Shaker Museum names Claudia Gould as new Executive Director
Chatham— After an extensive search, Shaker Museum has named Claudia Gould, renowned for her transformative tenure at the Jewish Museum, as its next Executive Director.
Gould is a dynamic leader with years of strategic experience at some of our nation’s most well-regarded cultural institutions, most recently the Jewish Museum in New York City. Throughout her career, she’s been a catalyst for curatorial risk-taking and visionary leadership—expanding audiences, generating new revenue streams, and pushing the boundaries of what museums can do, both curatorially and in the community. She has not only elevated the institutions she’s served but reimagined what’s possible for cultural organizations in changing times.
Gould’s appointment arrives as the museum commences the boldest evolution in its history: construction of a new flagship space by Selldorf Architects in downtown Chatham. Within the new space, there will be a renewed push to connect the Shaker legacy of design, egalitarianism, and community to today’s audiences, ensuring the collection’s relevance and resonance now and for the future.
“Shaker Museum occupies a unique role in the global cultural landscape. Its permanent collection of Shaker material continues to inspire and invite collaboration with artists and designers making work today; and its values of simplicity, equality, cooperation, and mindful-industry feel urgently contemporary,” Gould said. “I’m honored to join an institution poised to share the Shaker ethos in a facility that will both honor and expand their legacy.”
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Berkshire Museum welcomes Lori Eastman as new Chief Development Officer
Pittsfield— Berkshire Museum welcomes Lori Eastman as its new Chief Development Officer.
Eastman has spent her career at private liberal arts colleges, including the last 25 years at Skidmore College, which she also attended as an undergraduate. At Skidmore, she served as the Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff in the college’s Office of Advancement, where she acted as a frontline fundraiser, building relationships with donors and prospects, overseeing staff and teams engaged in fundraising, and managing larger fundraising projects. Before that, she spent ten years working at Bates College as a Director of Annual Giving, Special Gifts Officer, and an Assistant Director of Alumni Relations.
Eastman’s selection was the culmination of a competitive nationwide search. Berkshire Museum Executive Director Kim Bush Tomio said, ”The museum is thrilled to have Lori join our team. Her wealth of experience as a fundraiser, personal connection with the Berkshires, as well as support for our mission, were instrumental in our choice. We look forward to having her be a part of our community.”
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Berkshire Money Management promotes Natalie Wheeler to President and Chief Operating Officer
Dalton— Berkshire Money Management (BMM) announces the promotion of Natalie Wheeler to President and Chief Operating Officer.Â
Wheeler has served as BMM’s Chief Operating Officer since 2021, playing a key role in guiding the firm’s growth, culture, and client experience. In her expanded role, she will continue to lead the firm’s day-to-day operations while taking on additional strategic responsibilities, working closely with CEO Allen Harris and co-owner and Chief Engagement Officer Stacey Carver.
Known for turning ideas into action, Wheeler’s leadership touches every aspect of the business from compliance and HR to culture and client experience. “Natalie has been the quiet force behind so much of our success,” said Allen Harris, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Berkshire Money Management. “Her promotion to President is both a recognition of the leadership she’s already shown and a strategic move for the future of our firm. With Natalie in this role, I’m more confident than ever in where we’re headed—and in how we’ll get there.”
Before joining BMM, Wheeler spent nearly a decade as Director of Office Operations at another financial firm, where she earned a reputation as a savvy and effective leader. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and law enforcement from Southern Vermont College. She coaches youth sports and is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 29.
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BFAIR welcomes Kyle Malloy as Director of Information Technology
North Adams— Berkshire Family & Individual Resources (BFAIR) welcomes Kyle Malloy as the agency’s new Director of Information Technology.
With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Malloy brings a deep understanding of IT leadership and strategy, having previously served in key technology roles at a regional community service organization. His expertise spans technology infrastructure, systems management, and user-centered solutions.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kyle to the BFAIR leadership team,” said Ethel Altiery, Interim CEO. “As our programs expand, the need for strong and responsive IT systems has never been greater. Kyle’s experience and collaborative approach will be instrumental in driving innovation and supporting staff across all departments.”
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Elizabeth Freeman Center welcomes three new board members and promotes two staff leaders
Pittsfield— Elizabeth Freeman Center (EFC) welcomes four new members of its board of directors, Myla Franklin, Laurie Gallagher, Christine Macbeth, and Tess Sorrentino. Additionally, two long-time team members stepped into new leadership positions, Pamela Preston and Donna Larocque.Â
Currently the Community Lending Officer at Greylock Federal Credit Union, Franklin is a community leader and grassroots organizer with 10 years of experience in project management, advocacy, and relationship building. Gallagher, an attorney who served as senior counsel for 25 years for GE and Sabic, has served locally as interim CEO and Board Chair for Berkshire United Way and as a mentor at 18 Degrees. Macbeth has over 35 years of experience working in social services and health care agencies 15 of which were at the Brien Center where she served as President and Chief Executive Officer. Sorrentino is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Adams Community Bank. A 40 under 40 honoree, she is involved in many Berkshire nonprofits, and a past Volunteer of the Year for St. Vincent de Paul Parish and Unico of Pittsfield.
Preston, previously the Hotline and Physical Response Supervisor, will now oversee all of EFC’s client services as Program Manager, helping to coordinate and strengthen the daily operations of EFC’s programs. Larocque, a fixture in EFC’s award-winning Money School, who has guided countless survivors toward economic independence, has taken on the expanded role of Community Engagement, Economic Advocacy, and Housing Manager. She will lead all EFC’s housing and economic advocacy work.
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Berkshire United Way welcomes three new board membersÂ
Pittsfield— Berkshire United Way (BUW) welcomes community leaders Stephanie Ham, Jennifer Kerwood, and Bethany Kieley to its board of directors.
Ham is an assistant branch manager and digital banking guru for Adams Community Bank. She has nearly two decades of experience in retail banking. As a member of the bank’s Culture Committee and ACB Impact Committee, she has led the annual sock drive for Morris Elementary School as well as efforts to support POPCares, The AYJ Fund, and The Alzheimer’s Association.
Kieley is the CEO of Community Health Programs and has nearly two decades of leadership experience in the healthcare field. She once served as a table captain for a United Way Women United’s Power of the Purse event and has volunteered with a food pantry in Connecticut and Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut.
Kerwood is the Director of Philanthropy at Miss Hall’s School. She has almost 30 years of experience advancing the missions and fundraising for local organizations including Berkshire Community College and Berkshire United Way. Prior to her development career, she worked in Massachusetts government and politics, mostly campaigning with Jane Swift, the first woman to serve as governor of the Commonwealth. She is also an appointed member of the Board of Registrars of Voters in Pittsfield and formerly served as a director and treasurer on the board for Berkshire Arts and Technology (BART.)
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MCLA Athletics presents their 28th annual Golf Classic
North Adams— On Monday, September 8th, MCLA Athletics presents their 28th annual Golf Classic, a major fundraiser for the College’s Athletics Department, this year sponsored by MountainOne.
Since its inception, the event has raised more than $1M to support MCLA’s student-athletes. “We are so grateful to our sponsors and participants, both those who are dedicated longtime supporters and those who are new this year,” said MCLA Assistant Dean for Athletics & Recreation Laura Mooney. “Their generosity and contributions allow the department to make facility upgrades and to enhance the student-athlete experience through new uniforms, team gear, and specialized equipment purchases. These items directly impact the recruitment, retention, and success of our students and student-athletes.”
Each year, the tournament recognizes a deserving individual or business that has impacted MCLA Athletics. This year’s honoree is MCLA alumnus and former Board of Trustees member Jim Clemmer ’86, who also served as interim president of MCLA from 2015 to 2016. Clemmer is the president and CEO of AngioDynamics and has been a dedicated supporter of MCLA Athletics for decades.
The tournament is on Monday, September 8th at Waubeeka Golf Links, located at 137 New Ashford Road in Williamstown. The entry cost includes the 18-hole tournament, greens and cart fees, lunch, branded gifts, dinner, and more. On the day of the event, registration will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the tournament will begin at 11 a.m. To sign up or to become a sponsor, email taylor.woodward@mcla.edu, call 413-662-5001, or fill out the form at lnk.mcla.edu/golf2025.
