People on the Move
Michael Harrington
Brent Bean
Anja Paier
Michael Mirski
James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, announced four promotions: Michael Harrington to senior vice president and senior lender for the state of Massachusetts, Brent Bean to vice president and Business Development officer, Anja Paier to vice president, branch manager, and Michael Mirski to vice president, branch manager. Harrington, who previously served as senior vice president and team leader of Middle Market CRE Lending, will be responsible for the bank’s commercial lending activities in the state of Massachusetts, including overseeing its Massachusetts portfolio and new business development, as well as handling his current duties. With more than 33 years of banking and commercial lending experience, he joined Westfield Bank in 2007. Prior to that, he served as a commercial lender and credit analyst at the former Westbank. Bean, who previously served as assistant vice president, Business Development officer, will continue to establish relationships with new and existing customers, focusing on commercial credit needs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. Bean joined the Bank’s Business & Government Deposit Services department in 2020 before moving to the Commercial Lending department. Prior to that, he spent many years as director of Corporate and Government Relations at Westfield State University. He holds a bachelor of business administration degree from American International College and a master of public administration degree from Westfield State University. Active within the local community, he is currently a member of Westfield State University’s fundraising committee and has been an at-large city councilor for the city of Westfield since 2002. Paier, who previously served as assistant vice president, branch manager will continue to manage the bank’s 39 Morgan Road office in West Springfield. She joined Westfield Bank in 1988 and has worked in numerous management and customer-facing capacities across multiple locations. She currently serves on the board of directors for the West Springfield Lions Club and the Exposition Area Alumni Scholarship Fund, is a past member of the Southwick Rotary Club, has been recognized by Rotary International as a Paul Harris fellow, and was honored by Western Mass Women Magazine’s “Top 25 Women to Watch” in the banking category. Mirski, who previously served as assistant vice president, branch manager, will continue to manage the bank’s 560 East Main St. office in Westfield. With more than 40 years of banking experience, he joined Westfield Bank in 2023, having served in various officer and management roles at banks throughout the local area. Active in the community, he is president and past treasurer of the Agawam Center Library, a past board member for Revitalize CDC, and a past member of the Southwick Rotary Club.
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Peter Duckett
MountainOne Bank announced the promotion of Peter Duckett to assistant vice president, Commercial Loan officer, recognizing his contributions to the growth of the bank’s commercial lending portfolio and his commitment to clients across the region. In this role, Duckett supports commercial lending activities through loan origination, portfolio management, financial analysis, and client relationship development. He works closely with local businesses to help them access financing that supports growth and strengthens the regional economy, reflecting MountainOne’s ongoing commitment to community and customer success. Before joining MountainOne as a portfolio manager in February 2024, he spent a decade at Brookline Bank, where he held several positions, most recently as portfolio manager. Duckett holds a degree in economics and business management from Assumption University. He has also completed multiple professional development programs through the Risk Management Assoc., earning certificates in lending decision process, financial statement analysis, commercial credit for lenders, and small business lending decision process. He serves on MountainOne’s communications committee, contributing to internal engagement and outreach initiatives. MountainOne also recently welcomed two new senior commercial credit analysts, Ann Barnes and Nicholas Fanfan, to its Commercial Banking division. In their roles, Barnes and Fanfan evaluate the financial strength of commercial borrowers and prospects, prepare credit analyses to support new and renewed credit requests, and collaborate with commercial lenders on deal structuring and portfolio management. They also assist in monitoring borrower performance to help maintain the long-term quality of the commercial loan portfolio. Barnes brings more than 10 years of experience in commercial lending and collateral oversight. She most recently served as vice president of Collateral Oversight at Blue Ridge Bank in Richmond, Va. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at Salus Capital Partners in Needham, supporting asset-based lending operations and credit risk management. She earned a degree in accounting from Bryant University. Fanfan joins MountainOne with experience in commercial credit and lending at Cambridge Savings Bank in Waltham, where he supported credit decision making across commercial real estate, corporate banking, and asset-based lending portfolios. He earned a bachelor’s degree in managerial economics from UMass Amherst.
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Braman Termite & Pest Elimination announced the hiring of Allison Garriss as its new director of Human Resources (HR). An SHRM-CP-certified HR leader with more than a decade of experience, Garriss brings a strong background in talent strategy, employee relations, and organizational development to support Braman’s continued growth. In her role, Garriss will lead all aspects of HR, helping to strengthen workforce development, enhance recruitment and retention, and support Braman’s long-standing mission to serve customers with professionalism, safety, and reliability. Known for her ability to translate business needs into people-centered solutions, she will play a key role in shaping Braman’s culture. Garriss previously held HR leadership roles at Carr Property Management and O’Connell Care at Home, where she led major initiatives in compliance, onboarding, employee engagement, performance management, and organizational change. She also brings experience from the nonprofit, education, and healthcare sectors, along with a master’s degree in organizational management from Springfield College.
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Richard Michaud
Holyoke Community College (HCC) recently welcomed Richard Michaud as its director of Facilities and Engineering. He started his job at HCC on Nov. 10. Michaud comes to HCC with decades of experience in facilities management, engineering, infrastructure, and utilities improvement projects. Most recently, he worked as chief engineer and director of Facilities Management for Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Administration Medical Center in Bedford, where he was responsible for facilities operations, maintenance and repair, new construction, and renovations. He previously worked for 12 years as project engineer for the VA Boston Healthcare System. Michaud earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Boise State University and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Phoenix University. He served for 24 years with the U.S. Navy, including 10 years with the Civil Engineer Corps. He was honorably discharged in 2014.
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Lindsey Einarsen
Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced the addition of Lindsey Einarsen to its staff in the role of project manager. With 10 years of experience in the architecture industry, she specializes in design for commercial, hospitality, retail, and historic projects and is an NCIDQ-certified interior designer. Prior to joining Dietz & Company, Einarsen spent a number of years working for architecture and engineering firms in Connecticut. Throughout her career, she has excelled in client communication and project coordination in fast-paced environments and been known for delivering detailed, high-quality design solutions. At Dietz & Company, she is bringing her project management and interior design experience to the firm’s hospitality team as she works on hotel, entertainment, and restaurant projects. Einarsen earned a bachelor’s degree in interior design and a residential planning diploma from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Currently in pursuit of her professional architecture license, she is dedicated to continuing professional development and growth in the industry.
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Mary McGovern, president and CEO of Country Bank, announced the recent promotions of Clare Ladue, Lucy Sanchez, Audra Chartier, and Nick Thompson. Ladue has been promoted to vice president, Customer Care Center. With more than 30 years of banking experience, she has consistently excelled in elevating customer experience, driving operational performance, and building collaborative team cultures. She joined Country Bank two years ago to lead the Customer Care Center and immediately began reshaping service standards and operational efficiency. Ladue received her Mass Bankers financial certificate from the New England School of Financial Studies and remains passionate about professional development. Sanchez has been promoted to assistant vice president, Mortgage & Community Development officer. She joined Country Bank in 2024, bringing 13 years of expertise in mortgage lending and branch management. Since joining, she has significantly expanded the bank’s presence and impact in Springfield, strengthening community partnerships and leading inclusive outreach efforts. In addition to originating mortgages, Sanchez is transforming access, visibility, and trust with new and diverse communities. Chartier has been promoted to assistant vice president, Retail Operations. She has been with Country Bank for 12 years, bringing 17 years of banking experience spanning retail, operations, sales, service, and customer experience. In her current role, she supports retail operational excellence across the bank and serves as a trusted subject matter expert. The recipient of a 2024 Gold Star Award, Chartier is a continuous learner, holding several CFT diplomas and a Mass Bankers financial certificate from the New England School of Financial Studies. Nick Thompson has been promoted to Compliance officer. He has been with the bank for nine years and transitioned to the Compliance department three years ago. His strong analytical mindset, collaborative approach, and sound decision making have made him a valued internal partner. His excellence in service and teamwork earned him the prestigious President’s Platinum Award in 2020. Thompson is currently pursuing a certified regulatory compliance manager designation.
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James Sheils
Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., a multi-disciplinary law firm with offices in Springfield and Northampton, announced that attorney James Sheils has been named to the 2025 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list in the category of Banking Law. This marks the 11th time he has earned this prestigious recognition, reserved for the state’s top attorneys. Sheils concentrates his practice in commercial finance law, banking law, creditors’ rights, and telecommunications siting matters. He is a graduate of Boston College Law School, where he received the John F. Cremens Award for legal services, and he is also a past recipient of Goodwill Industries of the Pioneer Valley’s John Auchter Award. He has been selected as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer every year since 2015, demonstrating his consistent leadership and expertise in banking law. He was also recently selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America in the field of Commercial Transactions/Uniform Commercial Code Law.
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Peter Barrow
MountainOne announced the promotion of Peter Barrow to commercial portfolio manager. In this role, Barrow plays a key part in supporting the success of MountainOne’s commercial lending relationships. He brings financial insight, credit analysis expertise, and thoughtful collaboration to the lending process, working closely with commercial loan officers and business clients to ensure financing solutions are well-structured and aligned with business needs. Barrow will also monitor and manage existing loan relationships to support long-term portfolio health and client growth. Barrow joined MountainOne in January 2022 as a commercial credit analyst and was promoted to senior commercial credit analyst in October 2024. His prior industry experience includes serving as a senior financial specialist at General Dynamics Mission Systems. He holds a degree in finance from Siena College. He previously served as a coach for the Adams Cheshire Police Athletic Basketball League and as assistant coach for Adams Cheshire Youth Football.
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Excel Dryer Inc. owners Denis Gagnon and Nancy Gagnon were recognized at the 15th annual Service Above Self Luncheon, hosted by the Springfield Rotary Club and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The Gagnons were celebrated for their long-standing commitment to community service and philanthropy. The event was made even more meaningful as Denis Gagnon and NBA legend Julius Erving, who received the national Service Above Self Award, were college athletes in the same year at UMass Amherst. The Gagnons have supported nearly two dozen organizations across Western Mass., including Western New England University, Helix Human Services, Springfield Museums, Junior Achievement, UNICEF USA, American Red Cross, Max Cares Foundation, Special Olympics, Springfield Rescue Mission, YMCA of Greater Springfield, and more. They were also recognized for their commitment to U.S. manufacturing, keeping Excel Dryer products made in America and supporting the regional workforce.
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Nancy Velozo
Monson Savings Bank announced the retirement of Nancy Velozo, assistant vice president and collections officer. Velozo joined Monson Savings Bank in January 2014 and has been an integral part of the bank’s success for more than a decade. Through her knowledge and expertise, she played a pivotal role in maintaining low delinquency rates, strengthening the bank’s financial health and stability. Her efforts have safeguarded the institution while reinforcing the bank’s commitment to responsible and compassionate banking. Beyond her professional achievements, Velozo has exemplified empathy, respect, and collaboration in guiding customers through challenging times. Her ability to balance care with accountability has been a hallmark of her success and a reflection of the bank’s core values.
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Ella Wise
The City of Greenfield recently welcomed Ella Wise as the new director of the Department of Planning and Development. Wise holds an undergraduate degree in environmental studies and a master’s degree in city planning from the University of California, Berkeley, and has more than a decade of experience in planning and policy. The city conducted a search for a new Planning and Development director following the retirement of Eric Twarog, who has led the department since 2009. A native of a small town in the Hudson Valley, Wise is interested in the human relationship to place and how places can create community and provide meaning. Her recent professional roles include senior planner for Boston’s Metropolitan Area Planning Council, where she authored a variety of planning documents in areas such as master planning, open space and recreation, and economic development. Most recently, she contributed to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s vision for a more transparent planning and development review process as the planning & development review coordination manager for Boston’s Planning Department.
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Berkshire Money Management (BMM) announced that Financial Advisor PJ Gagne has joined the firm. He brings a grounded, values-based approach to financial planning, helping professionals and business owners in their 50s and 60s answer life’s biggest financial questions and move toward retirement with clarity and confidence. Gagne specializes in guiding clients through pivotal decisions, such as when to take Social Security, how to protect their children’s future, and how to turn a lifetime of hard work into long-term financial security. His collaborative planning style helps clients understand their best-case scenarios while preparing for uncertainties. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Fairfield University and is an accredited investment fiduciary.
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The Franklin County Community Development Corp. (FCCDC), a community economic development organization that provides support for small businesses throughout Western Mass., has added three new staff members and shifted the duties of a fourth. The FCCDC also announced a new open position. Kwaku Ofori began at the FCCDC as lending director in November. A finance and development professional with more than 15 years of experience in business lending, small business technical assistance, and community-focused finance, he leads the FCCDC’s lending programs that expand access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs across Western Mass. Brian Dejnak began at the FCCDC in June as community lending associate. A lending professional formerly with the USDA and Greenfield Savings Bank, he works with businesses seeking flexible financing to start or grow their enterprises. Anna Halpin-Healy joined the FCCDC in July as finance specialist. She has held business operations roles in agriculture, education, and retail environments. She supports the day-to-day financial operations of the organization, including bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and grant reporting assistance. Angela Varilly, who joined the FCCDC in 2024 as lending manager, has moved into the business assistance manager position. She is a finance leader with nearly two decades of experience in retail banking with Greenfield Savings Bank. She guides small business owners at all stages and leads the Entrepreneurship Accelerator, part of the FCCDC’s UPstart program for early-stage entrepreneurs. Finally, Myra Marcellin left the FCCDC after two and a half years of service to take on the role of investment director with Black Farmer Fund. She will continue to support small businesses that FCCDC works with as a consultant.
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Robert Sproull has been elected to the board of directors of New England Public Media (NEPM). Sproull recently retired as vice president and director of Oracle Labs, an applied research group that originated at Sun Microsystems. Before joining that organization in 1990, he was a principal at Sutherland, Sproull and Associates, an associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University, and a member of the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. He is co-author, with William Newman, of Principles of Interactive Computer Graphics, and author of Logical Effort. Sproull is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has served on the U.S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. He has also worked as a technology partner at Advanced Technology Ventures and as co-chair of the National Research Council’s report review committee. He currently serves as an adjunct professor of computer science at UMass Amherst and serves on the boards of the Connecticut River Conservancy and River Network.
