People on the Move
Lydia Dodson
Reena Lichtenfeld
Humberto Ariza
Bay Path University announced the appointments of Lydia Dodson as chief of staff to the president, Reena Lichtenfeld as vice president for Enrollment Management and Marketing, and Humberto Ariza as director of Augmented Intelligence Operations. Dodson, a skilled higher education professional with more than a decade of senior leadership experience, reports directly to President Sandra Doran. She will lead the operations of the Office of the President and serve as liaison to the board of trustees, partnering closely with board leadership to support effective governance, trustee engagement, and board communications. She will also oversee presidential communications, guide the university’s grants strategy, and coordinate government relations efforts, helping to align external partnerships and resources with Bay Path’s mission and long-term strategic priorities. Most recently, Dodson served as executive director of the Future of Work Institute & Partnerships at Massasoit Community College, where she led workforce and economic development initiatives and cultivated partnerships across education, government, and industry. Previously, she served as chief of staff and associate vice president of Strategy, Planning, and Innovation, following earlier roles in the President’s Office, including serving as primary liaison to the board of trustees. She earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Johnson & Wales University. She holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a doctor of education degree in higher education leadership from Johnson & Wales University. Lichtenfeld will join the executive leadership team and provide strategic leadership for enrollment management, marketing, and communications. Most recently, she served as senior vice president at RNL + Encoura, where she led Enrollment and CRM Consulting Services, overseeing organizational assessments, marketing and communication audits, and student journey optimization for institutions nationwide. Her prior roles at RNL + Encoura include Vice president, assistant vice president, and executive consultant, during which she advised colleges and universities on strategic enrollment planning, recruitment strategy, governance, accreditation, and compliance. Earlier in her career, she held senior enrollment leadership roles at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development and Laureate Education. At Bay Path, Lichtenfeld will oversee undergraduate and graduate admissions, marketing, communications, and the enrollment center, leading a division of 56 professionals. She will guide the development of data-informed enrollment and marketing strategies that support the university’s mission, strengthen brand identity across all campuses and online programs, and drive sustainable enrollment growth across all modalities. She holds a doctor of education degree in higher education administration from Walden University, a master of education degree in higher education administration, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina. Ariza brings more than a decade of experience in higher education as a scholar, academic leader, and strategist. Prior to joining Bay Path, he served at D’Youville University, where he led initiatives focused on innovation in digital learning and AI-enhanced education. He holds a doctorate in education and is a published author and researcher on AI and online learning. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in AI and hyperautomation through EUNEIZ Universidad and EBIS Business Techschool in Spain. In addition to his academic work, Ariza was a co-founder and now serves as senior advisor to a multinational AI-powered educational technology company that supports higher education institutions in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, regions facing some of the highest barriers to access in higher education. An internationally invited speaker and podcast host, he regularly engages faculty, academic leaders, and policymakers in conversations about the responsible, mission-aligned use of AI in education. His leadership and scholarship have been recognized with the Future Leaders Scholarship Award from the Assoc. of American Colleges and Universities. At Bay Path, Ariza will provide leadership for the university’s AI initiatives at all levels.
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Jeff Carpenter
M&T Bank announced the appointment of Jeff Carpenter as its new regional president for Massachusetts. With more than two decades of corporate and specialty banking experience, Carpenter brings deep regional knowledge, financial expertise, and a strong record of leadership to this role, reinforcing M&T’s commitment to delivering exceptional service to its customers. Carpenter has served as executive vice president, head of Specialty and Corporate Banking since 2023. In his expanded role as regional president, he will guide M&T’s regional leaders, including members of its retail banking, business banking, commercial banking, wealth management, government banking, and charitable teams, as well as leading the collaborative, Boston-based team. An active member of the Boston community, he will continue to serve on several boards, including the YMCA of Greater Boston, Just Living Communities, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining M&T Bank, Carpenter led several Capital Markets, Commercial Banking, and Credit teams at People’s United Bank, Banco Santander, and Sovereign Bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Bentley University.
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Janna McLaughlin
AnnieMac Home Mortgage announced the hiring of Janna McLaughlin as a new branch manager, strengthening the company’s growing presence across Western Mass. A longtime Western Mass. resident, she brings professional expertise and deep local roots to her new role. Advancing through increasingly responsible roles since 2018, McLaughlin works with buyers across the spectrum, but her specialties include helping first-time homebuyers and working with real estate investors and self-employed borrowers with DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) loans. Her knowledge of these specialized programs has made her a trusted resource for clients navigating non-traditional lending scenarios. McLaughlin concentrates her efforts in Hampshire and Hampden counties, serving clients throughout Western Mass., and is also licensed in Connecticut, South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia.
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Peter Pan Bus Lines announced the appointment of Jacob DuBois as senior director of Safety and Security, effective Feb. 1. He brings extensive experience in transportation safety and operations to his new role. He most recently served as Connecticut Division manager, overseeing daily operations while maintaining a strong focus on safety, regulatory compliance, and service excellence. Prior to that role, DuBois served as director of Safety and Security at Peter Pan Bus Lines, leading key initiatives to strengthen the company’s safety culture and compliance programs. In his new position, DuBois will oversee all aspects of Peter Pan’s safety and security operations, working closely with senior leadership to ensure the highest standards of safety, security, and regulatory compliance across the organization.
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Kyle Shepard
MountainOne Bank announced the promotion of Kyle Shepard to assistant vice president of Loan Operations and business analyst manager. In his role as AVP of Loan Operations, Shepard oversees the daily functions of the Loan Servicing department, including payment processing, escrow management, and collections. As business analyst manager, he supervises a team responsible for developing and implementing strategies and procedures that strengthen operational efficiency, enhance customer service, and mitigate risk. Shepard joined MountainOne in March 2014 as a personal banker. Over his nearly 12 years with the organization, he has advanced through a series of roles including electronic banking specialist, customer care liaison, and operations analyst. Most recently, he served as AVP, operations manager prior to his promotion. He is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a degree in business administration and management, as well as an accredited ACH professional.
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Connor Phillips
Phillips Insurance has expanded its Construction Services Group with the addition of Connor Phillips as director of Surety. Phillips joins the agency from Arch Surety, the eighth-largest surety writer in the U.S., where he developed expertise in complex surety programs, including joint ventures, subcontractor default insurance, and design-build delivery. In his new role, he will lead and further develop the agency’s surety practice for contractor clients nationwide. He began his career at Arch Surety after graduating from the College of the Holy Cross with a degree in economics and statistics. While at Holy Cross, he served as captain of the Division I men’s golf team and was named a Srixon All-American. He has earned the associate in fidelity & surety bonding (AFSB) and construction risk and insurance specialist (CRIS) designations.
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Joanna Czarniecka
Greenfield/Northampton Cooperative Bank announced the hiring of Joanna Czarniecka as assistant vice president and branch manager of its South Hadley branch office, located at 487 Newton St. She joins the bank with more than nine years of local banking experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from UMass Amherst. In her new role, Czarniecka will oversee daily branch operations, develop and service relationships with existing customers, and assist new customers with loan and deposit products.
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Country Bank announced the appointments of Ted Noonan, president of Noonan Energy, as chairman of the board, and Steve Musso, former chief operating officer of FinPro, as vice chair of the board. Both appointments reflect the Bank’s continued commitment to strong governance, strategic leadership, and long-term stability. Noonan succeeds James Phaneuf, who has served as chairman of the board for the past four years. Phaneuf will continue serving on the board, providing valuable institutional knowledge and ongoing leadership support. As vice chair, Musso will support the board’s leadership and governance, leveraging his experience and perspective to advance the bank’s strategic priorities. The board also recognized Phaneuf for his 29 years of leadership and service on the board, including four years as chairman, and noted his role in guiding the bank through a period of change, growth, stability, and strategic focus.
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Taylor Robbins
The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) board of directors announced the election of Taylor Robbins as its new board president. Robbins brings extensive business experience and team leadership, as well as a rich history with the GNCC and a deep commitment to its mission. Robbins previously served on the chamber’s ambassador committee, nominating committee, and annual meeting committee. Both Jennifer Ewers, financial advisor at Edward Jones Investments, and Doug Gilbert, vice president, commercial team leader at Florence Bank, will continue their roles as the board’s vice president and treasurer, respectively. Robbins is vice president, business banking relationship manager at M&T Bank, where she supports business owners through business lending and deposit solutions. Previously, she was business relationship manager at UMassFive College Federal Credit Union, where she maintained a loan portfolio of more than 500 businesses in the community.
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Teresa Dupere
Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that Teresa Dupere has joined the firm as Title and Real Estate counsel, effective early November 2025. Dupere brings more than 15 years of experience in real estate law and title matters. Dupere earned her juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law, completed the paralegal studies program at Elms College, and received her bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences with a minor in biology from UMass Amherst. She has extensive knowledge of residential and commercial real estate title examination and related matters, and will be enhancing the firm’s real estate practice with her expertise. Prior to joining Bacon Wilson, Dupere worked as a real estate attorney at a local general practice law firm, focusing on comprehensive title searches, reviewing legal documents to confirm the accuracy of title information, preparing title reports and maintaining chain-of-title records, and resolving title defects to ensure clear title prior to closing. She will work primarily out of Bacon Wilson’s Springfield office, supporting both the firm’s residential and commercial real estate departments.
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Patrick LaBelle
The Center for Community News (CCN) at the University of Vermont named Holyoke Community College (HCC) radio station manager Patrick LaBelle a Community News Champion for 2026. LaBelle is one of 150 journalism leaders from colleges across the country who will be part of the organization’s 2026 class of Faculty Champions. These individuals, who include college faculty and staff members, are being recognized for their efforts to start or expand college-led reporting programs in their region and their contribution to a national movement of student-powered community reporting. LaBelle comes from a community news background. He received his bachelor’s degree in communications and mass media from UMass Amherst and has worked for three community access media stations: Canton Community TV, Hadley Media, and Frontier Community Access Television. He is also a former DJ on WMUA 91.1 FM at UMass. Since coming on board in 2024 as manager of the HCC radio station, WCCH 103.5 FM, LaBelle has launched a number of new initiatives, including “Live From Studio B,” a series of short, in-studio musical performances modeled after National Public Radio’s Tiny Desk Concerts. He also hosts a weekly radio show on WCCH (“The Power Hour with Professor Pat,” on Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m.), and is adviser to the HCC Radio Club and co-host of “The Green Thread” podcast, a new, monthy series of HCC alumni interviews.
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Bulkley Richardson announced that Lisa Harty has been named vice chair of the YMCA of Greater Springfield’s corporate board of directors executive committee. Harty, an attorney at Bulkley Richardson, focuses her practice on representing healthcare professionals in medical malpractice matters. Her expertise as both a medical doctor and an attorney bolsters her ability to understand her clients’ cases to develop the strongest defense possible. The YMCA’s mission is to serve human needs in Greater Springfield by providing programs that promote lifelong personal growth and the balanced development of spirit, mind, and body for all. Throughout the 14 cities and towns in the region, YMCA members and participants are impacted by core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
