Home 2025 February (Page 4)

Month: February 2025

American International College Names Mary Mazza Vice President for Human Resources

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) appointed Mary Mazza vice president for Human Resources. In this role, she will oversee all aspects of HR operations, focusing on strategies that enhance workplace culture and support employee engagement. With more than 25 years of experience in human-resources leadership, she brings a wealth of expertise to AIC.

“As vice president for Human Resources, my priority is to enhance and streamline HR operations while fostering a positive and supportive work environment,” Mazza said. “I look forward to partnering with leadership to ensure that employees feel valued and engaged in the important work they do at AIC.”

Before joining AIC, Mazza served as senior vice president for Human Resources at Farm Credit Financial Partners, where she led HR initiatives and was a member of the executive leadership team. Before that, she spent 17 years as Human Resources director for HealthSouth, now Encompass Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in communications from Westfield State University.

“AIC is committed to cultivating a workplace culture that reflects our core values and supports our employees, a key focus of our strategic plan,” interim President Nicolle Cestero said. “Mary’s dedication to aligning HR strategies with these priorities makes her a valuable addition to our leadership team.”

Bridget Harrington Joins Bulkley Richardson

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bulkley Richardson recently welcomed Bridget Harrington to the firm as a litigation associate.

Harrington earned a juris doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 2023, where she was a content editor of the Journal of High Technology Law. She also earned a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from UMass Dartmouth with a double major in finance and accounting. Prior to joining Bulkley Richardson, she worked as a law clerk at a litigation firm outside Boston.

“Bridget is a valued addition to the firm’s Litigation department,” said Mike Roundy, hiring partner at Bulkley Richardson. “Her fresh perspective and financial background will be a significant asset in our complex commercial litigation practice and to all our clients.”

Freedom Credit Union Accepting Donations to Support Local Animal Shelters

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — During February, Freedom Credit Union is inviting the community to donate money at any of its branches throughout Western Mass. to help make sure shelter animals are well taken care of as they wait for their forever families. The money collected will go to the Foundation for TJO Animals and the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter.

“We all love our pets, and it’s heartbreaking to know some animals haven’t always gotten the care they deserve,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “These shelters give adoptable pets a second chance. We’re proud to support that mission.”

Every month, Freedom collects donations for a different charity. Money collected through the end of February will support these two shelter organizations and the work they do for the health and welfare of all animals, including stray, lost, and unwanted pets.

The Foundation for TJO Animals covers costs for sick and injured animals that need extra help with medical treatments and rehabilitation at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center. The funding pays for a veterinarian five days a week; two part-time veterinary technicians providing general help in the shelter, as well as medical and dental care for the animals; medical supplies; and transportation.

The mission of the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter is to protect and improve the lives of stray, lost, and unwanted dogs by offering a safe, welcoming facility; providing care and enrichment; and finding a home best suited for each animal. Donations support extra veterinary care and services to get dogs back on their feet and into loving homes.

“When animals need expensive medical treatments, they’re less likely to be adopted,” Welch said. “We hope our support gives the pets at these shelters the opportunity for a bright future.”

Baystate Cuts 98 Corporate Positions

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health announced today that it has cut 98 corporate positions as it continues what it calls a “$225 million transformational journey.” These cuts come on top of 134 leadership jobs cut in November.

“This week, we made the difficult decision to reduce 98 corporate positions across Baystate, resulting in a reduction of less than 1% of our workforce,” the system said in a statement issued this morning. “While some of the impacted positions are currently vacant and will no longer be filled, there are individuals leaving Baystate.

“We recognize these transitions heartfeltly impact our people and their families,” the statement continued. “We are working to find alternate positions for those whose roles were eliminated, and eligible team members who are not transitioned to another position in our organization will receive severance pay and other job support, including access to career-transition services. We continue to aggressively recruit, hire, and retain physicians, advanced-practice providers, and bedside caregivers. Baystate Health remains steadfast in our commitment to improve the health of the people in our communities every day, with quality and compassion, while addressing our path forward to return our 141-year organization to strong growth.”

Since October, Baystate has been “leaning into and optimizing our new organizational structure and streamlined decision-making processes to be more efficient and effective,” the statement noted. “Our Baystate Health 2030 strategic planning process has been energizing and enabling in our dialogue with governance, leadership, physicians, nurses, and team members.

“We initiated our $225 million transformational journey in November with our management span of control work,” Baystate went on. “We have active workstreams right now in workforce, supply chain, pharmacy, and revenue cycle management, amongst others. Our disciplined focus on core operations and strategic growth must become part of our daily routine.

“Baystate Health’s path forward is both clear and certain,” it continued. “Our governance and leadership are aligned and steadfast in our pursuits, and our mission and values always guide our work. This path affords us the opportunity to remain an independent system — locally governed and managed — that will be able to invest $1.2 billion over the next six years in our operations and growth.”

PeoplesBank, Cornerstone Bank Complete Merger of Holding Companies

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank and Cornerstone Bank announced they have completed the merger of their holding companies and will now operate under PeoplesBancorp, MHC, as of Jan. 31. The holding company will have more than $6 billion in assets. However, PeoplesBank and Cornerstone Bank will continue to operate independently under their own names and brands, and there will be no changes from a customer perspective.

Both banks are adding new branches. Cornerstone Bank added a new branch in 2024 and expects to add another in the second quarter of 2025. PeoplesBank is opening two new banking centers in January and February.

“The banking industry is shrinking while becoming more competitive, and asset size matters for scalability,” said Tom Senecal, chairman and CEO of PeoplesBank. “This new relationship means that, with our mutual charter, we will realize a new ability to efficiently compete, as well as attract and retain the highest-quality associates, while also continuing to invest in our communities.”

With the completion of the merger, Senecal remains chairman and CEO, Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman has become president, and Brian Canina has become chief operating officer of PeoplesBancorp, MHC, and will remain president of PeoplesBank.

“This merger was always about the people — not only our employees, but also the community,” Tallman said. “It provides an immense opportunity to invest in people, communities, technology, and, of course, growth.”

Both institutions benefit from the combined financial strength of two strong community banks coming together to create one of the largest mutual, multi-bank holding companies in the Northeast. PeoplesBank, serving Western Mass. and Northern Conn., and Cornerstone Bank, serving Central Mass., will each continue their normal operations with no disruption to customers. Both banks’ account information, branch banking, and digital access remain the same.

MCLA, Habitat for Humanity Again Partner on Free Tax Assistance to Those in Need

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Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its Department of Business Administration will once again partner with Habitat for Humanity to offer free tax-preparation services to qualified residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program starting Feb. 10.

Through the IRS’s VITA program, MCLA students assist taxpayers by providing free tax-preparation services. To qualify, most individuals and families must earn $67,000 or less. However, there is no income limit for those with disabilities, limited English-speaking skills, and individuals over age 60 with retirement or pension income.

Students work under the supervision of MCLA Accounting Professor Tara Barboza, an enrolled agent with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and a certified public accountant (CPA). According to Barboza, the students participating in this program undergo rigorous IRS training to become IRS-certified over their winter break and then participate in in-person training throughout January and the first week of February.

“Participating in the VITA program is a unique opportunity that will provide students with valuable, hands-on preparation experience,” she said. “They earn college credit, and accounting students can use this credit toward the requirements for the CPA exam, all while volunteering in our community. In addition, students build a sense of belonging, confidence, and soft skills that will serve them throughout their college and professional careers.”

Interested individuals should call Habitat for Humanity at (413) 442-3181 to find out if they qualify and to schedule an appointment. MCLA students will begin to see clients on Monday, Feb. 10. Hours will be Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. in MCLA’s Murdock Hall Business Suite, Room 102, located at 375 Church St. in North Adams. The program will continue through April 14.

Florence Bank Helps Ice Out Hunger in the Valley

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Daily News

FLORENCE — For the second consecutive year, Florence Bank has partnered with UMass Sports Properties and the UMass Amherst hockey team to Ice Out Hunger in the region at a time when food insecurity is at a record high. Since October, the bank has awarded $500 grants to food pantries from Springfield to Greenfield at each UMass home game, and before the season ends, 19 nonprofits will have received gifts.

A different food pantry is highlighted during the first intermission of each home game, and a fan is chosen to ride on the Mullins Center’s Zamboni, which has been wrapped with Florence Bank’s branding. Riders are selected randomly after submitting an entry form at umassathletics.com/ride.

These organizations will receive funds from the bank: Amherst Survival Center; Center for Self Reliance/Community Action Pioneer Valley, Greenfield; CHD Not Bread Alone, Amherst; Chesterfield Community Food Cupboard; Easthampton Community Center; Easthampton Congregational Church Food Cupboard; Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals, Northampton; Gray House, Springfield; Helping Hands Cupboard/Belchertown United Church of Christ; Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, Chicopee; Manna Soup Kitchen, Northampton; Margaret’s Pantry and Kate’s Kitchen at Providence Ministries, Holyoke; Most Holy Redeemer Church, Hadley; Neighbors Helping Neighbors, South Hadley; Northampton Survival Center; Open Pantry Community Services, Springfield; Southampton Community Cupboard; Springfield Rescue Mission; and the Parish Cupboard, West Springfield/Agawam/Feeding Hills.

“It’s a great promotion because nonprofits and those they serve benefit, and people at the games enjoy the fun,” said Andrew Stuebner, general manager for UMass Sports Properties, the multi-media rights holder for Massachusetts Athletics. “We very much enjoy taking part in this program with Florence Bank.”

Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity added that “food insecurity continues to be an issue in the communities we serve. Ice Out Hunger helps raise awareness and provides much-needed support for local organizations committed to making a difference. We value the work of area nonprofits, and we’re proud to support the local food pantries in their ongoing efforts to fight against hunger.”

The funds will cover the cost of tens of thousands of meals for people in need in the Valley.

“We are deeply grateful for our longtime partnership with Florence Bank, whose generosity and commitment to community make a lasting impact,” said Lev BenEzra, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center. “The support helps ensure that our neighbors have access to meaningful resources — nutritious meals, fresh groceries, and so much more. Ice Out Hunger is helping us meet record need in our community.”

Real-estate Licensing Course Starts March 3

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Monday, March 3, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will host a 40 hour, 14-class, in-person sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Thursday, April 3.

Tuition is $425, including the book and materials. For an application, call the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley at (413) 785-1328 or visit www.rapv.com.

Link to Libraries to Host Celebration Gala on May 8

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Link to Libraries announce its biennial gala, an evening that celebrates the organization’s transformative impact in the community while raising vital funds to ensure children have access to the books and programming they deserve.

This year’s gala, taking place on Thursday, May 8 at the Basketball Hall of Fame, will feature a Swifty-themed evening inspired by Taylor Swift’s celebrated Eras Tour. Guests will enjoy an elegant night filled with cocktails, dinner, an auction, and the opportunity to connect with others passionate about the power of reading to transform lives.

“Every child deserves access to books — both at school and at home — that spark their imagination and inspire a lifelong love of reading,” said Laurie Flynn, president and CEO of Link to Libraries. “The vast majority of books we distribute go to children who have never previously owned a book. With the support of our community, we can continue to deliver impactful programs and bring the joy of literacy to children who need it most.”

All proceeds from the gala go directly to Link to Libraries, a nonprofit committed to fostering literacy by providing books and programming for children in underserved communities. Every ticket sold helps create brighter futures, one book at a time.

Tickets cost $90 per person, or $250 for VIP tickets that include a pre-gala VIP cocktail reception. Tickets are available at www.linktolibraries.org.

To learn more about supporting this event, contact Laurie Flynn, president and CEO of Link to Libraries, at [email protected] or (413) 654-7241.

Tech Foundry Graduates Fall 2024 Cohort

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Carlos González served as keynote speaker on Jan. 14 as Tech Foundry, the region’s leading IT support training program, graduated its fall 2024 cohort of students, who dedicated 18 weeks to advancing their technology skills. The students completed Tech Foundry’s rigorous classroom training and month-long internships, and earned Google IT support certificates.

The event was held at the Community Music School of Springfield. Brandon Garcia and Florentino Zamarripa IV were elected by their classmates to speak about their experiences in the program. They both talked passionately about the community they built during their time at Tech Foundry and the personal obstacles they overcame.

In introducing keynote speaker González, Delcie Bean, founder of Tech Foundry and CEO of Paragus Strategic IT, noted that, “throughout his career, Rep. González has fought tirelessly to ensure that every voice is heard on Beacon Hill, especially those of underrepresented groups.”

Gonzales recognized the students’ dedication and achievements and encouraged them as they entered the tech workforce. In addition, he bestowed commendations from the Massachusetts State House for all those who completed the fall 2024 program.

“Tech Foundry is special because we foster community and belonging,” Tech Foundry CEO Tricia Canavan said. “We don’t just train people for jobs; we are a powerful network of committed staff members, mentors, employer partners, and donors who believe in these individuals’ capacity for personal and professional success. To see so many parents, spouses, and children of our graduates here tonight is truly inspiring.”

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Partners with All Our Kids Inc. for Pajama Drive

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank and Northampton Cooperative Bank announced a partnership with All Our Kids Inc. for a month-long pajama drive in February.

Throughout the month of February, Greenfield Cooperative Bank will serve as a drop-off location for new pajamas of all sizes, for kids ages 0-18. Pajamas must be new, with tags, of any type (one-piece, two-piece, short or long sleeves), and for any season. Collection boxes will be placed at Northampton Cooperative Bank’s South Hadley branch at 487 Newton St.

This initiative aims to support All Our Kids’ Community Closet program by collecting essential supplies for foster and adoptive families in Western Mass.

“We are proud to partner with All Our Kids Inc. for this important initiative,” said Lisa Kmetz, executive vice president and Retail & Security Officer. “We encourage our customers and the community to join us in spreading warmth and joy to children in need.”

The collected pajamas will be distributed by All Our Kids Inc., located at 6 Open Square Way in Holyoke. This collaboration strengthens community ties and underscores the importance of supporting foster and adoptive families in Western Mass.

Baystate Health Board of Trustees Welcomes New Members

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health announced several transitions of its board of trustees for 2025.

Harriet DeVerry, retired senior vice president and group financial officer at Webster, just concluded her two-year term as chair of the board on Dec. 31 and will continue to serve as a trustee on Baystate Health’s board. Bob Bacon, president of Elm Electrical Inc., who served on the board for the past 10 years and as chair of the board from 2021 to 2022, will be stepping down as a trustee. DeVerry and Bacon were members of the board of trustees at Noble Hospital when that hospital became part of Baystate Health in 2015, and they joined the Baystate Health board of trustees at that time.

Colleen Holmes has transitioned to the role of board of trustee chair from her role of vice chair. She is president and CEO of Springfield-based Viability Inc., an organization that partners with employers to meet their business needs by including the workforce of individuals with disabilities. In this role, she builds on her 30-year career in human services, holding leadership roles in human resources, sales, and marketing.

Holmes joined the Baystate Health board of trustees after serving on the quality committee and currently serves on the executive, human resources, and governance committees. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and an MBA from American International College.

Dr. Akinyele Lovelace, a partner at Family Medicine Associates in Westfield, has been named vice chair. He is affiliated with Baystate Noble Hospital, Baystate Medical Center, and Holyoke Medical Center, and has served as a Baystate Health trustee for five years. He most recently served as the honorary chair, with his wife, Christina Lovelace, at the 58th annual Baystate Noble Ball in November.

Lovelace spent several years in Texas, practicing internal medicine at Hereford Health Clinic. During his time there, he was the Hereford Brand readers’ winner for Best Physician in 2012 and 2014. In addition to his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, he holds an MBA from Texas Tech University and a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University of Louisiana.

The Baystate Health board of trustees welcomes its newest member, Keith Nesbitt, senior vice president and Business Banking team leader at Berkshire Bank. He has nearly 20 years of experience in commercial lending, portfolio management, and credit administration in regional and community banking institutions. Presently, he manages a team of commercial relationship managers for the Pioneer Valley (Metro Springfield) and Connecticut (Metro Hartford and New Haven) for Berkshire Bank.

Nesbitt earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, his master’s degree from Georgia State University, and his MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management. He will fill the board of trustees seat vacated by Bacon.

BusinessTalk with DJ Tucker, executive director of the Children’s Museum at Holyoke

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Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 226: February 3, 2025

Joe Interviews DJ Tucker, executive director at the Children’s Museum at Holyoke

DJ Tucker understands the value of the Children’s Museum at Holyoke — after all, he grew up in the city and spent a lot of time there as a kid. Today, as the museum’s executive director, he has a much deeper understanding of its ties to the community, corporate supporters, and the families and kids who benefit from all that educational, interactive fun.  For the next episode of BusinessTalk, Tucker talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about all that and much more, including why it’s important that “children discover how the world works by doing.” It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

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