Tuesday, February 18, 2025

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BUSINESS BRIEFS: Lee Bank announces commercial lending succession plan; Greylock Federal Credit Union promotes Megan Hagen; Jack Miller Contractors hires new team members; Lime Rock Park promotions; Berkshire Grown elects new board; GBPT welcomes Serena Johnson; LitNet adds new directors and expands role; Berkshire Family YMCA CEO search

“While we pride ourselves on being receptive to new thinking and ‘new blood,’ it’s also imperative that we promote from within to preserve our culture and to pass on critical institutional knowledge,” said Lee Bank President, Chuck Leach.

Lee Bank announces commercial lending succession plan 

Lee— Lee Bank’s commercial lending team is poised to promote from within as veteran commercial lending executive Bruce Marzotto will take a step back in April. Marzotto will stay on in an advisory role, including continuing to serve as a voting member of Lee Bank’s Loan Committee.

Marzotto, who has been a key member of the commercial lending team at Lee Bank since 2007 and assumed the title of Senior Vice President in 2011, has been an invaluable colleague and asset to the bank both in terms of growth and risk management. Over the course of his tenure at the bank, the commercial lending portfolio has grown from $92 million to $170 million. Marzotto’s role at Lee Bank has encompassed all aspects of commercial lending from credit risk management, to loan production, relationship management, and business development.

“As with any organization, Lee Bank has some long-tenured employees who are poised to retire and planning for this has been a deliberate and long-term process,” says President Chuck Leach. “While we pride ourselves on being receptive to new thinking and ‘new blood,’ it’s also imperative that we promote from within to preserve our culture and to pass on critical institutional knowledge. While Bruce has been an embodiment of the Lee Bank culture and an expert in all things commercial lending, we are confident that his expertise and guidance over the years leaves his successors in a good position to fill his shoes.”

Jason McLaughlin, incoming Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer of Lee Bank. Image courtesy of Lee Bank.

In preparation for Marzotto’s retirement, Jason McLaughlin has assumed the role of Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer. McLaughlin has been employed by the Bank since 2011. On the production side, David Harrington has taken on the role of First Vice President, Team Leader, Commercial Lending. Harrington has been a commercial lender with Lee Bank since 2015. Additionally, Mark McKenna and Christopher Kinne have both been promoted to First Vice President, Commercial Lending. 

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Greylock Federal Credit Union promotes Megan Hagen to assistant vice president, retail services/teller operations manager

Pittsfield— Greylock Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the promotion of Megan Hagen to assistant vice president, retail services/teller operations manager.

Megan Hagen, assistant vice president, retail services/teller operations manager, Greylock.

In her role, Hagen will coordinate and implement specialized training and resources to further improve branch operations, while helping to maintain compliance requirements and the quality of teller operations throughout the branch network, ATMs, Video Teller Services and shared branch services. Hagen started her career with Greylock as a part-time teller at the Williamstown branch.

“Megan has been a valued and trusted part of our team for more than 16 years now,” said Senior Vice President, Retail Services Robert Sims. “We are thrilled to have her in this new role, where I’m confident she will help our team to continue to improve our great service.”

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Jack Miller Contractors hires new team members

Williamstown— Jack Miller Contractors (JMC) announces the addition of several new team members to support growing services in their organization,Jeff Rufo as general superintendent, Bobby Havens as assistant superintendent, Ben Taft as project coordinator, and Jacob Pierce as carpenter. Jack Miller Contractors currently employs 20-plus professionals in the community.

Jeff Rufo. Photo by Max Vadakin.

As general superintendent, Jeff Rufo is a results-oriented manager with a proven history of excellent organization and customer satisfaction and a commitment to delivery of the highest-quality product. Holding a B.S. in Building and Construction Technology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, his vast experience ranges from operations and building product sales to construction project management and owning his own carpentry company for several years where he performed all phases of residential construction and home improvement. He joined the JMC team in early 2023.

Bobby Havens brings more than 25 years worth of building and organizational skills to the role of assistant superintendent. A true craftsman skilled in all aspects of construction, he has designed and built everything from waterfalls and fitness centers to roofing and finished basements, as well as large single-family homes. Havens’ knowledge of on-the-job safety, quality assurance, building codes and budgetary guidelines are informed by his past experience as a commercial and residential carpenter as well as a construction supervisor.  He joined the JMC team in December of 2023.

Ben Taft. Photo by Max Vadakin.

An accomplished art fabricator and art consultant with years of management, hands-on construction, and teaching experience, Ben Taft brings a different perspective to the role of project coordinator. Skilled at managing details and keeping multiple, complex projects moving, he joined the JMC team in early 2023. Taft graduated from Bennington College.

Jacob Pierce. Photo by Max Vadakin.

Joining JMC as a carpenter in 2023, Jacob Pierce grew up in the trade, assisting his father who worked in construction. He graduated at the top of his carpentry class at McCann Technical School in 2018. More recently, he’s worked as a builder tackling interior and exterior projects including framing, floor systems, metal roofing, cabinet installation, custom wood ceilings, walls, and more. Pierce is OSHA-certified.

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New year, new promotions for Lime Rock Park

Lakeville— The new year ushered in new opportunities for four outstanding Lime Rock Park employees. Jamie Kister, Emily Riess, Ian Sieller and Jocko Jacopino, who were all instrumental in the Park’s most successful year in recent history, will all be recognized with promotions.

Jamie Kistner has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer. In the 14 months since joining Lime Rock Park, Kistner has made a remarkable impact on the Park’s sales and marketing efforts. His organized and structured approach to media and marketing has resulted in double-digit admissions growth for public events. Jamie has also managed the Park’s relationships with various agency partners and built strong connections with external partners, leading to exciting revenue opportunities. Ahead of joining Lime Rock Park, Jamie managed different motorsport sponsorship portfolios with NASCAR, Richard Petty Motorsports, World of Outlaws, and Tony Stewart Racing for more than a decade and most recently, Jamie was the Head of Global Marketing for Vista Outdoor, where he led the marketing efforts for its tactical business unit.

Emily Riess has been promoted to Director of Events & Experience. Riess has been a driving force behind Lime Rock Park’s success in events and experiences. Her incredible work over the past couple of years has been pivotal in building and supporting Lime Rock Park’s diverse range of events. She is universally recognized by the Park’s partners and patrons for her unwavering commitment to ensuring events run smoothly and successfully. From her management of Trade Secrets to her innovative idea for the successful Connecticut Craft Beer Grand Prix, Emily has consistently delivered fantastic results. In 2023, she went above and beyond by assisting in the implementation and launch of the Torkhub ticketing platform. Before Emily could walk, she was hanging out at Lime Rock Park with her dad, Andy Riess, who worked for Skip Barber Racing School. Emily continued in her dad’s footsteps, volunteering as marketing event help at The Park in 2017 while she was an undergrad at Southern Connecticut State University. She continued volunteering at more events at Lime Rock throughout her grad studies, and in fall 2021 she propelled from marketing event staff to full-time employee.

Ian Sieller has been promoted to Director of Technology. Sieller has played a crucial role in propelling Lime Rock Park’s technological advancements. His contributions include the development of the fiber optic and Wi-Fi network distribution, in-house closed-circuit TV, live streaming, weather cam, and numerous other meaningful improvements for the Park. While often working behind the scenes, Ian’s efforts benefit every member of the Lime Rock community and all patrons. With many exciting projects and opportunities on the horizon, Lime Rock Park is thrilled to have Ian’s leadership and vision guiding the Park’s technological future. Ian started at Lime Rock Park as a volunteer technology technician in 2017. The new track ownership group wanted to bring Lime Rock Park to the digital age, and knew Ian was the perfect fit to accomplish their vision and added him as a full-time employee for the 2021 season.

Robert “Jocko” Jacopino has been promoted to Vice President of Operations. Jacopino’s deep knowledge of Lime Rock Park’s facility operations and his tireless work have earned him a well-deserved promotion to Vice President of Operations. His planning, work ethic and can-do attitude have been invaluable in keeping Lime Rock Park running smoothly. With Steven Sewell transitioning into his new role as Lime Rock’s Motorsports Operations Advisor, Jocko is ideally suited to succeed him. Jocko has a storied history with Lime Rock Park that began more than 40 years ago when he helped a friend run a Formula Vee at the track in the early 1980’s. When he retired from law enforcement in the early 2000’s, Jocko started working for Skip Barber Racing School and then was hired full-time as the Facility Manager in 2001. Jocko left the track in 2005 after moving to Georgia, however, 14 years later, he came back home and reclaimed his position at Lime Rock in 2019.

Jamie Kistner, Emily Riess, Ian Sieller and Jocko Jacopino. Images courtesy of Lime Rock.

“Jamie, Jocko, Ian, and Emily’s dedication and exceptional contributions have not only elevated Lime Rock Park’s standing but have also set the stage for a promising future,” said Lime Rock Park CEO and President Dicky Riegel. “We are excited about the future with these exceptional individuals leading the way. Their promotions are a testament to their hard work, dedication and the bright path that lies ahead for Lime Rock Park.”

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Berkshire Grown elects new officers and members to its board of trustees

Great Barrington— At their Annual Board meeting, Berkshire Grown Board of Trustees approved a slate of four new board members and elected officers including Amy Rudnick, President; Peter Platt, Vice President; Katy Sparks, Treasurer; Lee Venolia, Clerk; Jake Levin, Member-at-Large; and Kat Hand, Member-at-Large. 

Also joining the board are food and farming-focused Berkshire residents, Susan Bronson, Tu Le, Nick Martinelli, and Laura Tupper-Palches

Berkshire Grown New Board Member Susan Bronson.

Susan Bronson has lived in Monterey for 27 years. For the last 13 years she has served as executive director of the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst. Prior to assuming that position, Susan was director of development and interim director of the Berkshire Museum, director of development at Shakespeare & Company, and director of development at Austen Riggs. Before moving to the Berkshires, Susan was the program officer for the Social Science Research Council in New York and served as a consultant to projects for the Ford Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, and the U.S. Holocaust Museum. Susan holds a Ph.D. in Russian History and Jewish History from the University of Michigan. She serves on the board of the Council of American Jewish Museums and on the board of 7,000 Languages, a non-profit dedicated to supporting the preservation of indigenous languages. Married to Berkshire native, John Sellew, Susan and John raised their children across the road from Rawson Brook Farm and Susan is eager to support Berkshire farmers and their connections to the local community.

Berkshire Grown New Board Member Tu Le.

Tu Le is a Vietnamese-American farmer, designer, and chef of 328North, a micro farm in Williamstown. Born in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, he along with his two parents and eleven siblings, became refugees and immigrated to America. Tu’s passion for farming and cooking stems from his upbringing in San Diego, where his parents instilled in him the importance of growing and cooking their own food to retain a sense of culture. Tu and his husband, Matt Berltes, started building their farm on Stockbridge Munsee land in 2014. With food and flowers, Tu and Matt have connected with their Northern Berkshire community and continue to push the boundaries on what small-scale farming can produce. With a background in Fashion, Industrial Design + Construction, Tu’s goal is to continue to connect with his fellow community members by using the farm as a medium to tell stories.

Berkshire Grown New Board Member Nick Martinelli.

Nick Martinelli is the founder and CEO of Marty’s Local, a Western Massachusetts-based food distribution business, specializing in local and regional foods. Founded in 2016, the mission of Marty’s Local is to help rebuild our regional food system by linking area farmers and food producers with nearby grocers, schools and colleges, restaurants, farm stores, and other institutions. Nick previously worked as an attorney for nine years in the Massachusetts state government and in the office of Governor Deval Patrick. He is a graduate of Williams College, Suffolk University Law School, and The Farm School.

Berkshire Grown New Board Member Laura Tupper-Palches.

Laura Tupper-Palches is a co-owner and farmer of Full Well Farm in Adams. Originally from Cape Cod, she has made a home in North Adams because of the opportunity to farm. She and Meg Bantle started Full Well in 2019 on Meg’s family land. The Berkshires provided an opportunity for Laura to combine her passion for food justice and farming. Their organically grown produce and flowers are sold through a CSA, farmer’s market, and wholesale accounts – all in the North Berkshires. Tupper-Palches lived in a Harlem neighborhood experiencing food apartheid and became very interested in how food is produced and accessed. She pursued a bachelor’s degree in Social Thought and Political Economy at UMass Amherst which provided context for the structures that create food insecurity.

Berkshire Grown Board President Amy Rudnick says that with “we are thrilled to bring so much experience and energy to our Board, while also deepening our connections to the central and north county communities.”

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Great Barrington Public Theater welcomes Serena Johnson as development director

Great Barrington— Great Barrington Public Theater (GBPT) is pleased to announce the addition of Serena Johnson as Development Director. Johnson brings fundraising management, special event and campaign planning, community engagement, and creative experience to support the company’s next phase of growth.

Serena Johnson, Development Director, Great Barrington Public Theater.

A graduate of Cal State and an experienced performer herself, Serena was a key player in the establishment of fundraising processes and infrastructure for the community-based Glendale Arts, 18th Street Arts Center, and was on the development team that managed the successful capital campaign for the newly constructed permanent theater for the Antaeus Theatre Company, Glendale, Calif. Now a rooted Berkshire transplant, she’s become an active participant in the local business, arts and culture, and non-profit networking communities.

“We’ve been searching for the right fit for Development Director for some time. We were introduced to Serena by a member of the local theater arts community. Once we met, it was obvious that Serena brings the skills and creative perspective needed in the performing arts, along with the outgoing personality and energy we’re looking for. She’s committed to diversity and inclusivity, and knows how performing arts benefits patrons and communities. Her experience at fundraising and non-profit theater management greatly adds to our team, to help GBPT’s next steps for planned growth,” said GBPT Managing Director Tristan Wilson.

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Literacy Network adds new members to its board of directors and expands role of one of its existing employees

Lee— Literacy Network (LitNet) welcomes three new members to its Board of Directors and announces the expansion of the role of one of its existing employees.

Sarah Boyd.

Sarah Boyd returns to the LitNet Board following a mandatory one-year hiatus after completing a ten-year term in 2022. Boyd has been a tutor with LitNet for 20 years, working with adult learners on basic reading skills. She serves on LitNet’s Education and Development Committees. Boyd taught elementary school from 1968 to 1973 and was the Director of a preschool in Stockbridge from 1981 to 1991. She later worked as an Administrative Assistant for Boyd Converting (now Boyd BioMedical) and has served on the Boards of Berkshire Botanical Garden and Laurel Hill Association as well as on committees for the Stockbridge Golf Club and the Lenox Garden Club.

Lisa Cavender.

Lisa Cavender, returning to the LitNet board after having previously served a ten-year term from 2010-2020, is the principal designer for LNDESIGN, a graphic design company creating professional communications for a variety of channels. She serves on LitNet’s Development Committee and is a committee member for Community Access to the Arts. She has a Master’s degree from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts: The Interactive Telecommunications Program and a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in photography from San Francisco State University.

Hugo Faria.

Hugo Faria joins the LitNet board for the first time. He is the Education Advising Director at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive advising system for Education Department undergraduate and graduate students. Faria is dedicated to improving college access and post-college success for under-represented students. He has worked at Sponsors for Educational Opportunity as the Vice President, responsible for their top-of-class college program, and later became SEO’s first Chief Operating Officer. At Autentike Advisors, Faria works on higher education access-success projects. Previously, Faria worked for three decades in finance. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University, a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University, and a Certificate in Higher Education Leadership and Administration from UMass Amherst, where he is currently enrolled in the Master of Education program. He serves on LitNet’s Education Committee.

Amanda Giracca.

In addition, LitNet announces the expansion of the role of staff member Amanda Giracca. Giracca joined the LitNet team in 2020 and most recently served as the organization’s Grants and Communications Coordinator. She joins the staff full-time with the additional role of New Programs Coordinator. Previously, Giracca was a writing professor at the State University of New York at Albany and at the University of Pittsburgh, where she received her Master of Fine Arts degree in writing in 2013. She also holds a Master of English degree from Northern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Creative Writing from Prescott College in Arizona.

“I’m delighted to be working with such a strong and dedicated team as we foster LtiNet into its thirty-third year of serving the Berkshire Community,” said LitNet Executive Director Leigh Doherty. “We’re always seeking to strengthen LitNet by adding new board members with different experiences. At the same time, I deeply appreciate the long-term commitment of returning board members who have fostered LitNet through its many iterations and have a depth of knowledge about the organization’s past,” she continued, “I’m excited to see what the formidable LitNet staff and board will accomplish this year.”

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Berkshire Family YMCA announces search for new chief executive officer

Pittsfield— The Berkshire Family YMCA, a cornerstone for community health and development since 1886, is excited to announce the commencement of a national search for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This executive search is conducted in partnership with the YMCA of the USA. 

Berkshire Family YMCA.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to helm the Berkshire Family YMCA, with a budget of $4.8M and a profound legacy in the Berkshire area. The incoming CEO will guide the organization through strategic initiatives, foster valuable community partnerships, and uphold our mission of inclusivity, health, and empowerment. The role promises a significant opportunity for impact, shaping the lives of children, families, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

The anticipated start date is June 1st or earlier. The deadline for resumes is February 12th at noon CST. Interested applicants can apply online at http://tinyurl.com/berkshire-family-ymca-ceo.

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