Hudson Hall names Adam Weinert as new Executive Director
Hudson, N.Y.— The Board of Directors of Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House is thrilled to announce the appointment of Adam Weinert as its new Executive Director. Weinert succeeds longtime Executive Director Tambra Dillon, who announced her plans to step down earlier this year after 13 years of transformative leadership.
Weinert is a respected cultural leader and accomplished choreographer with a longstanding relationship with Hudson Hall and deep ties to the local community. Weinert will step into the role full time in the fall, following a transition period over the summer. Weinert brings both academic rigor and hands-on experience as an artist to the role. He is a graduate of The Juilliard School and holds an M.A. from New York University’s Gallatin School. A Bessie Award Honoree, Weinert has received numerous accolades for his work exploring the intersection of performance, place, and community.
He previously served as Artistic Associate at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, where he programmed residencies and public events, cultivated artist relationships, and supported strategic development efforts. He is the Executive Director of the Hudson Sloop Club, has served as Chair of the Hudson Arts Coalition, and previously served as COO of the Tiger House boutique hotel in Hudson. In 2020, he founded Jacob’s Garden, a working farm and public art project on the grounds of Jacob’s Pillow.
As Weinert prepares to step into the role full-time, current Executive Director Tambra Dillon is working closely with him and the Board to ensure a smooth transition. “It’s been my honor to serve this extraordinary institution and community,” said Dillon. “I’ve known Adam as both an artist and a collaborator for many years, and I’m confident that under his leadership Hudson Hall will continue to thrive as a beacon for the arts in the Hudson Valley.”
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Berkshire United Way appoints Katherine von Haefen as Interim President and CEO
Pittsfield— The Berkshire United Way (BUW) Board of Directors has appointed Katherine von Haefen, the organization’s Director of Community Impact, as Interim President and CEO. She assumes this position following the departure of Tom Bernard.
Katherine joined BUW as director of Community Impact in October 2021. She came to BUW following a 20-plus year career at United Way of Greater Houston, where she served as mission and strategy manager, and provided strategic leadership for United Way Bright Beginnings, a comprehensive early childhood improvement initiative, and Houston’s Kids, a citywide after-school collaboration. She also was the lead public policy advocate. Before moving to Texas, Katherine worked with the Massachusetts Department of Children & Family Services and with a domestic violence organization in London, England. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and a master’s in social work from the University of Houston. She serves on the City of Pittsfield’s Preschool Partnership Leadership Committee, the MA Early Childhood Funders Collaborative Steering Committee, and is on the board of the Berkshire Area Health Education Center.
Passionate about working with nonprofits and helping to activate positive systems change for vulnerable members of our community, she said, “Half of the people in our county work full time or more and still struggle to make ends meet,” notes von Haefen. “I look forward to collaborating with our board, staff and community partners to implement solutions that really move the needle.”
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Berkshire Community College announces staffing updates
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of two new staff members and two promotions.
Akinyemi Blackshear joins BCC as assistant director of marketing and communications. Blackshear holds a bachelor of fine arts in dance from the University of North Carolina. Most recently, they served as marketing operations manager at Theory Wellness and as manager of social media accounts for the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. They previously interned at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, an experience that launched an eight-year career in marketing.
Matthew Kenny joins BCC as Dean of Science and Business. He brings 25 years of experience as a professor of biological sciences and as program coordinator and division chair of massage therapy at Columbia-Greene Community College in Hudson, N.Y. Kenny has a strong background in program assessment, curriculum development, faculty mentorship, community partnerships and evidence-based teaching and learning practices. His leadership with Achieving the Dream (ATD) at Columbia-Greene reflects his ability to build collaboration and drive student-focused, equity-centered work.
Addie VanDeurzen has been promoted to senior manager, Bridge to College. She had been the CTE Linkage and Concurrent Enrollment coordinator since joining BCC in October 2013. Judith Weiner has been promoted to program manager, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at BCC. She had been Administrative Assistant I for OLLI since joining BCC in March 2022.
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Adams Community Bank announces the promotion of Taylor Gibeau as AVP Treasury Management Officer
Adams— Adams Community Bank (ACB) is pleased to announce the formation of a new Treasury Management Department. As part of this expansion, the Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Taylor Gibeau to the AVP Treasury Management Officer role.
Gibeau has been integral to the bank’s team for eight years, gaining treasury management and client relations experience in her previous roles. Her deep understanding of businesses’ needs and her consultative approach make her uniquely suited to lead this department.
“We’re excited to launch our Treasury Management Department,” said Julie Fallon Hughes, ACB President and CEO. “With Taylor’s leadership and industry knowledge, she will thrive in her new position and play a vital role in shaping the department’s success.”
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Berkshire Bank Foundation invests nearly $400,000 in local nonprofits
Pittsfield— Berkshire Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Berkshire Bank, invested nearly $400,000 in communities through grants and other giving in the second quarter of the year, including several Berkshire County organizations, including:
- Berkshire County Arc Inc.
- Community Access to the Arts Inc.
- Berkshire County Regional Employment Board
- Fairview Hospital
- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Foundation Inc.
“We’re committed to building a future where every community has the tools it needs to thrive,” said Lori Kiely, managing director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. “These investments reflect our belief in the power of local nonprofits to drive meaningful, lasting change.”
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Pittsfield ‘Let It Shine!’ Public Art Partnership selects artist Carly Holmes to co-create a new mural on the Intermodal Center
Pittsfield— The Pittsfield Let It Shine! Public Art Partnership has selected artist Carly Holmes to co-create a new mural to be located at the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Intermodal Center located at 1 Columbus Avenue in Pittsfield.
Holmes is the City of Pittsfield’s inaugural artist-in-residence, working out of studio space in the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts. Holmes will work alongside mentor artist, Jesse Tobin McCauley, to develop and execute a 20 foot by six foot mural.
This mural opportunity is intended to foster the next generation of mural artists in the City of Pittsfield. A $2,000 stipend will be awarded to the artist, and supplies will be provided by the Let It Shine! Public Art Partnership.
The mural will debut at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the August 1st First Fridays at Five in downtown Pittsfield.
