The Crandell appoints Mirissa Neff as Executive Director
Chatham, N.Y.— The Crandell Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mirissa Neff, former board member and VP of Programming, as the theater’s new Executive Director.
Neff, a journalist and filmmaker with decades of experience telling human stories through the lens of art and culture, is deeply knowledgeable about all aspects of the film industry. She joined the Crandell Board of Directors in January 2024 after having founded Crandell Kid Flicks, the theater’s popular weekend matinee series of family-friendly films featuring educational programming and activities.
Neff’s experience in public media began when she appeared as a child on “Sesame Street” and she has worked as a producer and correspondent for the PBS shows “Sound Tracks” and “Quick Hits.” She has reported for public radio programs including Studio 360 on WNYC and PRI’s The World, and was commissioned by PBS to complete a survey and audio history of iconic civil rights era photography. Her directing debut, the feature documentary “This Is National Wake,” was produced in association with ITVS and XTR, and has won awards at film festivals around the world.
“The Crandell will be excellently positioned, under her leadership, to explore and present amazing film and non-film programming in our newly renovated theatre,” says President John Lillis. “We cannot believe our luck in having this wonderful opportunity to have Mirissa lead the Crandell into its next chapter.”
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Kara Mikulich named President of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
Note: This is a condensed version of a longer press release written by Jenn Frederick.
Sheffield— The board of directors of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) has unanimously appointed Kara Mikulich as president. Mikulich has served as interim president since September 2024.
Mikulich brings more than 30 years of leadership in national service, grassroots organizing, and philanthropic strategy. Her career has spanned legal advocacy in Chicago, public school reform in New Orleans, and national service leadership in 25 cities across the U.S.—all unified by a belief in equity and the power of community-led change.
Mikulich previously served as vice president of strategy and development at Public Allies, a national service organization that prepares young adults for careers in public service. There, she led national fundraising, built a strong development team, and mentored local leaders to diversify support across 25 cities. Her earlier roles include program officer at the Joyce Foundation in Chicago, director of the Jesuit Grants Collaborative in New Orleans, and regional development director at Single Stop USA, where she supported students at community colleges in the Gulf South. She began her career as a staff attorney at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago, representing low-income clients in public benefits appeals and contributing research to a landmark class action suit defending access to care for women and children.
Mikulich holds a law degree from Stanford Law School, where she focused on social change lawyering and served as associate editor of the Stanford Law Review, and a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross, where she graduated magna cum laude, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and received a Fulbright Fellowship.
In her role as interim president, Mikulich oversaw the foundation’s operations and was team leader for 20 staff. She gave new momentum to the foundation’s strategic focus on economic opportunity with the launch of BTCF Guaranteed Income for Columbia County. Since her tenure began as chief philanthropy officer in 2018, she has led a six-person team to raise $95 million over five years, doubled the number of new funds, and increased annual giving by 80%. These expansive increases took place through the difficult pandemic years when so many nonprofits struggled to maintain organizational momentum.
“Kara leads with integrity, deep philanthropic expertise, and an unwavering commitment to community,” said Dave Offensend, chair of the BTCF board. “The board is confident that she will lead BTCF through the opportunities and challenges ahead with vision, clarity, and care.”
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Barrington Stage Company announces Greg Reiner as our new Managing Director
Pittsfield— Barrington Stage Company’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce Greg Reiner as the company’s new Managing Director. Reiner most recently served as Director of Theater and Musical Theater at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
Greg Reiner is a nationally recognized arts leader with over two decades of experience advancing the nonprofit theater sector through strategic leadership, public service, and cultural advocacy. From 2015 to 2025, he served as the Director of Theater and Musical Theater at the National Endowment for the Arts, where he oversaw a $6.2 million grantmaking portfolio and represented the agency to the national theater community. At the NEA, Reiner launched critical initiatives including the High School Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge, and landmark convenings on Theater for Young Audiences, accessibility, and post-pandemic recovery.
Previously, Reiner held executive leadership roles at some of the nation’s most dynamic theater companies. As Executive Director of Classic Stage Company, he led the organization’s largest-ever fundraising campaign and expanded its education and accessibility programs. At Tectonic Theater Project, he built the company’s administrative infrastructure and spearheaded high-impact national projects including the global launch of “The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later.” His tenure at The Actors’ Gang saw significant growth in revenue, national and international touring, and the establishment of a robust education program. He began his management career at Shakespeare Festival/LA, where he led the expansion of its nationally recognized education programs and secured its first permanent facility.
Reiner is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University and an alumnus of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders in the Arts. He was selected for the National Arts Strategies Chief Executive Program and has served on multiple arts advisory panels and boards. Passionate about the role of theater in civil society, Reiner brings a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and community engagement across all of his work.
“As Tectonic Theater Project’s first Executive Director, Greg was a transformative leader for our organization, and I can’t wait to see what his visionary leadership brings to Barrington Stage Company,” stated Tectonic Theater Project Artistic Director Moisés Kaufman. “He is a brilliant thought partner and collaborator, and always manages to make me smile when we’re in the same room together. I congratulate Barrington Stage Company on this perfect choice to partner with Alan Paul as their next Managing Director.”
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Pittsfield Co-op promotes Alexarey Overbaugh to Assistant Branch Manager of Williams Street branch office
Pittsfield— Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) is proud to announce the appointment of Alexarey Overbaugh to assistant branch manager of its Williams Street, Pittsfield location.
Since joining the team in November 2021, Overbaugh has consistently brought dedication and excellence to every role. Starting as a teller at the Bank’s South Street branch, she quickly became known for exceptional customer service and a strong work ethic. In March 2024, Overbaugh was promoted to head teller at the newly opened Williams Street branch, where she helped establish smooth operations from day one. Now, Overbaugh continues to grow professionally as the Assistant Branch Manager, bringing leadership, experience, and a deep commitment to both team success and community service.
“Alexarey is the type of team member every organization hopes for,” said Dana Robb, Vice President of Retail Banking and Operations. “Her team-first mindset, reliability, continued growth, and drive to support both customers and staff make this promotion not just well-deserved, but exciting for our organization.”
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Lee Bank and October Mountain Financial Advisors welcome Tanya Haas as Vice President, Trust & Private Banking
Lee— Lee Bank and October Mountain Financial Advisors (OMFA) are pleased to welcome Tanya Haas as Vice President, Trust & Private Banking. In this dual role, Tanya will support clients of both organizations with personalized guidance in trust services and wealth management. She will be based at the OMFA and Lee Bank offices on South Street in Pittsfield.
Tanya brings over 30 years of experience in banking and financial services, having advanced her career through a variety of roles across the industry. As a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) and Certified Senior Advisor (CSA®), she is known for her thoughtful approach, long-standing client relationships, and deep ties to the Berkshire community. In addition to her professional expertise, Tanya is actively involved in the community, serving on local nonprofit boards and volunteering in areas such as elder services and financial literacy.
“Tanya’s experience, professionalism, and genuine care for clients make her a tremendous asset to our team,” said Chuck Leach, President & CEO of Lee Bank.
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General Surgeon Brett Matthews joins North Adams Regional Hospital
North Adams— Berkshire Health Systems announces the appointment of Brett Matthews, DO, a board certified and fellowship trained surgeon, to the medical staff of North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH) and Berkshire Medical Center and the provider staff of Berkshire Surgical Services.
Dr. Matthews has been practicing general and minimally invasive surgery for the past eight years and came to the Berkshires from Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, Mass. He specializes in: laparoscopic and open hernia repair, laparoscopic foregut surgery, such as hiatal hernia or anti-reflux procedures, minimally invasive surgery on the small bowel, colon, adrenal and spleen surgery, upper and lower endoscopy, enteral and vascular access, mediports, and office excision for abscesses, skin and subcutaneous lesions.
Dr. Matthews is not new to the Berkshires, as after receiving his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine he completed his general surgery residency training at Berkshire Medical Center. He also completed a surgical residency at the University of Hawaii at Honolulu and a fellowship in upper GI endoscopy, advanced laparoscopy and bariatric surgery at the University of Massachusetts.
Dr. Matthews is accepting new patients in need of general surgery and surgical endoscopy services. He serves North and Central Berkshire patients at the Berkshire Surgical offices in Pittsfield and North Adams.
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Greylock Federal appoints Stanley Walczyk as Director Emeritus
Pittsfield— Greylock Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Stanley Walczyk as Director Emeritus in recognition of his long and distinguished service to the credit union.
Walczyk was board chairman from 2018 to 2023, and served on a variety of committees during his tenure. He was the president of O’Laughlin’s Home Care Pharmacy which was acquired by and now operates as Market 32 Price Chopper Pharmacy. He was also president of the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy and the MA Pharmacist Association, and a member of the National Association of Retail Druggists. Walczyk was appointed as a trustee of Berkshire Community College by the governor, serving two five-year terms, and was also appointed by the governor to the Massachusetts Drug Formulary Commission. Additionally, he is a past president of the Dalton Rotary Club.
“I’m truly honored to continue my service with the Greylock Board as Director Emeritus, and I extend my deepest gratitude to my fellow Directors on this distinguished appointment. Since joining the board in 2011, it has been a privilege to contribute to the stewardship of Greylock and its preservation as one of our region’s long-serving financial institutions,” said Walczyk. “I look forward to this next chapter of service to our members and the credit union’s continued innovation.”
President and CEO John Bissell reflected on Walczyk’s service to Greylock, “I would just like to extend a few words of appreciation to Stan for all that he has done for Greylock. Through the years, he has generously shared his time and talents toward the stewardship of the credit union, and we are truly grateful for his continued service as Director Emeritus,” said Bissell.
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NBT Bank welcomes Al Bedini, Jr. as new North Adams Branch Manager
North Adams— NBT Bank announced that it has named Al Bedini, Jr. branch manager of the bank’s office located at 331 State Road in North Adams.
Bedini has 37 years of banking experience. Most recently, he served as assistant branch manager with Greylock Federal Credit Union. Prior to that he held roles with TD Bank and MountainOne Bank.
Bedini received his education from Berkshire Community College and the University of Massachusetts. He also participated in the New England Leadership Development Program at Babson College. In addition, he holds certificates from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Active in the community, Bedini has served on the Northern Berkshire United Way allocations committee for the past two years.
“Al brings with him exceptional management experience,” said Amanda Goewey, NBT’s Massachusetts retail market manager. “I look forward to the positive impact his customer care skills and teamwork mindset will have for both our customers and employees in the North Adams community.”
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The Crandell appoints Sue Baer to the Board
Chatham, N.Y.— Sue Baer fell in love with the movies at the Crandell in middle school. Now she’s bringing that passion for cinema full circle as a new Board Director of the Crandell Theatre Board of Directors.
Baer, a mother to two children who is retired from public accounting, now travels, rides horses, and teaches yoga on Main Street in Chatham at Roots Holistic Wellness. She will join the Crandell Board’s Finance Committee. A self-described “fun-loving accountant,” Baer is a lifelong resident of Columbia County who has loved watching movies of all kinds at the Crandell. She said “The Crandell is such a local treasure, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
“Sue’s considerable acumen as a CPA for 32 years and as a very successful local business owner have not only benefited her clients but the wider community,” says Lillis. “She’s volunteered her time to help other nonprofits in the area, including Equine Advocates. She will add immeasurably to the Board and Crandell mission, as well as to our efforts in membership and community programming/outreach.”
