Amanda Goewey

Michael Hogan

NBT Bank announced the promotion of Amanda Goewey to Business Banking officer and Michael Hogan to Commercial Banking relationship manager. In addition, James Truden has joined the company as branch manager for the company’s Lee office, and Marzena Jarosinska-Doherty has joined as branch manager for the Great Barrington South branch. In her new role, Goewey helps business banking customers clearly define their goals and then connect them with the financial tools that best support their business needs. She joined NBT in August 2023 with the merger of Salisbury Bank into NBT Bank. Most recently, she served as Massachusetts Market manager with responsibility for overseeing NBT’s eight branches in Berkshire County. She has more than 15 years of experience in banking, including positions in branch management, wealth

management, and home lending. Active in her community, Goewey is involved with youth coaching and the Great Barrington Rotary Club. In his new role, Hogan is responsible for new business development and management of a loan portfolio, along with

maintaining and building customer relationships in Berkshire County and Northwest Connecticut. He also joined NBT Bank in August 2023 through the merger with Salisbury Bank, and most recently served as Business Banking officer. He has nearly 10 years of experience in finance, commercial lending, and portfolio management, including prior roles in which he gained relevant experience in construction loan portfolio management and commercial lending support. Hogan is active in his community, serving as treasurer and coach with the Great Barrington Little League, and on the board of directors for the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the current class of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Northwest program. Prior to joining NBT, Truden served as store manager at TD Bank in Great Barrington for more than 15 years. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from Berkshire Community College and served as a sergeant and squad leader in the U.S. Army. Jarosinska-Doherty previously held leadership positions at JPMorgan Chase and Berkshire Bank. She attended the University of Cambridge in the U.K.

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Wendy Wakefield

Monson Savings Bank announced the appointment of Wendy Wakefield as vice president, director of Residential Lending. In her new role, Wakefield will oversee the bank’s mortgage department, leading residential lending operations and supporting the bank’s continued commitment to helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals. She brings more than 20 years of experience in banking and financial services, including 13 years specializing in residential lending. She most recently worked at North Brookfield Savings Bank, where she was responsible for lending compliance, project management, and loan servicing. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from New England College of Business and a project management certification from Cornell University. She plays an active leadership role internally at Monson Savings Bank, contributing to the bank’s audit, compliance, and CRA/fair lending committees. In these capacities, she supports key strategic and regulatory initiatives, helping to uphold the bank’s commitment to compliance, risk management, and responsible lending practices. Outside of her role at the bank, Wakefield is engaged in her local community as a participant in the Rutland Youth Soccer League.

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Christopher Bone

Stephen Quiqley

Tighe & Bond announced the appointment of Christopher Bone and Stephen Quigley to the firm’s board of directors. Bone joins the board as an at-large director and currently serves as a vice president and Corporate Design manager. He has delivered some of the firm’s largest multi-disciplinary projects, including water and wastewater infrastructure projects, and served a key role in the statewide biosolids study for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, examining the long-term future of wastewater sludge management. He has also led company-wide initiatives, including communities of practice furthering technical expertise, and previously served as co-chair of the diversity, equity, & inclusion committee. Quigley was elected to serve as an external board member. A former AEC executive, he currently runs his own management consulting firm, where he advises industry firms on strategic planning, growth strategies, and

ownership transition. He has a background in environmental engineering, with experience leading the North American operations within employee-owned AEC firms. Tighe & Bond extends its thanks to departing board members Lisa Robert (external director) and Environmental Business Line Leader Dan Rukakoski (at-large director) for their years of service and guidance. Both served the maximum two terms. 

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John Rose

Greylock Federal Credit Union announced the hiring of John Rose in the position of vice president, Consumer Lending. Rose will provide strategic leadership and management of all consumer loan products and lending operations at Greylock, including direct and indirect auto lending, credit cards, and personal loans. Rose brings almost 20 years of consumer lending experience to Greylock. For nearly 10 years, he worked at Rhinebeck Bank, where he served as senior vice president, Consumer Lending, leading a multi-channel division that included auto, home equity, and personal loans; mortgages; and credit cards.

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Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers announced the promotion of Ruoqi (Rosy) Zhong to senior architect, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the firm’s mission-driven design practice and her growing leadership in sustainable architecture. Over the course of her work with the firm, Zhong has been deeply engaged in several multi-family housing projects designed to meet passive house standards. She has helped advance design solutions that balance energy performance, constructability, resident comfort, and architectural quality. Her work demonstrates how rigorous sustainability goals can be integrated into projects that serve both people and place, and reflects the firm’s broader focus on creating resilient, environmentally responsible buildings that support healthier communities. In addition to her project leadership, Zhong has strengthened the firm from within by helping to develop and refine overall design standards. She has supported greater consistency across project teams, improved workflow efficiencies, and elevated the quality of design deliverables.

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Kaci Nowicki

Greylock Federal Credit Union announced the promotion of Kaci Nowicki to vice president, Asset Quality and Real Estate. In that role, she will oversee underwriting and asset quality across Greylock, set risk standards, and align teams to support growth, new lending programs, and secondary market expansion. She will work closely with senior leadership to build scalable credit systems, improve risk governance, and position Greylock for future opportunities while leading teams. Nowicki began her career with Greylock in 2013. She serves on the board of directors for Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, and the newly established Footprints Family Foundation Inc.

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PV Financial Group announced the addition of four new team members to the firm in 2026, continuing the organization’s commitment to growth, client service, and community impact. Joining the team are Operations Support Specialists Tony Salemi, Daniel Meyers, and Andrew Wands; and Financial Advisor Brendan Burke. Salemi joined PV Financial Group in January. A graduate of Pioneer Valley Christian School, he later completed certification through the Financial Advisor Training Institute, earning both his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses. He brings a diverse professional background with experience in CNC machining, the mortgage industry, and most recently as an independent financial advisor. Salemi is looking forward to contributing within a collaborative environment while helping clients take meaningful steps toward their financial futures. Meyers joined the firm in April, continuing the legacy of founding partner Charles “Chuck” Meyers. A graduate of the University of Vermont with a degree in political science and psychology, Daniel Meyers brings experience coordinating planning appointments, organizing schedules, and helping operations run efficiently. He looks forward to supporting clients as they work toward reaching their financial goals and retiring comfortably, while also supporting his local community. Wands joined PV Financial Group in April. He graduated from Westfield State University with a degree in finance and economics. Prior to joining the firm, he gained experience helping operate his family’s business through landscaping and floral arrangements for commercial and recreational clients. Wands is excited to help support the surrounding community while assisting clients in achieving their financial goals. Burke joined PV Financial Group in May. He earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in comparative literature with a concentration in film from UMass Amherst and Lund University. Prior to joining PV Financial Group, he worked on the distribution side of the financial services industry, positioning mutual funds, separately managed accounts, and ETFs to advisors while also consulting on practice scalability and efficiency. After years of supporting advisors and their clients, Burke is excited to work directly with individuals and families to help them accomplish their financial goals and retire successfully.

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Bulkley Richardson announced that Dan Finnegan, the firm’s managing partner, has been spotlighted by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as a Top Managing Partner in Massachusetts. Finnegan was chosen “for his exceptional work in growing firm revenue and talent while hitting major milestones this year.” This elite list of managing partners was published in a special section on May 25. “As managing partner, Dan recognizes the importance of workplace culture, fostering attorney and staff well-being, alongside the firm’s commitment to producing quality legal work, and he has prioritized attorney recruitment and retention to ensure steady growth to best serve our clients,” said Betsey Quick, Bulkley Richardson’s executive director.

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Mackenzie Lagoy

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. announced the hiring of Mackenzie Lagoy. Lagoy first joined the team as a tax intern and has been recently hired as an associate in the firm’s Taxation department. Her professional focus includes taxation services, with concentrations in individual returns and family and independent businesses. Lagoy holds a bachelor’s degree from Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art and is slated to complete a master’s degree in accounting in December from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. She is also a member of CPAmerica and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.

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John Chavis

Alayana Anderson

Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that John Chavis has been elevated from systems administrator to director of information technology, and Alayna Anderson has been elevated from marketing coordinator to marketing manager. Chavis recently celebrated his 21st anniversary with Bacon Wilson in March. Over the past two decades, he has played an integral role in supporting and advancing the firm’s technology infrastructure, helping ensure that its attorneys and staff have the tools they need to serve clients effectively. Anderson celebrated four years with the firm in May. Since joining Bacon Wilson, she has made a significant impact on the firm’s marketing and social media efforts, strengthening its brand presence and supporting initiatives that connect the firm with clients and communities throughout the region.

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Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start recently gathered team members from across the organization for a Professional Development Day held at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. As part of the celebration, HCS Head Start presented three Head Start Hero Awards, recognizing extraordinary service and commitment to the organization’s mission, to Sandra Zieminski, a long-time volunteer who has supported numerous initiatives throughout the years; Christina Compton, site director for the Parkside Early Learning Center in Ludlow, Westover Early Learning Center in Chicopee, and Robinson Gardens Early Learning Center in Springfield; and Juana Santiago, a teacher retiring from HCS Head Start. Also, the 2026 Janis Santos Scholarship, created to support current HCS staff, parents, and Head Start alumni pursuing education in the early childhood field, was awarded to Diana Learned, a teacher at the Parkside Early Learning Center who is currently pursuing her education at Bay Path University with the long-term goal of entering the field of special education. Finally, HCS Head Start is also celebrating two additional accomplishments from members of its leadership team. Alisha Durocher recently graduated from the Springfield Regional Chamber Leadership Institute, a 12-week leadership development program through Western New England University designed to strengthen skills in communication, strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership in today’s evolving business environment. And CEO Nicole Blais was recently honored at the Human Services Leadership Summit with the Human Services Innovation Award, which celebrates leaders across Massachusetts who are making a meaningful impact within the human services field through innovation, leadership, and commitment to community.

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The trustees of Forbes Library presented the Gertrude P. Smith Trustees Award to both Debin Bruce and J.R. Greene for their dedication and volunteer service to Forbes Library on June 11. While serving as a trustee of Forbes Library, Bruce worked tirelessly to advocate and support the needs of the library so that it could best serve the community. Among her accomplishments was chairing the building and grounds committee, where she worked tirelessly to bring the library’s long-standing dream of a performance stage on the library’s grounds to a reality. Greene served as president of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum standing committee for many years. Always generous with his historical knowledge of Coolidge, he proved himself a steadfast presence for the committee and a champion for the importance of the collection and the museum.

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Josh Jensen

Amherst College announced the appointment of Josh Jensen as vice president for Communications, effective July 1. Jensen will lead all aspects of the college’s communications and public affairs work, including media relations, digital strategy, internal communications, and brand stewardship. Jensen joins Amherst from Oberlin College and Conservatory, where he has served as vice president for Communications since 2021. At Oberlin, he led the full spectrum of marketing and communications, from print and digital marketing to social media, video, crisis communications, and overall strategy. Before Oberlin, Jensen spent five years at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., where he served first as vice president for Communications and Public Relations and later as vice president for Enrollment and Communications. Earlier in his career, he held communications leadership roles at Connecticut College and Boston College. He holds a PhD in higher education from Boston College’s Lynch School of Education, an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, and a bachelor’s degree in music, magna cum laude, from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School. He has also served as a teaching assistant at Harvard Extension School and as a marketing instructor at Newbury College.

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Glenmeadow, a nonprofit senior living organization, announced the appointment of Scott Taylor as chief financial officer. He has extensive experience in healthcare finance, treasury operations, and strategic leadership. As vice president of Finance Support Services at Baystate Health, he managed financial operations across the health system, including treasury, capital financing, investment, and enterprise planning. Known for his leadership and communication skills, he consistently adds value and strengthens organizations. In his new role, Taylor will lead Glenmeadow’s financial strategy and operations, supporting the organization’s commitment to providing an exemplary, wellness-based lifestyle for older adults. He will oversee financial planning, budgeting, and long-range strategy, ensuring the organization remains well-positioned for continued growth and innovation. Taylor holds an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island. He is also a certified treasury professional.

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Bulkley Richardson recently welcomed four law students to its 2026 Summer Associate Program. The robust program will introduce law students to the inner workings of a law firm, where they will receive mentorship from lawyers ranging from firm leaders and retired judges all the way through the ranks to junior associates, and gain exposure to the practice of law. Sebastiano D’Angelo is currently attending Suffolk University Law School as a trustee academic scholar. He is chief managing editor of the school’s Transnational Law Review and will serve as president of the Business Law Assoc. He was a judicial intern at the U.S. District Court for Judge Katherine Robertson and law clerk at two Massachusetts law firms. Sebastiano earned a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in organizational communication from Assumption University. Lauren Franceschini, currently attending Western New England School of Law, is a member of both the Family Law Society and Women’s Law Society. She was a law clerk at Springfield Public School District and previously a paralegal at two southern law firms. Franceschini earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Elon University. Grace Guachione is currently attending Roger Williams University School of Law, where she is on the Rogers Williams University Law Review and Moot Court Board. She was recently a clerk for the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island for Chief Judge John McConnell Jr. Guachione earned a bachelor’s degree in business and finance at Saint Anslem College, where she was Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year and a NE-10 Conference nominee for basketball. Evan Naismith is currently attending the University of Connecticut School of Law, where he is vice president of the UConn American Constitution Society Chapter. He is a graduate of Commonwealth Honors College at UMass Amherst, summa cum laude, and co-valedictorian with a bachelor’s degree in legal studies. Previously, Naismith was an intern at both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern.

UMassFive College Federal Credit Union announced that its board of directors unanimously appointed Lauren Duffy, currently executive vice president and chief operating officer, as the next president and CEO, effective June 1. She succeeds current President and CEO Richard Kump, who is preparing to retire following a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years in the credit union industry. Kump will continue to support UMassFive as a senior advisor to Duffy through the end of 2026. Duffy is a 27-year veteran of the credit union industry, including the last 21 years at UMassFive. In her role as executive vice president and chief operating officer, she has played an integral role in shaping the credit union’s strategic direction and enhancing both member and employee experience. She has led numerous major initiatives, including core data processing, credit card, and digital banking upgrades, and also guided the evolution of UMassFive’s mission, values, and long-term vision. Duffy is actively engaged in leadership across the credit union industry and in the communities UMassFive serves. She serves on the board of directors of UMassFive-owned Member Advantage Mortgage, which she has chaired since 2021, and is a trustee of the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, where she chairs the loan committee. She is also deeply involved in legislative advocacy to promote and protect access to credit unions for all, representing Massachusetts on the Cooperative Credit Union Assoc. advocacy committee and serving as a PAC trustee for America’s Credit Unions. In addition, she contributes at the national level as a member of America’s Credit Unions’ advocacy policy committee. Her community involvement includes engagement with organizations such as Northampton Public Schools, the Mount Holyoke College Alumnae Assoc., and Boston Children’s Hospital. She is a graduate of the UMass Isenberg School of Management MBA program, earning her degree in 2023.

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Shakespeare & Company’s board of directors announced the appointment of Molly Merrihew as the organization’s new executive director, who takes the helm just as the company approaches its 50th anniversary. Merrihew has spent the last decade as an advocate and leader of the Berkshires arts community. Merrihew, most recently managing director of WAM Theatre, has been appointed executive director following a national search. She will partner with Artistic Director Allyn Burrows to guide the organization’s programs and operational work. For Merrihew, the role marks both a return and a continuation. Earlier in her career, she spent eight years at Shakespeare & Company in marketing and public relations before joining WAM Theatre, where she went on to serve as managing director and previously as artistic associate. During her six years in leadership at WAM, Merrihew helped oversee a period of growth that included expanded programming, strengthened governance, and deeper community engagement, while advancing the company’s mission of gender equity through theater. She holds a master’s degree in arts administration from Boston University and an undergraduate degree from SUNY Potsdam, along with a graduate certificate in human resources from Cornell University, and brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit theater and the broader arts sector.

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   Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems announced the promotion of Carl Cameron to executive vice president and chief operating officer. Cameron joined Holyoke Medical Center in 2001. His roles have included chief operating officer, vice president of Operations, chief information officer, and director of Information Systems. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in information systems from Western New England University. He also has a certificate in lean healthcare from the University of Michigan and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

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The board of directors of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts recently elected three new members: Dawn Fleury, Kiana Lowe, and Mollie Sullivan. Fleury, who joins the board as treasurer and will serve on the executive committee, brings more than 35 years of experience in finance. Currently serving as first senior vice president of Corporate Risk at Country Bank, she oversees the bank’s comprehensive risk management programs. Prior to her 14-year tenure at Country Bank, she had a 21-year career with the FDIC as a commissioned senior bank examiner in the Division of Supervision. Lowe brings nearly 10 years of experience in communications and development to the YWCA board. Currently serving as the Marketing & PR manager of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, she creates and manages the communications and content for the Hall of Fame’s overall marketing and public relations, social media, and website. She previously worked as the Communications coordinator as well as senior fan engagement coordinator for ESPN. Sullivan brings 25 years of experience in the human services field, working with a vulnerable population like the residential guests and community-based clients served by the YWCA. She is currently the social services counselor II for Health Care for the Homeless at Mercy Medical Center. In that role, she provides individualized and group behavioral and mental health outreach and direct programmatic services to adolescents and adults. Additionally, she provides counseling, crisis intervention, and support to patients and ensures referrals to care and services.

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Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Vice President of Student Affairs Jeannette Smith has been selected to serve on the Massachusetts state team for a new, national initiative focused on holistic student advising and case management. The State Higher Education Executive Officers Assoc. (SHEEO) announced this spring the launch of Holistic Advising for Student Success, a two-year program engaging seven states, including Massachusetts, to strengthen advising systems that support student retention, completion, and success. The initiative, supported by the ECMC Foundation and conducted in partnership with MDRC, will provide state teams with technical assistance, coaching, and peer learning opportunities to develop policy agendas that scale holistic advising statewide. Only seven states nationwide were selected to participate: Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, South Carolina, and Washington.

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The Springfield Thunderbirds announced three additions and promotions to its front office staff. Shae Koharski has been hired as the club’s new Marketing manager, Brianna Carroll has been promoted to account executive, and John McMahon has joined the team as an inside sales specialist. Koharski, a Baylor University alumna, joins the franchise after previously serving as the T-Birds’ manager of Digital and Social Media from 2021 to 2025. Koharski’s work has been recognized at the AHL level with awards for the league’s Marketing Department of the Year and the league’s Most Unique Social Media Content. Carroll joined the T-Birds as an inside sales specialist after graduating in May 2025 from Western New England University, where she played on WNE’s women’s soccer team. McMahon joins the Thunderbirds after graduating from Western New England University, where he played for the school’s football team while majoring in sports management. He also interned with the Thunderbirds throughout the 2025-26 season.

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bankESB announced the promotion of Meagan Barrett to senior vice president, Human Resources, based at the company’s headquarters at 36 Main St. in Easthampton. Barrett brings nearly two decades of dedicated service to bankESB, having joined the bank in 2008 as a human resources assistant. In her new role, she oversees all human resources functions for the organization, including employee engagement, employee relations, talent acquisition, and HR operations such as payroll, benefits, and compensation 

management. She currently leads a team of 10 HR professionals and plays a critical role in shaping and sustaining the company’s culture. Prior to joining bankESB, Barrett gained more than a decade of experience in human resources and operations, including serving as HR & Operations manager at CompUSA. She holds an associate degree in liberal arts from Holyoke Community College and pursued studies in psychology at Rhode Island College. She also earned her professional in human resources (PHR) certification in 2012 and maintains ongoing professional development. In addition, she holds certifications in employee engagement and Predictive Index. bankESB also announced the promotion of Lauren Tabin to vice president, branch officer, at its 297 King St., Northampton office. In her expanded role, Tabin will continue to lead branch operations while playing a key role in advancing retail strategy, supporting team development, and enhancing the customer experience. She joined bankESB in 2024 as assistant vice president, branch officer, bringing nearly 30 years of retail banking experience. Prior to joining the bank, she served as assistant vice president, Consumer and Business Banking manager at PeoplesBank. During her tenure at bankESB, she has successfully managed both the 170 Sargeant St., Holyoke office and the King Street, Northampton office. Highly engaged in the community, Tabin serves on the board of directors for the Northampton Rotary Club and Realistic Lemonade Inc. She is treasurer of Trees of Love, Friends of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, the Sphere Northampton, and the Golf FORE Health Tournament. She is also a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty honoree (class of 2011). 

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Greylock Federal Credit Union announced the promotion of Tara McCluskey to senior vice president, lending officer. She will be accountable for enterprise‑wide lending strategy and growth plans, portfolio performance, regulatory compliance, and leadership development across mortgage lending, consumer lending, asset quality, and community development. She will balance growth, risk management, operational excellence, and mission delivery while fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation. McCluskey has deep experience in housing and community development, with a focus on expanding access to affordable homeownership. She has led the creation of multiple community development loan programs that remove barriers for low- and moderate-income households and for Black and African-American borrowers, and she spearheaded Greylock’s accessory dwelling unit lending program to help increase local housing supply and support stable neighborhoods. She serves on the board of directors for Elder Services of Berkshire County.

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Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank president and CEO, was elected to the 20-member board of directors of the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. (MBA) at its annual meeting in May. Founded in 1905, the MBA is the only association representing FDIC-insured community, regional, and nationwide banks serving consumer and business clients across the Commonwealth. “I am honored to be elected to the board of directors of the Massachusetts Bankers Association, an organization that has played a vital role in supporting and advancing the banking industry for more than 120 years,” Moriarty said. “At Monson Savings Bank, our mission is rooted in strengthening the financial well-being of our customers and communities. Serving on the MBA board provides an opportunity to share that perspective, contribute to meaningful industry dialogue, and help ensure that community-focused banking continues to thrive across the Commonwealth. I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members to advocate for policies and innovations that support sustainable growth and expand access to financial services for all.”

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Greylock Federal Credit Union announced the promotion of Jodi Rathbun-Briggs to chief growth officer. In her new role, she will serve as executive leader for enterprise growth strategy, helping to drive growth, revenue expansion, and market penetration across lending, deposit, retail, branch, and digital channels. She will oversee business banking, consumer and residential mortgage lending, retail services, digital experience, branch network performance, loan servicing, facilities, and community development portfolios. Rathbun-Briggs began her career with Greylock in 2010. She currently serves as treasurer for Common Capital, a community development financial institution that provides access to loans, and on the 1Berkshire Foundation board of directors.

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On June 4, the Western Massachusetts Council of Scouting America hosted its annual Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The honorees of this event, who each received a Distinguished Citizen Award as a recognition of their influence and philanthropic efforts within the local community, include Jeb Balise, president of Balise Auto Group; Most Rev. William Byrne, bishop of the Diocese of Springfield; and Deval Patrick, 71st governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (2007-2015). All proceeds from this event directly supported a number of scouting programs across Western Mass., providing youth with hands-on opportunities to build character, leadership skills, and a lifelong dedication to service.

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Carr Hardware is celebrating Lenox Store Manager Patti Parker for being recognized in Hardware & Building Supply Dealer’s Top Women Profile Series, honoring women making a meaningful impact across the hardware industry through leadership, mentorship, and service. Parker’s journey with Carr Hardware began in 2013 as an associate in the Rental Department at the company’s flagship Pittsfield location. Over the years, she expanded her experience across multiple departments, including Rental, Commercial Sales, Paint, and Event Coordination, steadily growing into leadership roles. In 2021, Parker transferred to Carr Hardware’s new Lenox location, where she advanced from key holder to assistant manager, before ultimately becoming store manager. This recognition follows a recent feature in Berkshire Magazine highlighting Parker and Assistant Store Manager Carolyn Hebert, affectionately known as the “Ladies of Lenox,” for their leadership and customer-focused approach. Together, Parker and Hebert bring decades of hardware experience and have cultivated a collaborative leadership style that empowers both their team and the customers they serve, particularly women seeking knowledgeable, welcoming assistance in the hardware industry.

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The Applied Mortgage Team of HMA Mortgage announced that Lindsay Barron LaBonte, branch manager and senior loan officer of the Applied Mortgage team, was honored recently with two awards. She was recognized as one of the Loan Officers of the Year by the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Assoc. and Best of the Valley’s Best of 2026 Podcaster. These honors recognize LaBonte’s achievements in the mortgage industry as well as her community impact, highlighting her professionalism and strong work ethic. The Loan Officer of the Year awards recognize outstanding loan officers in the mortgage industry who exemplify excellence in production, professionalism, and partnership. Nominees were evaluated based on their performance in today’s purchase-driven market, year-over-year growth, and a range of key performance criteria. LaBonte’s “Real People, Real Estate” podcast delves into the genuine, real-world experiences of buying, selling, and navigating the real estate journey. She shares authentic stories, expert insights, and creates a welcoming space for listeners to feel supported and understood. The podcast is produced in partnership with Easthampton Media.

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Dakin Humane Society named Samantha Novak associate director of Marketing. Novak will provide overall marketing, communications, and public relations strategy for the organization, with a specific emphasis on fostering and stewarding corporate and local partnerships. She will implement vision, priorities, and standards for all marketing activity, ensuring alignment across content, digital, design, public relations, and development efforts. In addition, she will be responsible for translating organizational goals into integrated, measurable marketing strategies that elevate brand awareness, community engagement, partnerships, and revenue. Prior to joining Dakin, Novak was a senior marketing automation manager for Blackbaud, where she developed targeted nurture engagement programs for fundraising, grantmaking, and data intelligence product audiences; shaped marketing strategy; and executed campaigns. She also served as a marketing specialist for Performance Food Group of Springfield, where she led negotiations with broker/vendor representatives and managed the end-to-end fulfillment process and implemented campaigns. Novak has a certificate of nonprofit board education for corporate employees and is a root cause analysis practitioner. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Bay Path College.

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The Mount, Edith Wharton Cultural Center announced the appointment of two new members to its board of trustees: bestselling novelist and short story writer Lauren Groff and landscape architect Mark Strieter, principal at Nelson Byrd Woltz. These appointments reflect the Mount’s continued commitment to bringing together outstanding voices in literature, design, and the arts to advance its mission as a vibrant center for intellectual and artistic exchange. Groff is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels The Monsters of Templeton, Arcadia, Fates and Furies, Matrix, and The Vaster Wilds, and the celebrated short story collections Delicate Edible Birds, Florida, and, most recently Brawler. Strieter has focused throughout his career on revitalizing and interpreting complex cultural sites and ecological systems, working at the intersection of landscape, history, and public life. His portfolio spans urban and rural contexts alike.

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The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) announced the appointment of Dana Sullivan as its new chief financial and operating officer (CFOO). She comes to MHP from the Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance, where she was chief of Strategy and Operations and acting chief financial officer. She managed the day-to-day financial operations of $6 billion in operating and capital expenses across 12 departments, including human resources, insurance, and local aid. Earlier, Sullivan served as acting undersecretary of Human Services with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, supervising six agencies, including the Department of Developmental Services, the Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Transitional Assistance. In addition to her extensive financial management and operations experience, Sullivan brings to her new position a strong focus on relationships, partnerships, and collaboration.

Morgan Harrington

Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that Morgan Harrington joined the firm in early March. She will advance her career as an associate attorney in the firm’s Commercial Real Estate department. Harrington earned her juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law in 2025 and her bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. Prior to joining Bacon Wilson, she began her legal career as an associate at a local civil litigation firm, where she focused on analyzing and evaluating insurance claims and providing strategic legal guidance on liability, settlement options, and case resolution. She also served as a law student extern with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Springfield, where she conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on criminal law issues, supporting federal prosecutors in ongoing investigations and prosecutions. In addition, she assisted in the preparation of trial materials, including discovery organization. During her time at Western New England University School of Law, Harrington received several honors, including the CALI Award for Intellectual Property Survey, recognition as runner-up for Best Oral Argument, and Dean’s List distinction. She also served as community outreach coordinator for the Women’s Law Assoc. and worked as a student clinician in the small business practicum. She will primarily work out of Bacon Wilson’s Springfield office, focusing on commercial and corporate real estate and business transactions. She is currently admitted to practice law in the state of Connecticut and is pending admission to the Massachusetts Bar. She is also an active member of the Connecticut Bar Assoc.

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The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) board of trustees voted to select Diana Rogers-Adkinson as the institution’s 13th president, pending approval by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. She will succeed President James Birge, who announced his retirement after more than a decade of leadership at MCLA. Rogers-Adkinson currently serves as senior vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs and chief academic officer for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, where she provides system-level leadership for 10 universities serving approximately 80,000 students. A tenured professor and published scholar, she holds a PhD from Kent State University and brings a distinguished record in academic leadership, fiscal stewardship, and a deep commitment to equity and access in public higher education.

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Jean Canosa Albano

The University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Library and Information Studies (GSLIS) announced that its Alumna of the Year for 2026 is Jean Canosa Albano, assistant director of Springfield City Library. Upon graduating from URI GSLIS in 1995, Albano worked as a young adult librarian at Springfield City Library. She moved up through roles such as assistant supervisor and manager of Youth Services, then manager of Public Services at the Mason Square Branch Library. In 2016, she was promoted to assistant director for Public Services at Springfield City Library, a role where she has shined for a decade. While committed to working for her library, Albano has also long been committed to the larger Springfield community. She has served as a trustee at the Wilbraham Public Library, an outreach advisory board member for the YMCA of Greater Springfield, a member of the Massachusetts State Advisory Council for Libraries, policy council community representative and board of directors member for Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start, board member for Art for the Soul Gallery, public relations committee member for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and vice president of Springfield Public Forum. She has served on the boards of the Massachusetts Library Assoc. and the New England Library Assoc., and made conference presentations for those associations as well as for the national American Librarian Assoc. and the Public Library Assoc. Bilingual, Albano has served English- and Spanish-speaking members of the Springfield City Library community, providing and advocating for library services for non-English speakers. She was named a Woman of Impact by BusinessWest in 2018.

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Jennifer Cournoyer

The Springfield Technical Community College board of trustees voted to recommend Jennifer Cournoyer as the next president of STCC. The recommendation is subject to approval from the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and commissioner of Higher Education on May 19. If approved, she would be the seventh president of STCC and the first woman to lead the institution. Cournoyer, who serves as vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at River Valley Community College in Claremont, N.H., brings more than 12 years of experience in two-year colleges across New England. Cournoyer holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University, a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Rhode Island, and a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish from Stonehill College. She has held the position of vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at River Valley Community College since 2019. Before that, she was director of Library Services & Academic Supports at Quinebaug Valley Community College in Danielson, Conn.

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David Ricci

Joshua Stebbins

Westfield Investment Services, located at Westfield Bank, announced new title appointments for David Ricci and Joshua Stebbins. Ricci, who previously served as LPL investment advisor representative, has been appointed to assistant vice president, LPL investment advisor representative. With nearly 40 years in the investment and retirement industry, he joined Westfield Investment Services in 2017. He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses with LPL Financial as well as Massachusetts and Connecticut life and variable insurance licenses. Stebbins, who previously served as LPL investment advisor representative, has been appointed to assistant vice president, LPL investment advisor representative. He joined Westfield Bank in 2014 before transitioning to Westfield Investment Services in 2016. He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses with LPL Financial as well as Massachusetts and Connecticut health, life, and variable insurance licenses. He is an alumnus of Westfield State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics, with a concentration in actuarial science.

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The Downtown Amherst Foundation (DAF) has named Claudia Pazmany its new executive director, bringing a familiar downtown leader back to Amherst in a role focused fully on the foundation and its signature cultural enterprise, the Drake. Her first day will be June 1. Pazmany previously served as executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce from 2019 to 2024, where she was a visible advocate for local businesses and the vitality of downtown. She most recently served as chief development officer for Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services in Springfield, helping advance fundraising, partnerships, and new initiatives. That combination of downtown knowledge, nonprofit leadership, and community-building experience makes Pazmany well-positioned to guide the foundation’s next chapter.

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Julissa Colón

Holyoke Community College (HCC) announced that Julissa Colón has been selected as the college’s first dean of Student Experience. Colón, a 2013 graduate of HCC, started working at the college in 2010 as a clerk for the Gateway to College program and earned her associate degree in liberal arts. With the help of HCC’s Pathways Program, she transferred to Smith College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies and history and was subsequently hired as special programs coordinator for Gateway to College. While continuing to work full-time, she earned a master’s degree in public administration and a graduate certificate in gender leadership and public policy at UMass Boston. In 2020, Colón was hired as the inaugural director of El Centro, HCC’s bilingual support program. Now, as the first dean of student experience, she oversees new student programs, including orientation; Student Engagement, which includes student clubs and activities; wellness programs, including the college’s on-campus partnership with the Center for Human Development; and Commencement. She also serves as chair of the HCC Care Team and as the student conduct officer.

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Michael Missle

bankESB announced the appointment of Michael Missle as vice president, Cash Management. Missle has 25 years of banking experience and expertise in treasury and payment services. In his new role, he will lead the bank’s cash management strategy, delivering innovative solutions to help business clients optimize liquidity, streamline operations, and enhance financial efficiency. Prior to joining bankESB, Missle served as vice president of Cash Management at HarborOne Bank, where he was responsible for developing and managing comprehensive cash management services. Before that, he held the role of vice president, Application Services at Brookline Bank, overseeing critical banking technology platforms. Earlier in his career, he served as director of Payment Services at Middlesex Savings Bank and head of Cash Management at Boston Private Bank & Trust Co., where he played a key role in advancing payment systems and client service capabilities. Missle holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Vermont. He is an active member of the University of Vermont Alumni Assoc. and the Camp Bauercrest Alumni Assoc. He was previously a soccer coach for Framingham United, reflecting his commitment to community involvement and mentorship.

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Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the promotion of Felicia Sayers to assistant vice president, branch manager of the Williams Street branch. In this role, she will oversee all branch operations, lead and develop staff, and strive to deliver a high level of personalized service. Sayers joined the bank in July 2025 as assistant branch manager of the South Street branch and quickly made a positive impact through leadership, operational expertise, and dedication to customer service. Her ability to support team development while maintaining strong performance standards helped drive success within the branch. Sayers has extensive banking experience, including previous roles at Greylock Federal Credit Union and TD Bank, supervising teams, managing branch operations, and consistently earning recognition for customer satisfaction and sales performance. She is deeply involved in the Berkshire community, volunteering for more than a decade with local organizations, including Labor Lenten of Love, Berkshire Dream Center, Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build, and Thanksgiving Angels, among others.

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Holyoke Community College (HCC) Transfer Affairs Coordinator Mark Broadbent received a lifetime achievement award from the New England Transfer Assoc., a nonprofit association of transfer professionals from two- and four-year colleges and universities. Broadbent was presented with the Dr. Mary E. Dunn Lifetime Achievement in Transfer Award at the association’s 2026 annual conference, which was held April 13-15 at the Hotel Northampton. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant and sustained contributions to transfer in New England through their advocacy, leadership, and mentoring. Broadbent has worked at HCC since 1990 and served as coordinator of Transfer Affairs for 34 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in psychological services from Springfield College. He started working at HCC as a Springfield College intern and then moved into Admissions and the TRIO program before landing in his current position.

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Mark Broadbent

Pianist, composer, and bandleader Paul Arslanian has been named a Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Assoc. in its 26th annual recognition of “activists, advocates, and altruists of jazz” across the U.S. For the past 16 years, Arslanian has led the Northampton Jazz Workshop, a year-round organization that brings leading jazz musicians from New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia to Northampton nearly every week to perform with the Green Street Trio. Performances are followed by Arslanian-curated jam sessions featuring students, professors, teachers, and other local jazz musicians. Arslanian is also an advisor to the Northampton Jazz Festival, having served as executive producer for 14 years. In that capacity, he led the creative direction of the festival, seeking out and booking jazz musicians as well as directing all aspects of producing the concerts on Jazz Fest Day each year. In 2018, Arslanian founded the Jazz Artists in the Schools program with JFK Middle School and Northampton High School, collaborating with school band directors to bring in working jazz musicians each semester for workshops and clinics with students.

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Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) announced the promotions of seven individuals on the team. These promotions reflect the bank’s commitment to recognizing internal growth, attracting experienced talent, and strengthening its focus on technology, community engagement, and lending services.

• Michael Buckmaster is being promoted to executive vice president, Commercial Lending. He has been with the bank since 2020, leading the commercial lending team, and has more than 30 years of experience in banking. He will continue to lead commercial lending activities as EVP.

• Sean Sormanti is being promoted to executive vice president, Human Resources. He has been with the bank since 2019, leading the Human Resources department, and has more than15 years of experience in human resources and benefits administration. He will continue to lead human resources activities as EVP.

• Shelly Malo is being promoted to vice president, mortgage originator. She rejoined the bank in 2024 as senior mortgage originator, after previously working at Greenfield Co-op for eight years in the early 2000s.

• Matthew Donovan is being promoted to assistant vice president, commercial lender. He joined the bank 2023 as a senior credit analyst with several years of credit experience working for America Honda Finance. He was promoted to commercial lending officer last year and will now be an AVP working in that role.

• Kristen Canedy is being promoted to branch manager officer. She joined the bank in 2020 and quickly rose through the ranks to become branch manager of the Northfield Branch in 2024. She and her team shepherded the Northfield customers through the recent renovations to the building. She will now be an officer of the bank.

• Harlin Glovacki is being promoted to branch manager officer. Harlin joined the bank in 2022 and advanced quickly to become branch manager of the Shelburne Falls branch in 2024. He assists the Treasury Management team that shares the Shelburne Falls branch and will be completing the New England School of Financial Studies program this year. He will now be an officer of the bank.

• Marina Connor is being promoted to assistant branch manager and lead training officer. She started with the bank as a teller in 2017 and has risen to assistant manager while also acting as lead trainer over the past several years. She has developed, maintained, and led the training program for the entire retail division over that time and will now do so as an officer of the bank.

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Telia Marks-McCall

Telia Marks-McCall will join Northfield Mount Hermon’s leadership team as director of Athletics, effective July 1. Marks-McCall will lead NMH’s highly competitive athletics program, comprising 33 sports and almost 70 teams. She will provide strategic vision and day-to-day leadership for all aspects of the program, which promotes physical well-being and competitive integrity while staying true to the school’s educational mission, values, and commitment to developing citizens and scholars. Marks-McCall comes to NMH from Maryvale Preparatory School, where she’s served as director of Athletics and head girls’ basketball coach, overseeing six championship titles and three runner-up finishes across athletic programs while supporting nationally ranked teams in soccer and lacrosse. Her previous positions include director of Athletics and Auxiliary Programs and head basketball coach at Miss Hall’s School, where she led the development of a comprehensive strategic plan for the program. She also brings athletics administrative experience at the collegiate level, at Quinnipiac University and the University of Iowa. Marks-McCall holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Quinnipiac. At Virginia, she was the basketball team’s Rookie of the Year. After college, she spent two years playing professionally in Luxembourg and Finland, which helped her bring a global perspective to her approach to athletics and leadership.

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The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) announced the appointment of Dana Sullivan as its new chief financial and operating officer (CFOO). She comes to MHP from the Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance, where she was chief of Strategy and Operations and acting chief financial officer. She managed the day-to-day financial operations of $6 billion in operating and capital expenses across 12 departments, including human resources, insurance, and local aid. Earlier, Sullivan served as acting undersecretary of Human Services with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, supervising six agencies, including the Department of Developmental Services, the Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Transitional Assistance. In addition to her extensive financial management and operations experience, Sullivan brings to her new position a strong focus on relationships, partnerships, and collaboration.