Berkshire Health Systems Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Charles Redd named Massachusetts’ ‘Community Star’ on National Rural Health Day
Pittsfield— Berkshire Health Systems proudly announces that Charles Redd, MS, RN, BHS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer has been named the Massachusetts 2025 “Community Star.”
This honor is awarded by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) to recognize outstanding contributions to rural health care.
On November 20th, Redd, a Registered Nurse who has led innovative programs designed to improve access to care in the rural Berkshires, will be featured prominently on the official National Rural Health Day website. This online platform will highlight Redd’s remarkable dedication to rural health alongside other Community Stars from across the nation. To learn more about National Rural Health Day and to read the stories of this year’s Community Stars, visit PowerOfRural.org.
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Construct awarded $750,000 through the Underutilized Properties Program, part of the Commonwealth’s Community One Stop for Growth initiative
Great Barrington— Construct, a South Berkshire County nonprofit providing affordable housing and support services, has been awarded $750,000 through the Underutilized Properties Program, part of the Commonwealth’s Community One Stop for Growth initiative.
The funds will support Cassilis Farm, Construct’s planned development in New Marlborough that will transform a long-vacant property into much-needed housing for working families and individuals. The $750,000 award to Construct will fund development costs needed to transform Cassilis Farm into 11 modern, energy-efficient apartments for low income households. Once completed, the project will expand the availability of workforce housing in southern Berkshire County, where demand far exceeds supply.
“We are so grateful for this program,” said Construct’s Director of Operations, Hillary Howard. “Cassilis Farm has stood empty for years. With this investment, we can bring it back into use as housing for people who need it most.”
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Greylock Insurance Agency awards $20,000 to Berkshire County Kids’ Place
Pittsfield— On November 5th, Lori Goodell, Senior Vice President of Greylock Insurance Agency, presented a $20,000 check to Berkshire County Kids’ Place at the 20th anniversary celebration of Arbella Insurance Foundation, who funded the grant.
In 2025, regional nonprofits faced heightened financial pressure, with many experiencing budget shortfalls and rising demand for services. The Arbella Insurance Foundation’s 20th anniversary initiative provides both funding and awareness to help address these challenges and celebrate organizations that are committed to making a lasting difference.
“Berkshire County Kids’ Place helps children and families who are suffering from abuse and trauma. It’s a place of support and healing, close to all necessary support services, but also set apart so that people can feel safe, welcome, and at peace. It’s wonderful to see their efforts recognized with this grant from Arbella, which will help support their vital work,” said Goodell.
Arbella reported that “Greylock Insurance Agency was selected for this grant based on its outstanding impact and proven commitment to the community. The organization consistently delivers meaningful programs and services that improve the lives of those it serves, with results supported by both measurable outcomes and compelling stories from the community.”
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MountainOne appoints Brett Brbovic as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Steve Owens, who has announced his retirement
North Adams— MountainOne announced the appointment of Brett Brbovic as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, joining the leadership team operating from the company’s headquarters in North Adams.
In his capacity as Chief Financial Officer, Brbovic oversees MountainOne’s financial strategy, operational efficiency, and balance sheet risk management. Reporting directly to President and CEO Robert Fraser, he works closely with other senior leaders to align financial and operational goals with the organization’s strategic vision.
Brbovic joins MountainOne with more than 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. His career spans leadership roles in accounting, financial strategy, and executive management, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Berkshire Bank and its parent company, Berkshire Hills Bancorp. He is a graduate of Western New England University with a Master of Science in Accounting.
Brbovic succeeds Steve Owens, who has announced his retirement from MountainOne following a distinguished 14-year tenure as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Information Officer. Owens’ departure coincides with the recently announced parent company merger between MountainOne Financial, MHC, and Mechanics Bancorp, MHC, slated for completion on January 1st. Owens will continue in his roles as COO and CIO through completion of the merger.
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Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity announces 2025–2026 board officers
Pittsfield— Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity announced its 2025–2026 Board of Directors and newly appointed officers who will help guide the organization’s mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. The 2025–2026 Board of Directors includes:
- Christopher Moon, President — Retired, Greylock Federal Credit Union
- Brandy McKie, Vice President — Lee Bank
- Lou Coelho, Treasurer — Retired, General Dynamics
- Maggie Steele, Clerk — Berkshire Head Start
- Stacey Carver, Director — Berkshire Money Management
- Clifford Harewood, Director — Berkshire Health Systems
- Jon Kellogg, Director — Hillcrest Educational Centers
- Vicky May, Director — Brien Center
- Kaci Nowicki, Director — Greylock Federal Credit Union
- Brenda Petell, Director — MountainOne
- Peter Samsel, Director / Building Committee Chair — Retired, General Dynamics• Cate Tower, Director — Retired, Berkshire Meadows
Lou Coelho, Treasurer. Courtesy Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity.
“We are deeply grateful for the dedication and expertise of our volunteer Board members. Their leadership ensures that Habitat continues to expand opportunities for safe, affordable homeownership throughout the Berkshires,” said Carolyn Valli, CEO at Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity. “We also want to extend our gratitude to outgoing Rebecca Rice of Blueprint Properties as she concludes her term as President. Rebecca’s leadership, thoughtful management experience, and incredible can-do attitude strengthened CBHFH during a time of growth and transformation. Her commitment to our mission and community has left a lasting impact, and we are profoundly thankful for her contributions.”
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Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion & Museum receives $48,000 matching Destination Development grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
Lenox— Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion & Museum has received a matching Destination Development grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism for $48,000.
These much needed funds will be used for the restoration of the salon including the parquet floor with the Greek Key inlaid border, as well as restoring Sarah Morgan’s 1895 Rosewood Steinway piano, and plaster restoration materials and training so our staff and volunteers can do the work in-house.
“In order to increase Ventfort Hall’s program and event space to accommodate our expanding audience, we need to restore the floor of the Salon, a focal point of the main floor of the mansion, to return it to its historic beauty and enable us to use it for public programs. The Salon floor has deteriorated to the point that it can be safely open to the public on only a limited basis,” said Executive Director for Ventfort Hall, Wendy Healey. “Once restored to its original distinctive parquet design and reinforced, the Salon, together with the adjoining Library, will accommodate 150 to 200 people, becoming our largest event space.”
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Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center receives grant to support equitable access to local arts and Culture from Avangrid Foundation
Great Barrington— The Avangrid Foundation, the primary philanthropic arm of Berkshire Gas’s parent company Avangrid, Inc., has deepened its commitment to the Berkshires through its most recent grant to the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center.
The $10,000 grant includes, for the third consecutive year, $7,500 to reach children and families through the Mahaiwe’s Performing Arts Education and Community Engagement Programs. The donation also includes a $2,500 challenge grant to underwrite free and deeply discounted tickets to the Mahaiwe for individuals who are not able to pay the full cost of admission.
The Avangrid Foundation grant, designated to support the more than 7,000 free and steeply discounted tickets the Mahaiwe offers each year, will be invested through the Mahaiwe’s Leonhardt Community Access Fund, created in 2023 by the Leonhardt family and the Frederick H. Leonhardt Fund of the New York Community Trust.
“The Leonhardt Community Access Fund exists to make the arts accessible to as many community members as possible, so I am thrilled that – in the last year alone – more than 7,000 people were able to attend a Mahaiwe event for free or receive a discount on their tickets,” says Melissa Leonhardt.
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Berkshire Medical Center earns another ‘A’ hospital safety grade from Leapfrog Group
Pittsfield— Berkshire Medical Center earned a new “A” Hospital Safety Grade for the fall of 2025 from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety.
Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. BMC also received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade earlier this year for the spring period.
“The care and safety of our patients is paramount at Berkshire Medical Center,” said Tejas Ghandi, BMC Chief Operating Officer. “This new ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade reflects the ongoing commitment of our providers and staff to strive for nothing but excellence in serving our Berkshire community.”
