Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) announced 10 recent promotions.
Elise Puza
• Elise Puza, CPA, has been promoted to manager in the Taxation department. She brings a diverse and well-rounded expertise across real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, and estate and trusts. She holds both a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in accounting and a master’s degree in accounting from Westfield State University. She is a certified public accountant licensed in Massachusetts. Additionally, she is an active member of CPAmerica and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MassCPA).
Lauren Foley
• Lauren Foley, who started her journey with accounting at MBK in 2020, has been promoted to supervisor. She focuses on commercial and individual tax returns as well as compilation and review engagements. She graduated from UMass Lowell with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in accounting. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and MassCPA.
Joanne Haley
• Joanne Haley has been promoted to supervisor in the Audit and Accounting department. She has been practicing public accounting since 1987, specializing in 401(k) audits and medical practices. She has extensive experience across various accounting domains, including reviews, compilations, financial statement preparation, corporate and partnership tax returns, and nonprofit audits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Westfield State University. She is also a member of AICPA and MassCPA.
Keara King
• Keara King, who began her career with MBK as a tax intern in January 2020, has been promoted to supervisor in the Taxation department. She continues to look forward to overseeing the tax internship training program, guiding clients through year-round tax planning, and ensuring they are prepared for filing deadlines. She enjoys mentoring students and associates and is a leader in the firm for various community service and corporate culture initiatives. She received her bachelor’s degree in accounting and sports management from Elms College. She is also a member of AICPA and MassCPA.
Karen Korpinen
• Karen Korpinen, CPA, has been promoted to supervisor in the Audit and Accounting department. She has been practicing public accounting at MBK since 2022 and brings a wealth of experience from her tenure on the flip side of the desk. Her background is diverse, encompassing various roles within not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and higher education. She also holds master’s degrees in both business administration and accounting, equipping her with a broad understanding of the financial landscape. She is also a member of AICPA and MassCPA.
Mia McDonald
• Mia McDonald, CPA, has been promoted to supervisor in the Audit and Accounting department. Her skillset is diverse, with strong focuses on engagements in not-for-profit, employee benefit plans, manufacturing, and wholesale and distribution industries. She is also the leader of the Municipal Utility Audit division. She became a CPA in 2025 and holds a bachelor’s degrees in economics and business management with a minor in mathematics and a concentration in accounting. She also holds a master’s degree in accounting from Westfield State University. As one of the two firm ambassadors for MassCPA, she remains engaged with the broader accounting community, staying updated on industry developments and best practices.
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Lyudmila (Mila) Renkas
Lyudmila (Mila) Renkas has been promoted to supervisor in the Audit and Accounting department. She is recognized for her dependability and collaborative approach, earning the trust of clients through her tailored solutions and prompt responses to inquiries. While continuing to deepen her relationships with her engagements, she is actively pursing her CPA license. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and information systems from Elms College and master’s degree in accounting from Westfield State University. She is also a member of AICPA and MassCPA.
Jacob Bear
• Jacob Bear was promoted to senior associate in the Taxation department. Joining the firm in 2024, his expertise lies in real estate, not-for-profits, individuals, and pass-through entities. He looks forward to expanding his experience in his new role. He received his master’s degree in accounting from UMass Amherst. He is also a member of CPAmerica and MassCPA.
Taylor Sawicki
• Taylor Sawicki has been promoted to senior associate in the Audit and Accounting department. She has been a valuable member of the MBK team, working on a diverse range of engagements, including not-for-profit, employee benefit plans, and wholesale and distribution engagements. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Western New England University. She is also a member of AICPA and MassCPA.
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Justin Szwajkowski
was promoted to senior associate in the Audit and Accounting department. Specializing in not-for-profit, commercial, and real estate industries, he brings tax experience and strengths in work ethic, organization, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving. He emphasizes clear communication, timely solutions, and smooth processes for all involved.
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Country Bank announced the addition of two commercial banking professionals to its team: Mike Oleksak as first vice president, commercial banking team leader – West Region, and Rob Totaro as vice president, relationship manager – East Region. Oleksak will be based in the Springfield Business Office at Tower Square, where he will manage a team of commercial lenders, as well as a portfolio of commercial clients, and collaborate with the team to drive new business development and broaden the bank’s reach across Western Mass. With more than 20 years of experience in commercial and business banking, Oleksak brings extensive expertise to Country Bank. Most recently, he served as senior vice president and commercial team leader at bankESB. His previous roles include positions of increasing responsibility at CoBank, United Bank, and Westfield Bank. He earned both his bachelor’s degree and his MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. He is also deeply involved in the community, serving as board chair of the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club, 2nd vice chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts, and board member of Hartsprings Foundation and Easthampton Neighbors Inc. Meanwhile, Totaro will manage a portfolio of commercial clients, identify new prospects, and support the bank’s growth and market presence throughout the East Region. He is based in the Business Office at 315 Main St., Worcester. He brings more than 26 years of banking experience. He began his career in retail banking at Citizens Bank and, most recently, served as vice president of commercial lending at Webster Five, where he worked for the past 19 years. Active in the community, Totaro previously served with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, and currently co-chairs the Learning First Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization associated with the Learning First Charter School. He also graduated from Leadership Worcester in 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Worcester State University and an MBA from Nichols College. He is currently enrolled at the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking (class of 2027). Country Bank also announced the appointment of Devan Summers as retail banking officer the Tower Square office. Bringing more than 14 years of experience in retail banking, management, and community development, he will lead day-to-day operations of the Springfield banking center, support customers with personalized financial solutions, and further strengthen Country Bank’s long-standing relationships throughout the city of Springfield. Summers has served in nearly every role within branch banking throughout his career, from customer service to branch management and senior leadership. His experience includes leading high-performing teams, revitalizing branch performance across competitive markets, and overseeing retail operations and community engagement initiatives.
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Berkshire Community Land Trust (BCLT) announced the promotion of Operations Director Beth Carlson to the newly created position of executive director. Today, the trust holds more than 130 acres in community trust, providing homeownership opportunities to 23 families and two local nonprofits with residential and office facilities. Nearly 100 acres of that land are productive farmland supporting two thriving agricultural businesses that strengthen our local food system and economy. Carlson, a partner in Silo Media, initially got involved with BCLT and the Farmsteads for Farmers initiative through events, video, and graphics projects. She became campaign manager for Farmsteads for Farmers in 2023 and became director of Operations in 2024. On Nov. 1, she began full-time in the new executive director role. She served as president of the Dewey Memorial Hall board until recently and is credited with leading the team that brought the organization through COVID and a significant revival. She is a founding board member of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy. Her Silo Media projects were mostly for nonprofits and involved fundraising campaigns, social media, and consulting.
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Tony Maroulis
Tony Maroulis has been appointed executive director, Economic Development at UMass Amherst, effective Feb. 3. He will report to Natalie Blais, associate vice chancellor for Government Relations. Since September, Maroulis has been part of the campus’s Economic Development Initiative (EDI) leadership team with Carl Rust, assistant vice chancellor for Corporate Engagement, and Sundar Krishnamurty, vice provost for Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Creativity. In his new role, Maroulis will continue working closely with the EDI leadership, senior campus leaders, and campus stakeholders to shape and coordinate initiatives that strengthen the university’s economic impact, deepen industry and community partnerships, and support local, regional, and statewide priorities as part of the 2024-34 UMass Strategic Plan. A respected leader in regional economic development, tourism, and the arts, Maroulis has been executive director of Community and Strategic Initiatives since 2021. From 2008 to 2014, he was director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce before joining UMass, where he served as executive director of External Relations and University Events.
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Berkshire Money Management (BMM) announced that Financial Advisor Michael O’Brien has earned the chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC) designation, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support clients as they approach retirement with confidence. The CRPC designation focuses on real-world retirement strategies, income planning, and the key decisions individuals face as they transition into their next chapter. Known for his calm, approachable style, O’Brien helps clients cut through financial noise and focus on clear, practical planning. O’Brien works closely with hardworking savers — especially nurses, business owners, and tradespeople — to help them see their best-case scenarios while protecting against unnecessary risk. His collaborative approach emphasizes transparency, clarity, and long-term confidence. He joined BMM as a financial paraplanner and junior advisor in 2024. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in Spanish from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and is also a licensed property and casualty insurance agent.
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Morgan Stanley announced that John Pappas, a a certified financial planner, senior vice president, and financial advisor in its Wealth Management office in Springfield, has been named to the firm’s prestigious Century Club, an elite group composed of the firm’s top financial advisors. The appointment recognizes his consistent creativity and excellence in providing a wide range of investment products and wealth management services to his clients.
Pappas, who has been with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management since 2015, holds a bachelor’s degree in managerial economics from Allegheny College and an MBA in finance from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.
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Ben Downing
The board of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) voted to appoint Ben Downing as its next CEO. Downing is currently chief growth officer at the Engine, a nonprofit incubator and accelerator built by MIT to support climate tech, biotech, and advanced infrastructure startups. He also previously served as a state senator representing the Berkshires and as Senate chair of the Joint Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee. As chief growth officer at the Engine, Downing working hands-on with climate tech and biotech startups. In that capacity, he has supported, advised, and worked with some of the most promising and impactful teams from Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Form Energy, VEIR, Sublime Systems, Lydian Labs, Atlantic Quantum, Vaxess, Foundation Alloy, Cellino Bio, Robigo, and many more. He helped them secure hundreds of millions in federal awards, build significant connections, and make significant investments across Massachusetts. Prior to this role, he was vice president of New Market Development for Nexamp, a clean energy company focused on community solar and lowering customer utility bills. He led strategic expansion working nationally with a specific focus in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.
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The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) celebrated the outstanding achievements of its members at its annual Excellence Awards Gala, held Feb. 12 at Wyckoff Country Club. The Gala’s highest honors were presented to Carrie Blair of Keller Williams Pioneer Valley, 2025 Realtor of the Year; and Margaret Bulatewicz of Liberty Bank, 2025 Affiliate of the Year. Since 2009, Blair has been an active RAPV member, contributing to the finance, RAPV Spring Conference, and professional development committees. She became a director on the RAPV board in 2023, providing leadership and guidance to the organization. Her support of fellow Realtors and mentorship of peers demonstrates her dedication to the industry and community, making her a valuable asset to the real estate profession. Bulatewicz actively serves on RAPV’s community service committee and donates to charitable causes. She also volunteers at the Ludlow Senior Center and supports the local nonprofit For the Love of Good Foundation, demonstrating a deep commitment to improving her community. The newly introduced Good Neighbor Award, recognizing outstanding dedication to community service, was given to Jennifer Tetreault of BHHS Realty Professionals. This year’s RAPV Hall of Fame inductees are Peter Davies (posthumously), Dorothy “Dot” Lortie of Landmark Realtors and Dot Lortie Realty, and Don Thompson of NextHome Elite Realty. Finally, the 2025 Rising Stars are Brody Trott and Diane Vadnais, both of RE/MAX Connections.
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WWLP-22News announced the appointment of Kelly McGiverin as the station’s new strategic account manager. Bringing more than 15 years of deep expertise in media and digital advertising, McGiverin joins the team to further enhance the station’s mission of delivering customized, client-centric marketing solutions across multiple screens and platforms. In this role, she will support the strategic development of sales proposals and plans alongside account executives for clients. She will manage campaigns across all media platforms, focusing on both pre- and post-sales.
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Viability Inc., a human services organization dedicated to building a world in which individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages realize acceptance, inclusion, and access, announced the addition of Paul Murphy to its board of directors. Murphy is a retired attorney with more than 30 years at the Boston law firm Foley Hoag, after which he served as legal and administrative counsel at Amherst College, his alma mater. He has served on the board of directors or board of trustees of numerous nonprofit organizations, including New England Public Media, Baystate Health, and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
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Natasha Wright
Braman Termite & Pest Elimination announced that Natasha Wright, the company’s entomologist and technical director, has been named the 2026 Women of Excellence Award recipient by the New England Pest Management Assoc. (NEPMA). This international honor recognizes women who advance the pest management industry every day. The award celebrates leaders who have made notable contributions to the development and growth of the profession, their businesses, and other women in the industry. She was honored at an award dinner on Wednesday, March 4 in Marlborough, and recognized at PestWorld later this year. Wright earned her bachelor’s degree in entomology from the University of Florida and her master’s degree in entomology from the University of Arkansas. She is also a board-certified entomologist through the Entomological Society of America. At Braman, she plays a critical role in maintaining the company’s long-standing commitment to training and scientific excellence. She trains new and veteran technicians on pest biology, behavior, and identification; prepares them for state licensing exams; and provides continuing education credits. She also educates clients and the public on pest prevention and control strategies. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom.
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The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) announced the 11 recipients of its fourth Annual Fearless Women Awards, which honor local women who embody courage, resilience, and empowerment. A record 80 nominations were received for this year’s Fearless Women Awards. Women were nominated by their peers in several categories. The 11 recipients were recognized on stage at the SSO’s performance on March 14, “Gershwin and A Woman’s Voice.” They include Claudia Quintero, director of the Central West Justice Center, nominated in the Advocacy category; Maeliz Colon, project manager at Robert W. Hall Consulting Engineers Inc., nominated in the Advocacy category; Linda Thompson, president of Westfield State University, nominated in the Perseverance category; Kisha Zullo, founder and president of Events for Joy, nominated in the Perseverance category; Erica Swallow, president of the Springfield Preservation Trust board, nominated in the Passion category; Rongbing Shen, educator at Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, nominated in the Passion category; Shannon Rudder, president and CEO of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, nominated in the Authenticity category; Terry Powe, assistant superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development at Springfield Public Schools, nominated in the Authenticity category; Pat Ononibaku, president of the Black Business Assoc. of Amherst Area, nominated in the Bravery category; Megan Moynihan, president and CEO of United Way Pioneer Valley, nominated in the Bravery category; and Michelle Wirth, founder of Feel Good Shop Local and owner of Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, nominated in the Collective Impact category.
