Josh Levine
Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., a multi-disciplinary law firm with offices in Springfield and Northampton, announced the addition of Josh Levine as of counsel, bringing extensive experience in commercial real estate, land use, and business licensing to the firm’s growing practice. Levine joins Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin after a distinguished career spanning more than 17 years. His experience includes serving as product liability defense counsel at a boutique litigation firm in Washington, D.C., trial counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division, and partner at Levine Law, where he focused on commercial transactions and land use. In his role at Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin, Levine assists clients with all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, secured financing, land use and zoning, business licensing, and purchases and sales. He represents clients extensively before local boards throughout Western Mass. and across the state for liquor licensing matters. Levine has been actively involved in his community, serving on the Longmeadow Select Board since 2021, currently as chair, and previously on the Longmeadow Planning Board from 2019 to 2021. He earned his juris doctorate with honors and a bachelor’s degree in English from George Washington University.
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Eric Padelford
Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the promotion of Eric Padelford to chief operating officer. As COO, he will lead the bank’s operational strategy and execution, aiming to drive innovation, efficiency, and exceptional customer experience across all areas of the organization. A dynamic and results-driven operational leader with decades of experience in technology, finance, and banking, including extensive experience in the financial services sector since 2010, Padelford has been instrumental in modernizing Pittsfield Cooperative Bank’s infrastructure and aligning its operations with long-term strategic goals. He holds a master’s degree in data science from Eastern University, which fuels his data-driven approach to process improvement, performance management, and digital transformation. As COO, Padelford will collaborate closely with Levante and CEO Mike Daly to guide the bank’s strategic initiatives and uphold its 136-year legacy of service to the Berkshires.
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Alison Tower
bankESB announced the promotion of Alison Tower to senior vice president of Enterprise Risk Management and Legal Services. In her new role, Tower will lead enterprise risk management initiatives, ensuring rigorous compliance and legal oversight across all business lines at bankESB and the family of banks that comprises Hometown Financial Group, including bankESB; bankHometown; North Shore Bank; Abington Bank and Colonial Federal Savings Bank, divisions of North Shore Bank; and Hometown Mortgage. With an extensive background in risk and legal services, she has been instrumental in shaping strategic approaches that strengthen the bank’s risk posture. Tower joined bankESB in 2015, bringing with her a wealth of experience from running her own law practice in Amherst. She earned her juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law, an MBA in finance from UMass Amherst, and a bachelor’s degree in gender studies from Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Tower currently serves as president of the board of directors for Easthampton Community Center, an executive committee member for Brockton Housing Partnership, and a finance committee member for Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity. She also contributes her expertise as a review board member for the Western Massachusetts Mortgage Loan Review Board and on the loan committee for Worcester Community Housing Resources.
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Frank Robinson
Nikki Gleason
Moyah Smith
Robin Youmans
Revitalize Community Development Corp. (CDC) announced the election of two new members to its board of directors: Frank Robinson, retired vice president and Public Health officer at Baystate Health, and Nikki Gleason, vice president and branch manager at Florence Bank in West Springfield. Robinson has made decades of contributions to public health, education, and community development across Western Mass. and beyond. Early in his career, he advanced health equity through leadership roles in the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and the Northeast Ohio Developmental Center. He went on to serve as the founding executive director of Partners for a Healthier Community and director of Community Health Planning at Baystate Health, where he championed upstream approaches to community well-being. From 2015 to 2024, as vice president and Public Health officer at Baystate Health, Robinson played a pivotal role in establishing the Baystate Academy Charter Public School and the Baystate Springfield Educational Partnership, both designed to empower Springfield students through academic excellence and college readiness. He also led regional initiatives such as the Anchor Collaborative and the Alliance for Digital Equity, and in 2023, he secured a $5.1 million grant from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute to expand digital literacy and public connectivity. Gleason brings more than 25 years of experience in commercial and community banking to the board. As vice president and branch manager at Florence Bank, she is known for her dedication to helping businesses and individuals achieve financial stability through personalized, relationship-driven service. She has also demonstrated her long-standing commitment to community revitalization by volunteering for more than a decade as a Revitalize CDC #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild house captain, helping transform homes and neighborhoods across Springfield. The organization also announced new board leadership with Moyah Smith, owner of B-Side Entertainment & Memories Matter, elected as board chair, and Robin Youmans of the Center for Human Development elected as board clerk. Smith, who has served on Revitalize CDC’s board for 10 years, succeeds John Robinson, who led the board for the past five years and will continue to serve as a member after more than two decades of volunteer leadership.
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The Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst has appointed Paula Murphy as the new state director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network. She founded and directed the Massachusetts Export Center, the network’s international trade arm, in 1994. Under her leadership, the center became one of the nation’s most respected export assistance programs, helping Bay State companies achieve more than $200 million in annual export sales and earning multiple national honors, including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Excellence and Innovation Award and the Presidential E Award, the federal government’s highest recognition for contributions to American exports. Murphy brings more than 30 years of international trade and business development experience in both public and private sectors. In addition to her leadership at the Export Center, she taught graduate-level international marketing and export/import operations at Boston University and previously served as an international trade advisor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and as an international marketing analyst with Hagan & Co. Her early work included representing the Irish Trade Board (now Enterprise Ireland) and the Australian Commission in New England. Throughout her career, Murphy has been recognized for professional excellence and service. She is a certified global business professional, a certified U.S. export compliance officer, and a five-time recipient of the Massachusetts State Star award from the Assoc. of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC). A graduate of Suffolk University, she has served on multiple nonprofit boards and as national co-chair of the ASBDC’s international trade committee. As state director, Murphy will oversee the network’s nine offices across the Commonwealth, including the MSBDC state office in Amherst; regional centers in Newton, Fall River, Pittsfield, Salem, Springfield, and Worcester; as well as the Massachusetts Export Center and Government Sales Center.
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Katherine von Haefen
The Berkshire United Way (BUW) board of directors has officially approved Katherine von Haefen as president and CEO, effective immediately. She previously served as interim while continuing her role as director of Community Impact. Von Haefen joined BUW in October 2021 and has led region-wide initiatives focused on early childhood education, food security, and nonprofit investment. She also spearheaded BUW’s $1 million annual investment strategy and played a key role in shaping the organization’s strategic plan. She brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, including her tenure at United Way of Greater Houston, where she led major initiatives in early childhood development and public policy advocacy. She will continue to serve on the city of Pittsfield’s Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative leadership committee, the Massachusetts Early Childhood Funder Collaborative steering committee, and the board of Berkshire Area Health Education Center.
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Nick DePalma
Notch Mechanical Constructors announced the retirement of Steven Neveu, who has served as president for the past 28 years, and the appointment of Nick DePalma as the company’s new president, effective Oct. 1. This leadership transition marks a new chapter for Notch, continuing its long-standing commitment to quality, safety, and innovation across New England’s industrial mechanical construction industry. Stepping into the role of president, DePalma brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of Notch’s operations, clients, and values. Having served as executive vice president for the past three years, he has played an integral role in driving strategic growth and maintaining the company’s reputation for excellence in mechanical contracting.
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Jason Urban
Colonial Carpentry Innovations Inc. announced the addition of Jason Urban as consultant and production manager. Urban brings more than two decades of experience in the custom woodworking industry, cabinetry design, and home improvement to the Colonial team. Known for his strong communication skills, organizational excellence, and steady leadership, he has built a career centered on craftsmanship, collaboration, and genuine customer care. Urban’s experience includes years with Michael Humphries Woodworking, where he worked closely with architects, builders, and homeowners. He earned accolades while working at rk MILES, where he served clients throughout the Pioneer Valley. He built his career helping homeowners and builders alike find creative, practical solutions that balance beauty and durability. As a U.S. Army National Guard Veteran, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. His background instilled a strong sense of discipline, responsibility, and teamwork — qualities that continue to shape his professional approach today.
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Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Mass., announced the appointment of Paul Whitfield as retail banking officer. With more than two decades of experience in the financial industry, he brings a depth of knowledge, leadership, and customer-focused service that align seamlessly with Country Bank’s mission to make a difference in the communities it serves. Whitfield began his career in the financial sector in 2001 as a loan officer for a small brokerage in Lakeville, later expanding his expertise across several leading financial institutions, including Citizens Bank, Santander Bank, Bank of America, Berkshire Bank, and Fiserv. His professional journey has included roles as a banker, assistant manager, manager, small business officer, and merchant specialist, each reinforcing his dedication to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Whitfield has served for more than 34 years as a youth basketball and baseball coach, mentoring countless student athletes across New England. His leadership extends to serving on the programs committee with the Corridor 9/495 Chamber of Commerce and previously as a committee of management member and sub-committee chair for special events with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Massachusetts, where he received the Massachusetts Governor’s Alliance Against Drugs Award for his volunteerism.
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Hector Suarez
Jeffrey Lomma
David Gadouas
Westfield Bank announced the appointment of Hector Suarez as retail banking officer and branch manager, and Jeffrey Lomma as business specialist, both at its 1342 Liberty St. office in Springfield. Suarez, who joins the bank with more than 30 years of banking experience, is responsible for leading and managing the branch, including customer service, retail and business product sales, employee development, and overseeing general branch operations. He has held various officer and management roles for several national banks in the Greater Springfield area and has been recognized throughout his banking career for sales and service excellence. He has been very active with financial literacy, most recently with first-time homebuyer seminars for the Holyoke Housing Authority. A familiar face to customers and coworkers, Lomma returns to the bank, where he previously served in business development and management roles, including in the Springfield market. In his new role, he is responsible for servicing existing and developing new business relationships, community development within Springfield, and supporting the branch as needed. Lomma originally joined Westfield Bank in 2006, departing to be the Member Services director for the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University and is deeply involved with the local community, currently serving as a board member for the West of the River Chamber of Commerce and as treasurer and board member of the Asnuntuck Community College Foundation. Westfield Bank also announced the appointment of David Gadouas as assistant vice president and branch manager at the bank’s 599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee branch. He joins the bank with nearly two decades of banking experience. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading and managing the branch, including customer service, retail and business product sales, employee development, and overseeing general branch operations. Gadouas has held various officer and management positions at both community and national banks across the local area. Throughout his banking career, he has been recognized for his significant contributions to employee development and advancement. He is an alumni of Westfield State University with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.
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Kent Griffiths
The Wealth Transition Collective, a values-based financial planning firm located in Holyoke, announced the the addition of industry veteran Kent Griffiths, who joined the firm in early October as head of Investment Strategy. Griffiths brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, most recently from MFS, the pioneering firm that launched the multi-trillion-dollar mutual fund sector. During his career, he has collaborated with thousands of financial advisors, providing market insights and innovative investment strategies that have enabled countless advisors and their clients to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape. Griffiths has lived in various parts of the U.S. before making his home in Western Mass. Originally from Southern California, he moved to Houston during his early school years and attended the University of Texas at Austin. There, he met his college sweetheart, Ruth Mitchell, and began a lifelong partnership. The couple eventually settled in Boston before moving to Western Mass. in 2000.
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The National Assoc. of State Boards of Education (NASBE) recently announced that Michael Moriarty, executive director of OneHolyoke CDC and a longtime advocate in the movement to advance early literacy in the Commonwealth, is a recipient of NASBE’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award, recognizing exceptional contributions to education. Moriarty recently completed his tenure on the Massachusetts State Board of Education after 10 years of service, during which he chaired the state’s early literacy subcommittee, and was a member of the budget subcommittee and commissioner evaluation committee. He was also an active member of NASBE’s early literacy working group. Prior to chairing Massachusetts’ early literacy subcommittee, Moriarty pioneered tying budget requests to literacy programs, years before it became common in state policy. A final report incorporating Moriarty’s comprehensive recommendations on early literacy is being adopted by the state’s education department. A lifelong resident of Holyoke, Moriarty also served for 13 years on the city’s School Committee and was instrumental in the formation of the Holyoke Early Literacy Initiative, a community-wide collaborative that focused on increasing the number of students who were proficient in reading by the end of grade 3. He has also been a vocal advocate for arts education. Since 2013, Moriarty has served as executive director of OneHolyoke CDC, a mission-driven nonprofit that believes every resident of Holyoke should live in a dignified home and a safe, attractive neighborhood. Before attending law school, he taught in Holyoke for five years, in subjects including Latin, English, and social studies. As an attorney, he has also taught at Middlesex Community College and Holyoke Community Colleges.
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Linda Chavers
Holyoke Community College (HCC) recently welcomed Linda Chavers as the inaugural director of its new office of Restorative Practices and Mediation. A published writer, educator, and consultant, Chavers has spent her career examining structures of institutional inequality and reimagining what justice can look like in the field of education. She brings to HCC a specialization in restorative practices in the workplace, including crisis management, curriculum design, diversity support, and organizational development. Most recently, she has been working as a nonprofit leadership consultant and a national executive search consultant. Prior to that, she spent 15 years in higher education, serving as co-director and English professor at the Clemente Course in the Humanities in Dorchester; resident dean, assistant dean, and lecturer at Harvard College; and assistant professor of Instruction at Temple University in Philadelphia. She also was an instructor of English at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, N.H. Chavers holds a Ph.D. in African and African American studies from Harvard University, a master’s degree in English from Harvard, and a bachelor’s degree in cultural studies from New York University. She began her role at HCC on July 30.
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Kim Lynch
Excel Dryer Inc. announced the addition of Kim Lynch as its new director of Marketing, effective Oct. 20. Lynch brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing and advertising across a range of industries, including electrical wholesale, retail, finance, and industrial. She has a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams, developing strategy-driven campaigns, and strengthening brand visibility across multiple platforms. A graduate of Westfield State University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and managerial marketing, Lynch offers extensive expertise in marketing technology and analytics tools and platforms. She is also highly skilled in brand management, digital strategy, and creative development. In her new role, Lynch will oversee the development and execution of Excel Dryer’s brand and marketing strategy, support business development initiatives, and continue to elevate the company’s position in the commercial restroom and hand hygiene industry.
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Elena Gervino, senior vice president at Travelers Insurance Co., has been named chair of the Western New England University (WNE) board of trustees. With nearly four decades of experience spanning law, education, and corporate leadership, she brings a combination of strategic insight, operational excellence, and commitment to community impact to her role. A respected leader in the insurance industry, Gervino aims to guide the university’s continued growth and innovation at the intersection of business, technology, and social responsibility. At Travelers, Gervino serves as senior vice president for Claim Shared Services (CSS). A cum laude graduate of the Western New England University School of Law, Gervino served as Notes editor of the Law Review and was named Outstanding Woman Law Student of the Year. Her longtime support as a law school alumna earned her the Dean’s Alumni Excellence Award in 2020. Gervino joined the WNE board of trustees in 2021 and has served on the governance, academic affairs, development, student affairs, investment, and finance committees. In 2025, she received the university’s Benefactors Award in recognition of her commitment to WNE and her exemplary record of leadership. In the community, Gervino has held board positions with Horizons Inc., TRUE Colors, and Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, advancing opportunities for youth and individuals with disabilities.
