Resort – Board Member of the Year.
- Kristina Farina, Monument Mt. Regional High School – Educator of the Year
- Chelsea Tyer and Glen Reinhold, Mativ – Manufacturer of the Year
In FY24, the BWB provided over 3,000 youth in grades K-12 with an array of career awareness, exploration and immersion experiences, worked with 800 Berkshire County businesses in supporting their workforce needs, and implemented 11 Modified and seven Certified Nursing Assistant training programs for 142 individuals embarking on a career in the Healthcare sector.
The following individuals were elected as board officer:
- David Moresi, Moresi & Associates – President/Chairperson
- Michael Taylor, City of Pittsfield – Vice President
- Christopher Smith, Hillcrest Educational Centers – Vice President
- James Brosnan, Northern Berkshire Vocational School District – Treasurer
- Beth Petropulos, MountainOne – Assistant Treasurer
- Bryan House, 18 Degrees, Doug McNally, FrostHollow Associates – Youth Council Co-Chairs
- Chelsea Tyer, Mativ/Neenah – Secretary
- Albert Ingegni, Salisbury Estate – At-Large
BWB staff and Board Members recognized outgoing Chair, Eva Sheridan, for her steadfast and strong leadership the past eight years.
Additional programs, services and accomplishments can be found at www.masshireberkshire.com.
***
FEN has opened a new location in Great Barrington
Great Barrington— FEN, a bespoke tailoring brand committed to traditional tailoring techniques and materials, has opened a new location at 3 Railroad Street in Great Barrington.
Siân Jones, the founder of FEN, is a classically trained tailor with a decade of experience making luxury clothes for London’s most reputable tailors. After receiving a 1st Class Honours degree from the London College of Fashion, she worked on Savile Row tailoring for elite clients. FEN came to fruition when Siân moved to the US, realizing she could offer the quality of British tailoring with a fresh and free perspective.
Founded in 2022, FEN’s philosophy is to create luxury garments suited to each client, moving beyond the trends of the moment. The shop will be a space for customers to book appointments for custom clothing, alteration enquiries, and browse the beautifully curated shelves for quality ready-made clothing and decor.
***
Local ‘Battle of the Bartenders’ event raises $8500 for BFAIR
North Adams— On Thursday, May 30th, the Berkshire Realtor’s community along with other industry experts, and BFAIR supporters, staff, and board members, gathered for “Battle of the Bartenders” at 413 Bistro & Tap Room to raise money for BFAIR.
The competition was fierce with six teams competing every thirty minutes from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. After an intense evening of shaking, stirring, and pouring, the event was more than just a competition — it was a celebration of community and generosity.
Thanks to the overwhelming support from attendees and participants, the event raised an impressive $8524 for BFAIR.
The results are as follows:
- 1st Place: Boozy Brokers – $2036
- 2nd Place: Thirst Things Thirst – $1678
- 3rd Place: The Cocktail Closers – $1855
- 4th Place: Shakin’ Things Up – $1502
- 5th Place: The Fantastic Pour – $1063
- 6th Place: Rum Slingers – $389
CEO of BFAIR Rich Weisenflue expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “We are incredibly thankful to Berkshire REALTORS for selecting BFAIR and everyone who participated in and attended the Battle of the Bartenders. Combining an evening of fun with incredible generosity is a win-win in my book. The funds raised will make a difference in our efforts to support people with disabilities by promoting independence, creating accessibility, and enhancing resources for over 400 program participants and residents served by BFAIR in Berkshire, Hampden, and Hampshire County.”
***
Berkshire Community College faculty members win prestigious award
Pittsfield— Laurie Vilord and Marsha Estabrook-Adams, two Berkshire Community College (BCC) adjunct faculty members in the Business & Computer Information Systems department, have been awarded a prestigious Health Information Management (HIM) Team Excellence Award from the Massachusetts Health Information Management Association (MaHIMA).
HIM Team Excellence Awards recognize outstanding efforts by a department or team in meeting the challenges of the ever-changing HIM environment through a new process or technique. Awards are given in three categories: Best Practice, Financial Impact, and Collaboration.
Vilord and Estabrook-Adams are receiving the award in the Collaboration category for instilling their “time, effort and passion” into building the Medical Coding/HIM certificate program at BCC and for securing professional certification for the program through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP).
“I graduated from both the Medical Coding and Health Information Management certificate programs at BCC nine years ago and have enjoyed a successful career as an inpatient medical coder at a VA hospital,” Vilord said. “Working with Marsha to bring the PCAP certification to these programs represents a culmination beyond our AHIMA credentials. These programs offer great job opportunities in STEM careers for Berkshire county residents.”
***
Berkshire Community College’s Linda Clairmont wins public service award
Pittsfield— Linda Clairmont (formally Tyer,) Executive Director of Workforce Development & Community Education at Berkshire Community College (BCC), has received the Canon Brian S. Kelley Public Service Award from the Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA).
Clairmont, who served as mayor of Pittsfield for eight years before joining the College in early February of this year, joined fellow award winners Thomas Koch, mayor of Quincy, and Robert Sullivan, mayor of Brockton. The three were recognized for being “steadfast in their commitment to ending homelessness.”
During her tenure as mayor, Clairmont sought to find effective ways to support those experiencing chronic homelessness, often partnering with social services agencies in the Berkshires.
Clairmont served as an elected official for nearly 20 years. Before being elected mayor of Pittsfield in 2016, she served as city clerk from 2009-2016 and as city councilor for Ward 3 from 2004-2009. She is a graduate of Bay Path Junior College in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
***
Construct announces 2024 annual meeting date
Great Barrington— Construct will hold its 2024 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 26th from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at The Egremont Barn located at 17 Main Street in South Egremont.
“The annual meeting is an important event for Construct, serving as our one public meeting of the year,” emphasized Jane Ralph, Construct’s Executive Director. “Given the pressing need for affordable housing in the southern Berkshires and the innovative approaches Construct is implementing, we are eager to provide an opportunity for anyone interested to gain deeper insights.”
All interested south Berkshire residents are welcome to attend to learn about Construct’s recent accomplishments and get a preview of what’s in store for the year ahead. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is free and open to the public. To register, email ldavis@constructberkshires.org.
