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PeoplesBank announced the promotions and appointments of several key associates:

Matthew Bannister

Matthew Bannister

• Matthew Bannister was promoted to First Vice President of Marketing and Innovation. He previously served as vice president of Corporate Responsibility. He possesses more than 30 years of brand management and corporate social-responsibility experience. Bannister holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from UMass Amherst;

David Thibault

David Thibault

• David Thibault was promoted to First Vice President, Cash Management Sales and Support Manager. He previously served as vice president, Cash Management Sales and support manager. Thibault possesses 17 years of banking experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Norwich University and an MBA from Western New England University;

Steve Parastatidis

Steve Parastatidis

• Steve Parastatidis was promoted to Vice President, Commercial Lending. He previously served as assistant vice president and commercial loan officer. Parastatidis has more than 10 years of financial and banking experience focusing on commercial and industrial and investment real-estate transactions, with concentrations in the credit analyst, portfolio, and commercial-lending areas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in finance from Western New England University;

Tammy Bordeaux

Tammy Bordeaux

• Tammy Bordeaux was promoted to Assistant Vice President and Regional Manager, Retail. She previously served as assistant vice president and Business Banking Center manager. Bordeaux has more than 19 years of banking experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University and an associate’s degree in business administration from Springfield Technical Community College;

Michelle Chase

Michelle Chase

• Michelle Chase was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Consumer and Business Banking Center manager. She previously served as Consumer and Business Banking Center manager. Chase has more than 15 years of banking experience. She holds an MBA in entrepreneurial thinking and innovation design from Bay Path University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts;

Joseph Dias

Joseph Dias

• Joseph Dias was appointed to Assistant Vice President, Assistant Controller. Dias possesses more than 10 years of accounting experience. He holds bachelor’s degrees in business administration and accounting from Elms College;

Meghan Parnell-Gregoire

Meghan Parnell-Gregoire

• Meghan Parnell-Gregoire was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Business Lending Center manager. Parnell-Gregoire previously served as assistant vice president, Business Banking. She has more than 14 years of banking experience. She holds an associate’s degree in mathematics from Holyoke Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the UMass Amherst;

Robert Raynor

Robert Raynor


• Robert Raynor was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Compliance, Risk Oversight. Raynor previously served as internal audit officer. He possesses eight years of banking experience. Raynor holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Springfield College;

Cassandra Pierce

Cassandra Pierce

• Cassandra Pierce was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Business Intelligence Manager. Pierce formerly served as Business Intelligence manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Westfield State University, and a master’s degree in communication and information management from Bay Path University;

Erinn Young

Erinn Young

• Erinn Young was promoted to Deposit Operations Officer. Young formerly served as assistant vice president, branch manager of the Longmeadow office. She possesses 20 years of banking experience. Young holds a bachelor’s degree in executive management from Bay Path University;

• Christina Bordeau was appointed branch manager, Sixteen Acres. She possesses 20 years of banking experience. She is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in business administration and management from Springfield Technical Community College;

• Alisa Feliberty was appointed to Call Center Manager, Customer Relations. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and is currently pursuing an MBA in entrepreneurial thinking and innovative practices from Bay Path University;

Malissa Naylor

Malissa Naylor

• Malissa Naylor was promoted to Branch Manager, East Longmeadow. Naylor previously served as assistant branch manager. She possesses more than 11 years of banking experience. Naylor holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University.

Lori Stickles

Lori Stickles

• Lori Stickles was appointed to Branch Manager, Longmeadow. She possesses more than 18 years of banking experience.

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Adina Edgett

Adina Edgett

Bailey Eastman

Bailey Eastman

Adina Edgett and Bailey Eastman of Webber & Grinnell Insurance Agency have both passed their Massachusetts property and casualty licensing examinations given by the state Division of Insurance, bringing the agency’s total number of licensed employees up to 23. Edgett and Eastman work in the commercial insurance division at Webber & Grinnell, serving more than 900 businesses throughout Western Mass.

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Paul DiGrigoli

Paul DiGrigoli

Paul DiGrigoli, owner of DiGrigoli Salon and DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, was inducted into the prestigious Intercoiffure America/Canada organization on Oct. 9. Intercoiffure America/Canada, an international hairdressing organization, was founded in 1933 as the North American branch of Intercoiffure Mondial, originally founded in 1925 in Paris. The organization is widely known as the most powerful and influential in the hairdressing industry, DiGrigoli said, and only leading hair salons are eligible for membership — just 3,000 in over 50 countries. “I am so honored to be a part of Intercoiffure. It’s the most respected organization in our industry,” DiGrigoli said of his newly appointed A-List membership. “I’m humbled to be among the best of the best, the highest quality of salons and salon owners in the world.” The induction and pinning ceremony took place at the end of the Fall Atelier conference, an annual event held in New York City at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The DiGrigoli Salon artistic team, along with the other guests, enjoyed three days of education, hair demonstrations, product launches, galas, and more. On the final day, DiGrigoli was officially pinned as an A-List member by Frank Gambuzza, Intercoiffure president, and Candy Shaw, the new member representative for the organization.

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Gov. Charlie Baker named Mary Burns, Imari Paris Jeffries, Michael O’Brien, Elizabeth Scheibel, and Charles Wu to the board of trustees for the University of Massachusetts, and reappointed Robert Manning to the board. Manning, who previously chaired the board from 2008 to 2010, will also assume the chairmanship of the board that oversees the UMass system. Baker also announced several other appointments, including longtime UMass trustee Victor Woolridge as well as O’Brien to seats on the UMass Building Authority (UMBA), serving as representatives of the UMass board. Baker supports Woolridge, a commercial real-estate professional, for chairman of the Building Authority, which oversees the planning, financing, and construction of university facilities. The governor also supports Philip Johnston for vice chair. In a separate announcement, the UMass Foundation announced that Johnston will join its board of directors at the end of the year, where he is also expected to be named vice chair. “UMass continues to be a global leader in education,” Baker said, “and these leaders will help the university continue to think creatively and boldly about the future of public education in order to grow our economy, strengthen our communities, and create opportunity for future generations of students.”

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Nico Santaniello, a financial advisor with the Zuzolo Group of Northwestern Mutual, has qualified for membership in the Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT), an international, independent association of nearly 19,000 leading life-insurance producers. MDRT is a coveted career milestone that indicates sales and service achievement and is a recognized mark of excellence for life underwriters. Members must meet strict ethical and production requirements to qualify. Santaniello has been associated with Northwestern Mutual since 2012. As a financial advisor, he provides expert guidance and innovative solutions for a variety of financial needs and goals. He also led the agency in new clients for 2016. Santaniello received a bachelor’s degree from Western New England University. He is currently an active member of Suit Up Springfield and T.G.L.

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Christina Royal

Christina Royal

The state Board of Higher Education unanimously approved Christina Royal as the next president of Holyoke Community College. Royal traveled to Boston on Nov. 29 for her official interview with the Board of Higher Education. The HCC board of trustees voted unanimously on Nov. 3 to recommend Royal as the successor to William Messner. “Holyoke Community College has made an excellent choice in Christina Royal,” said Carlos Santiago, commissioner of Higher Education. “Her demonstrated record of success and commitment to high-quality education make her the perfect candidate for this role, and we look forward to having her at HCC.” Royal, is now the provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. She visited the HCC campus at the start of November for a series of interviews and meetings with a presidential search committee, trustees, staff, faculty, and students. She was one of three finalists who visited the HCC campus earlier this semester. Royal plans to start work at HCC on Monday, Jan. 9, when she will become the fourth president in the 70-year history of HCC and the first woman to hold the position. “We’re pretty excited about it,” said Robert Gilbert, chair of the HCC board of trustees. “I think you’ll see a lot of interesting thoughts and ideas coming from Christina. I know we picked the right person for the coming years to continue the mission of HCC.” Royal holds a PhD in education from Capella University, as well as a master’s degree in educational psychology and a bachelor’s degree in math from Marist College. She joined Inver Hills Community College in 2013. Prior to that, she served as associate vice president for E-learning and Innovation at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland and director of Technology-assisted Learning for the School of Graduate and Continuing Education at Marist College.

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Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. announced that seasoned corporate social-responsibility executive Dennis Duquette has been appointed head of Community Responsibility and president of the MassMutual Foundation. Duquette, who has more than 30 years of financial-services industry experience, including oversight of community relations and brand development, is based in the company’s Springfield headquarters and reports to MassMutual Head of Brand and Advertising Jennifer Halloran. Duquette will lead all aspects of MassMutual’s community-engagement efforts, including the recently established MassMutual Foundation. This includes such initiatives as the FutureSmart program, which is helping to address the critical need for youth financial literacy; LifeBridge, which provides income-eligible families with free term life insurance that protects their children’s education; and Mutual Impact, MassMutual’s employee-giving program. “For 165 years, giving back to the community has been a part of MassMutual’s culture,” said Halloran. “We are thrilled to have Dennis, with his extensive industry experience, innovation, and passion for collaboration, help build on that rich history and drive MassMutual’s community-engagement efforts to a new level.” Prior to joining MassMutual, Duquette was with Fidelity Investments since 1989, where he created groundbreaking sponsorship efforts, grew and expanded Fidelity’s corporate presence and sponsorships across the U.S., and managed FidelityCares, an employee-volunteerism program that also provides philanthropic support to nonprofit organizations. Joining MassMutual represents a homecoming for Duquette, who began his career with the company and held a variety of roles in community relations, human resources, and marketing communications. Duquette earned a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in administrative studies from Boston College, where he also earned his bachelor’s degree in English and communications.

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Michael Gove

Michael Gove

The Gove Law Office, LLC announced that founding attorney Michael Gove has been named a 2016 Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Star. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Gove has been recognized among high-achieving young attorneys in Massachusetts. A program of Thompson Reuters, Massachusetts Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who, through peer review and independent research process, have been identified as attaining a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only the top 2.5% of up-and-coming Massachusetts attorneys are named to the Rising Star list. Gove earned his juris doctor from Boston College School of Law in 2004 and is admitted to the Bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Bar of the State of Connecticut, the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts, and the U.S. District Court of Connecticut. The Gove Law Office, with offices in Northampton and Ludlow, is a bilingual firm with attorneys who assist clients in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, providing legal representation in the areas of business representation, commercial lending, residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, immigration, and bankruptcy.

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Robert Magovern, president of Agawam-based Neighbor to Neighbor, has been re-appointed to serve on Westfield State University’s Board of Trustees. The appointment marks Magovern’s third term of service on the board, following an initial term from 1997 to 2002 and a second from 2005 to 2009. Magovern’s current term will continue through 2021.

Board oversight is critically important, especially at our public institutions, and we are confident these appointees will bring extensive leadership, professional and academic experiences to the benefit of the schools and their students,” said Gov. Charlie Baker in the fall when he announced Magovern and other board appointments for public colleges and universities in Massachusetts.

“Our students and full campus community will again benefit from trustee Magovern’s keen business sense and his veteran perspective as an incumbent board member at Westfield State,” said Westfield State University Board of Trustees Chair Steven Marcus. “Trustee Magovern’s appreciation for and intimate understanding of the impact of public higher education is critical in the governance of the university.”

Magovern started his own business in 1975, which grew to become Neighbor to Neighbor, a regional “new resident” welcoming company serving customers in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Prior to Neighbor to Neighbor, he was vice president of the Magovern Company—a retail company that sold golf course equipment with stores throughout Western Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York. Magovern earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University.

Aside from running his business, he is highly engaged in his hometown community of Agawam, where he is the current chair of the Republican Town Committee. As the former City Council president, Magovern formed the Financial Oversight and Industrial Relations committees. He was also president of the Agawam Rotary Club, was a co-founder of both Agawam’s St. Patrick’s Day Committee and the Longmeadow Historical Society’s Long Meddowe Days event. In addition, Magovern was a co-founder of the Society of the 17th Century, a group that promotes 17th Century New England history and performs reenactments in the area. On the state level, Magovern was a member of the Massachusetts Republican State Committee and served on its executive board.

“As a firm believer in public higher education, I am thrilled to rejoin the Westfield State board,” said Magovern. “Westfield State is one of the finest state universities within Massachusetts.”

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Andrea Gauvin

Andrea Gauvin

Splash Marketing and Creative, a full-service marketing agency located in Westfield, announced its recent hire of Andrea Gauvin, who has joined the team as digital marketing manager. In this role, Gauvin will manage the digital assets for business clients, including, but not limited to, websites, SEO/SEM, blogging, social media, and digital ad campaigns. Gauvin has been in the marketing and communications field for more than seven years within the nonprofit, retail, and healthcare industries. Prior to assuming this role with Splash Marketing and Creative, she was marketing and communications manager at HealthyCT, a nonprofit health-insurance company located in Wallingford, Conn. She also held marketing positions at the United Way of Pioneer Valley and EcoBuilding Bargains, both located in Springfield. She graduated summa cum laude from Bay Path College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and has been involved with several community organizations, including the United Way of Pioneer Valley Women’s Leadership Council, the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, the Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and Cub Scouts.

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Allison Ebner

Allison Ebner

The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE) announced that Allison Ebner has been named director of Member Relations and Val Boudreau has joined the team as a senior training specialist. Ebner works to define and identify the greatest needs of prospective members and fully engage current members in the programs and services that will generate the most value for their membership investment. She has more than 17 years of experience in human resources, recruitment, and corporate branding, including talent acquisition and retention, employee engagement and team building, and labor trends and compliance. Most recently, she was director of recruitment for FIT Staffing and director of membership development for Associated Industries of Massachusetts. She also served as director of marketing and talent acquisition for United Personnel. Ebner is the current president and board chair for the Human Resource Management Assoc. of Western New England. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and a member and secretary of the board of trustees for Mason Wright. She is a 1987 graduate of Ithaca College in New York, where she received a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Boudreau is known for her ability to understand talent, learning, and people requirements and deliver strategic solutions that achieve business objectives. Before joining EANE, she was the owner of Leadership Heights, a strategic planning consulting business. Prior to that, she spent more than 25 years in the financial-services industry, serving in various learning and development and talent-management leadership roles. Boudreau received a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University and a master’s degree in training and development from Lesley University. She is currently a board member of GFWC Wilbraham Junior Women’s Club.

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Maureen Sullivan

Maureen Sullivan

The Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce announced that Maureen Sullivan has been named its Director of Marketing and communications, effective Dec. 1. Sullivan will be responsible for the strategic direction, development, management, and implementation of all aspects of marketing, public relations, social media, media relations, and communications efforts. She replaces Nancy Creed, who assumed the role of chamber president in August. Sullivan comes to the chamber with extensive marketing and communications experience, most recently as president of the Maureen Sullivan Media Group, an advertising and marketing firm focused on developing branding, marketing strategies, advertising, and event marketing. Prior to her founding her own business in 2013, she served as the marketing director for the Republican, where she directed corporate and internal communications, community engagement, loyalty programs, and sponsorships. Before being promoted in 1999 to marketing director, Sullivan served as the newspaper’s promotional manager, responsible for all internal communications, advertising sales, and event marketing. Sullivan is the founder of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” a successful, award-winning event series for women. She produced and managed the series of events attended by more than 2,100 women, launched its profitable merchandise line, and launched its digital and print publication with a reach of 376,000. Sullivan also produced an award-winning television commercial and has been named one of the Top 10 Women in Business by the Women Business Owner’s Alliance. Before joining the Republican, Sullivan served in similar capacities with the Hartford Courant and the Transcript-Telegram in Holyoke. She is a board member of Unify Against Bullying, a nonprofit that raises money to fund anti-bullying projects in schools; a former member of the Holyoke Cultural Council appointed by Mayor Alex Morse; and a former board member with the Newspaper Assoc. of America and the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts. She is a graduate of UMass with a degree in journalism and communications.

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Andrew Steiner

Andrew Steiner

Andrew Steiner has been named Executive Director of JGS Lifecare’s Leavitt Family Jewish Home (JNH). He brings more than 20 years of diverse experience improving the quality of care and quality of life of seniors. He will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Joint Commission-accredited, 200-bed, long-term-care nursing home located in Longmeadow. Before joining JGS Lifecare, Steiner served as president of Sycamore Health Care Consultants, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in senior housing and health care, policy and compliance, reimbursement programming, healthcare technology integration, operations and turnaround management, marketing, and real-estate investment. In addition, Steiner has served as the executive director of the 205-bed Abbott Terrace Health Center in Waterbury, Conn. In this role, he implemented and managed programs for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, pulmonary rehabilitation, and cardiac care management. He also developed and implemented partnerships with regional hospital networks and delivered significant improvements in patient care and customer-service outcomes. Prior to this, Steiner served as director of Strategic Planning for National Health Care Associates in Wethersfield, Conn., coordinating business planning and strategies for more than 40 skilled-nursing facilities in six states with more than 4,000 beds under management. “Andrew clearly brings to JNH a wealth of administrative experience in clinical, long-term, and sub-acute settings, as well as a diverse programming background,” said Martin Baicker, president and CEO of JGS. “His wide-ranging skills and expertise will be a critical asset to JNH as we introduce the patient-centered ‘green house’ model of care in our nursing home over the next few years. We feel confident that, under his leadership, this new range of service will continue to grow our legacy of more than a century of proud caretaking, and fulfill our mission to provide quality eldercare services to the people of our community.” Steiner teaches health systems management at the University of Connecticut School of Business. He is also active on many local boards and organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and Hartford Hospital, and has served the Florida Health Care Assoc., the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, and Dominican University. Steiner holds a master of public health degree in community health sciences and gerontology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, emphasis in marketing, from the Kogod School of Business Administration, American University, Washington, D.C. He is licensed as a nursing-home administrator in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

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Western New England University President Anthony Caprio announced the appointment of two new faculty members in the University’s School of Law:

Mark Worthington

Mark Worthington

• Mark Worthington is serving as the Director of Elder Law and Estate Planning Program in his new position in the Western New England University School of Law. Worthington has been in private practice exclusively in special-needs law, elder law, and estate planning for the past 24 years. He has been a member of the LLM faculty as an adjunct since the program’s inception. He is widely recognized as a national leader the field of elder law, having lectured and written for the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Worthington is a graduate of the University of Rochester, Northeastern University School of Law, and Boston University School of Law. As adjunct faculty, he has been teaching courses in Medicaid Planning and Planning with Grantor Trusts.

Henry Boroff

Henry Boroff

• Henry Boroff has been a visiting professor and jurist in residence at Western New England University School of Law since July 2016, and previously an adjunct professor at the law school since 1996. From 1993 until his retirement in 2016, he served as a U.S. bankruptcy judge for the District of Massachusetts, handling cases throughout Massachusetts, as well as in New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Boroff was chief judge of the Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court from 2006 until 2010, and served from 1996 through 2016 an appellate judge on the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the First Circuit. He is a graduate of Boston University and Boston University Law School, and teaches courses in Bankruptcy and Secured Transactions.

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Anne Stout

Anne Stout

Anne Stout has recently been appointed Director, Business Development, for Webber & Grinnell Insurance. In this role, she will build market position by locating, developing, defining, and acquiring new clients. Having previously worked at Toole Insurance and Pitney Bowes Inc., Stout has more than 20 years of success in marketing and consistently strives to maximize the reach, efficiency, and business impact of strategic relationships. In keeping with the agency’s mission, she is committed to the community. She has held roles as vice president, Membership for Berkshire Business and Professional Women and served on the United Way resource development committee.

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David Griffin Sr

David Griffin Sr

The Dowd Insurance Agencies announced that David Griffin Sr. was selected as Treasurer for the new Pope Francis High School board of directors. Pope Francis High School is a faith-based, college-preparatory school serving grades 9-12, formed through the merger of Cathedral and Holyoke Catholic high schools, and currently operating out of the former Holyoke Catholic building. A new, state-of-the-art facility is under construction on Wendover Road in Springfield and is slated to open for the 2018-19 academic year. “I have strong ties with both legacy schools — I’m an alumnus of Holyoke Catholic, and three of my children were educated at Cathedral,” Griffin said. “Participating on the new Pope Francis High School board is one way I can help ensure that Catholic secondary education remains a viable option here in the Pioneer Valley.” Griffin is a principal and the executive vice president and treasurer of the Dowd Insurance Agencies. He has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is a licensed insurance advisor as well as a certified insurance counselor. Griffin is also very active in the community. He has served as president of the West Springfield Chamber of Commerce, West Springfield Rotary, Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, Springfield Country Club, Hampden County Insurance Agents, and chair of Mont Marie Health Care Center.

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Richard Sawicki Jr.

Richard Sawicki Jr.

Richard Sawicki Jr. has been elected President of the 1,700-member Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley. The election took place at the association’s annual membership meeting held earlier this month at the Delaney House in Holyoke. Sawicki is office manager and real estate sales agent with Sawicki Real Estate in Amherst. As president, he will oversee the association’s activities and
operations, including meetings of the board of directors, and act as a
liaison to the association’s various committees. He is the official spokesperson of the association on issues related to the real-estate industry and the local housing market. The other 2017 officers and directors are Edward Alford, President-elect; Kelly Bowman, Treasurer; Susan Drumm, Secretary; and Lou Mayo, Immediate Past President. The directors include Elias Acuna, Suzi Buzzee, Shawn Bowman, Peter Davies, Janise Fitzpatrick, Ray Hoess-Brooks, Susan Rheaume, and Russell Sabadosa.

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Stacey Price has been hired as director of development and marketing at Dakin Humane Society, according to Executive Director Carmine DiCenso. Price will oversee development and marketing efforts for the organization, which has two adoption centers in Leverett and Springfield, as well as a community spay/neuter clinic at the latter location. She will focus on donor and community relations and pursue strategic partnerships that will enable Dakin to continue to innovate while serving the needs of animals and the people who care for them in Western Mass. and beyond. Price was formerly the interim executive director and development director at Gifford Cat Shelter in Brighton, where she served as a funding strategist. Prior to that, she was the capital campaign manager for the EcoTarium in Worcester, and animal welfare director at Kitsap Humane Society in Silverdale, Wash. Price is a member of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators and was part of the Spay Worcester Task Force. She received a Who’s Who 40 Under 40 award in 2010 from Kitsap County, Wash., and earned an MBA from Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y.

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HUB International New England, a division of HUB International Limited, announced that, effective Dec. 1, Timm Marini, will lead the Personal Lines Division for HUB International New England. This is in addition to his responsibilities of overseeing the Western Mass. offices and serving on HUB’s executive management team. Marini will lead the Personal Lines teams, which consist of close to 150 employees in more than 20 offices located throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island. His areas of focus will be developing and implementing sales and marketing strategies that result in value and pricing options while always meeting the underlying goal of delighting the customer. “Developing an exceptional team is imperative in this fast-paced, technology-driven industry,” said Charles Brophy, CEO and Regional President, Eastern Region of HUB International New England. “The first person that came to mind for this position, without a doubt, was Timm Marini. His vision, leadership abilities, skillful thinking, discipline, and tact for customer service will be a great benefit for HUB New England as we continue to grow and expand into new markets.” HUB New England was built through partnerships with long-standing, local brokerages housing years of experience in consulting on property and casualty insurance, personal insurance, and employee-benefits programs for New England businesses and individuals. As a full-service brokerage, HUB New England has access to the resources of a large, international company with local service and expertise.

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Jeffrey Sullivan, chairman of the Greater Holyoke Chamber Centennial Foundation, announced that Tessa Murphy-Romboletti was chosen to lead the Foundation’s entrepreneurship program, known as SPARK. She was chosen by a committee made up of Holyoke’s entrepreneurial ecosystem partners, including Hilda Roque of Nuestra Raices, Maria Pagan of the Holyoke Public Library, Harry Montalvo of Easthampton Savings Bank, Jeffrey Hayden of Holyoke Community College, board chairman Jeffrey Sullivan, and Kathleen Anderson, president of the Chamber Foundation. “As the new SPARK program manager, Murphy-Romboletti will oversee the Co-starter Launch Class, develop programming for entrepreneurs and small businesses to help them overcome hurdles in opening their own business, and work with mentors and those that can offer some expertise to new business owners,” Sullivan said. “Murphy-Romboletti will also be responsible for development, fund-raising, and community outreach.” Added Anderson, “we are extremely excited to have Tessa join our team. The interview committee chose Tessa to lead this effort because of her expansive knowledge of the city, especially the central business district, her knowledge of the SPARK program, and her skills in grant writing, which will go a long way in the development of the SPARK program and building Holyoke’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.” Murphy-Romboletti has worked for the city of Holyoke for the last five years in both the Office of the Mayor and currently as development specialist for the Office of Planning & Economic Development. In this role, she has provided assistance to both new and existing business owners while acting as a project manager for several development projects within the city’s urban-renewal plan. Her experience in project management, grant writing, and communications, along with her experience working in the public sector, will serve the organization in its continued efforts to support Holyoke’s entrepreneurial community. “I have always been inspired by SPARK’s goal to identify and develop home-grown talent from residents within the city in order to create jobs, expand our tax base, and fill vacant space,” Murphy-Romboletti said. “I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to work for the city that I love for the last four years, where I’ve met great people and passionate members of our community. I am looking forward to continue working with residents and business owners in this new capacity, and can’t wait to get started.”

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Thom Fox

Thom Fox

Giombetti Associates recently welcomed Thom Fox as its new Chief People Officer. Since 2013, Fox has managed a strategic consultancy focused on revenue and profitability solutions through the discovery of what customers want and don’t want. With a command of the fact-finding process and mastery of asking deeper-level, thought-provoking questions, he worked with stakeholders to build strategies yielding a larger likelihood of success. These solutions earned his clients a tremendous amount of personal and professional growth. Prior to founding his consultancy, Fox served for 18 years at a social enterprise, helping to build the organization from a startup into a national brand producing an excess of $50 million in annual revenues. He served in a variety of roles, including education coordinator, marketing director, community outreach director, author and subject-matter expert, spokesperson, and strategist. Fox’s advice has been featured in media outlets such as Forbes, MarketWatch, the Huffington Post, Fox Business, and others. He is also an award-winning philanthropist, volunteering as a board member for Suit Up Springfield, and supporting the business community as a facilitator for Valley Venture Mentors, producer and host of The Engine on NewsRadio 560 WHYN, and a member of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission’s Plan for Progress Committee. Throughout his career, Fox has built partnerships and relationships, engaged people in taking an active participation in their own growth and development, and coached entrepreneurs and community leaders to embrace change. Working in these collaborative settings, he experienced the toll that failure (and success) plays in a team dynamic. These experiences ignited a passion within him to motivate people to move in the same direction, believing that, if they do, they can reach any destination they choose. These experiences also instilled within him the desire to help people, teams, and organizations reach their full potential — a natural fit with the core beliefs at Giombetti Associates. Fox will be charged with continuously improving the design and content of various team-building and leadership-development offerings. He will help deliver and facilitate team-building initiatives, learning workshops, and coaching to individuals and executives alike. He will also support Giombetti’s effort to solve one of its clients’ ongoing challenges: finding good people. He will help ensure that clients have enhanced access to high-performing individuals and innovative leadership training. As an entrepreneur and consultant, Fox understands the challenges of starting and scaling a business. His time in corporate America also exposed him to the damages created by telling people what they want to hear. He has worked with Silicon Valley-based ventures, mom-and-pop startups, and established businesses on their way to becoming multi-million-dollar ventures. Throughout it all, he has maintained the philosophy that people are transformed through lovingly critical feedback and supportive services empowering them with the ability to become the best version of themselves. Giombetti Associates is a leadership institute providing pre-employment assessment, leadership training and development, team building, talent sourcing and acquisition, conflict resolution, strategic business coaching, M&A consulting, and a few other areas of expertise, with personality and behavior serving as the foundation to all of them.

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OrthoLite, a leading provider of comfort and performance insoles, announced three new additions to its marketing and sales team, including Dan Legor as Director of Marketing; Andy Downes as Sales Manager, Key Accounts; and Matt Hennessey as Sales Manager, Performance East. These new appointments will support OrthoLite’s dedication to strengthening partner relationships across the globe. In his new role, Legor will manage all aspects of marketing while elevating the brand’s global marketing and branding strategies. As an accomplished senior marketing professional, he brings more than 20 years of experience to OrthoLite. Most recently, he was the director of E-commerce at Lindt & Sprungli, and prior to that he was the head of U.S. Marketing at ECCO Shoes, senior Marketing manager at Timberland, and Retail Marketing manager at the Rockport Co. Downes brings more than 20 years of product and sales experience to OrthoLite, and was most recently the Key Account sales manager for Inov-8 footwear. During his 13 years at Nike, he held sales and product-related roles in a variety of business units such as Running Specialty, Custom Footwear, and Special Make-up Groups. From Nike, he joined Adidas as category manager, Running Footwear for several years before moving to Innov-8. Hennessey brings more than 16 years of senior-level sales and development experience to OrthoLite and most recently was the Product Development manager at Sperry. Prior to Sperry, he was a senior Development manager at Under Armour Footwear and a senior developer at New Balance Footwear, along with holding the National Sales manager position at Xterra. “We’re thrilled to have these dynamic professionals joining our team and helping to drive continued growth within each of the key sales channels,” said Pamela Gelsomini, OrthoLite president. “The number-one priority of the sales and marketing team is to help our footwear partners sell more shoes by delivering the most comfortable product to their consumers. This has fueled our success together over the years, so we will continue to invest in ways to help each of these brands exceed their goals with OrthoLite. Dan’s deep leadership experience in brand strategy will help to shape new marketing initiatives with our footwear partners and with the brand overall. Andy and Matt also share OrthoLite’s unwavering commitment to deliver world-class service and collaborative support.”

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Emily Doucette

Emily Doucette

FIT Staffing, an information-technology staffing and recruiting company based in Springfield and Enfield, Conn., announced that Emily Doucette has joined the team as a technical recruiter. Doucette has extensive recruiting and HR experience in the information-technology and aerospace-engineering industries. At FIT, she is responsible for sourcing and screening technical talent for Massachusetts and Connecticut clients. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management and an MBA from Springfield College. She is also a member of the adjunct faculty at Springfield College and teaches business management to undergraduate students.

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Northeast IT Systems Inc. announced Joe Bishop as the latest addition to its growing team. Bishop spent four years at Yankee Candle, where he was a candle maker. He then went on to work at NCR Corp., where he spent two years working on POS systems and ATMs. His latest work experience included working for an IT company for 10 years as a PC technician. When asked what got him interested in computers, Bishop accredited it to having a computer at a young age — his first one, in fact, at just 4 years old. He and his grandfather would spend time on the computer downloading games after school. When it comes to his profession, he said he s always learning new things. “There is so much to learn in the IT field that there’s never a dull moment.” Bishop studied computer networking at Porter and Chester Institute in Chicopee. His certifications include Network+, A+, MCP, and CCNA.

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Kim Lavallee

Kim Lavallee

Carrie Muller

Carrie Muller

DiGrigoli Salon announced that Kim Lavallee has been promoted from Master Stylist to Elite Stylist, and Carrie Muller has been promoted from Junior Stylist to Senior Stylist. Both are alumni of the DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology. Lavallee joined the DiGrigoli Salon artistic team in June 2011 and has made major strides in her career since then. In addition to doing hair, Kim is also a skilled makeup artist, both in cosmetic and special effects, and is often featured on WWLP-22News and Mass Appeal showcasing her talents. Muller started with DiGrigoli Salon this past February and has already been promoted twice. As the salon manager, she has many responsibilities, but she remains eager to learn and grow artistically as a stylist. This dedication has resulted in a strong clientele base and a continual refinement of her skills. DiGrigoli Salon, located at 1578 Riverdale St. in West Springfield, is owned by Paul DiGrigoli and has been offering professional beauty services to the public since 1987.

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Melyssa Brown

Melyssa Brown

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) announced that Melyssa Brown, CPA, MBA, has been accepted into the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Leadership Academy. She was previously honored with a Women to Watch Emerging Leader Award from the Massachusetts Society of CPAs. Brown’s induction into the Leadership Academy took place over the course of a four-day program held earlier this month in Durham, N.C. The prestigious invitation-only program featured interactive dialogue with the profession’s top leaders designed to build on the foundational knowledge perspective of each individual. Attendees were immersed in experiential exercises and self-examination of leadership and how a new strategic vision will positively impact their personal life, career path, and the CPA profession. “We’re very proud of Melyssa’s achievement,” said MBK partner James Barrett. “It’s not her first honor, and it certainly won’t be her last. She started here as an entry-level staff member and quickly went on to become the youngest senior manager in the firm’s history. We look forward to more amazing things from her.” Brown received her bachelor in accountancy degree from Elms College and her MBA in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. She is vice president of the Girls Inc. board of directors and is active in the UMass Family Business Center and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield. She was also a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty honoree in 2013.

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Baystate Health has appointed Ben Craft to the new position of Senior Director of Government and Public Affairs. Craft, who has served as the organization’s director of Public Affairs since 2012, is assuming the additional responsibility of government affairs to support Baystate’s needs for strong connections with local, state, and federal government amid continuing rapid change in the healthcare environment. Craft returned home to Western Mass. to join Baystate in 2008, having worked previously at the United Nations and the Wall Street Journal in New York City. His work at the UN included communications and policy advocacy with government, nonprofit, and civil-society partners. He will report to Jennifer Endicott, Baystate’s chief strategy officer and senior vice president of Strategy and External Relations. “With his deep understanding of the challenges facing healthcare providers today and a strong network of relationships in the community and across Baystate Health, Ben is well-positioned to serve as point person for our local, state, and federal government partners,” said Endicott. “He is committed to finding ways to improve the dialogue between our dedicated elected officials and Baystate Health, the largest provider of safety-net services and largest private employer in Western Massachusetts. Ben’s previous experience, particularly at the UN, will be invaluable in achieving this goal.” Craft grew up in East Longmeadow and is a 1996 graduate of UMass Amherst.

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Three new board members have been elected to the Bay Path University board of trustees. Mary Bushnell, Martin Caine, and Andrew Davis will each serve a three-year term which began in June.
• Bushnell is a 1974 graduate of Bay Path. She and her husband, David, have been generous donors to the university for 30 years, with their philanthropy having a particular focus on student scholarship. In 2005, she served as co-chair to kick off the Carol A. Leary Endowed Scholarship Fund for First Generation Students. Their support of Bay Path’s “Charting New Paths” campaign was instrumental in launching the American Women’s College, Bay Path’s online degree-completion program. Currently, their support involves providing funds to underwrite a data-based campus study being done to determine which in-school factors contribute to Bay Path graduates’ personal, professional, and/or family success upon graduation. She has served on many boards for the past 30 years, recently completing her tenure of eight years on the board of the Overlook Foundation, which raises funds for the Overlook Medical Center in Summit, N.J.;
• Caine is a principal at Wolf & Company, P.C. in Springfield. He has more than 25 years of experience as a certified public accountant, providing audit and advisory services to business owners, executives, and boards of directors. His advisory services include consulting on internal control compliance, acquisitions and divestitures, due diligence, and compensation matters. His industry experience encompasses financial institutions, manufacturing and distribution, and not-for-profit entities. Caine is a frequent speaker on financial topics, particularly in his areas of expertise, accounting and auditing. He is a 1986 graduate of Western New England College and is a CPA in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, and serves on the board of advisors at Valley Venture Mentors Inc.; and
• Davis is president and managing partner of Chestnut Realty Management, LLC in Springfield. He is responsible for the underwriting and financing of new transactions for the firm’s investment strategies. Prior to forming Chestnut Realty Partners, Davis spent three years with Wallace Capital, managing underwriting in its Florida office and originating bridge real-estate loans; six years at PVI Capital, LLC, a private commercial lender specializing in short-term bridge financing; and five years managing residential acquisitions for GFI Partners, a production builder and real-estate development company. A 2001 graduate of St. Michael’s College, he is a former board member of HAPHousing and serves as chapter forum officer for the Young Presidents’ Organization.

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Berkshire Bank announced the following:
• Gregory Lindenmuth has joined Berkshire as executive vice president, chief risk officer, reporting to the bank’s president, Richard Marotta. Lindenmuth joins Berkshire Bank from the FDIC, where he worked for 24 years, most recently as a senior risk examiner for the Division of Risk Management Supervision. Through this position, he has gained expert understanding of capital markets, including investments, derivatives, securitizations, market risk, liquidity/funds management, and mortgage banking. He also excels in modeling profit plans, establishing budgets, and setting strategic objectives. In his new role, he will lead the loan workout, credit, and enterprise risk management teams. Lindenmuth holds a bachelor’s degree in operations management from the Plattsburgh State University of New York and an MBA in corporate finance from Clarkson University. With the FDIC, he was a capital markets, mortgage banking, and fraud specialist and a member of the National Examination Procedures Committee. He also co-developed and co-presented the FDIC’s technical-assistance videos on interest-rate risk and has been an active speaker at New England Directors’ Colleges;
• Mike Ferry has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President, Commercial Regional President, for Berkshire County and Vermont. Ferry brings more than 37 years of industry experience, 30 of which have been spent with Berkshire Bank. Leading the Berkshire and Vermont regions for the bank since 2012, his primary focus is commercial lending and ancillary products and services. He also serves as president of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. Ferry holds a bachelor’s degre from Saint Michaels College in Colchester, Vt. Dedicated to his community, he is currently a board member and Treasurer for Berkshire County ARC, board president of the Berkshire Housing Development Corporation & Berkshire Housing Services Inc., board member and chair of the finance committee for Berkshire United Way, committee member for the Dalton Development and Industrial Commission and a volunteer coach with the Special Olympics Massachusetts; and
• Jim Hickson has rejoined the bank as SVP Commercial Regional President for the Pioneer Valley and Connecticut markets. In his new role, he will focus on growing the commercial-lending business, as well as expanding relationships with products and services offered through the bank’s other business lines, including wealth management, private banking, insurance, and retail banking. Hickson brings to the bank more than 26 years of financial experience. His previous roles include commercial banking team leader for People’s United Bank and SVP ABL relationship manager at Berkshire Bank, and he also held positions within TD Bank, KPMG Consulting, and Fleet Capital. Hickson holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and an MBA from Boston University. He is board chair and president of the board of directors for Common Capital, a board member for New England Certified Development Corp., and serves on Wilbraham Friends of Recreation.

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Bacon Wilson announced that five attorneys have been named to the 2016 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list of top attorneys in the Commonwealth, and three have been named to the 2016 Massachusetts Rising Stars list. Both rosters appear in New England Super Lawyers magazine. Only 5% of New England’s lawyers are Super Lawyers, with attorneys selected for background, professional experience, achievement, and peer recognition. The following Bacon Wilson attorneys were honored for 2016:
• Gary Fialky – Business/Corporate, Banking, Real Estate;
• Michael Katz – Business/Corporate, Business Bankruptcy, Consumer Bankruptcy;
• Paul Rothschild – General Litigation, Employment and Labor, Personal Injury;
• Hyman Darling – Estate Planning & Probate, Elder Law, Tax; and
• Gina Barry – Estate Planning and Probate, Elder Law, Residential Real Estate.
Rising Stars are under 40 years of age, or have been practicing law for less than 10 years. Fewer than 2.5% of New England lawyers are named as Rising Stars, including the following Bacon Wilson attorneys for 2016:
• Adam Basch – Construction Litigation, Business Litigation, Personal Injury;
• Benjamin Coyle – Business/Corporate; State, Local, and Municipal; Estate and Trust Litigation; and
• Thomas Reidy – Land Use/Zoning.

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Jennifer Halloran

Jennifer Halloran

Bolstering its commitment to reach consumers on their terms, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. has appointed longtime financial-services branding and marketing executive Jennifer Halloran as head of Brand and Advertising. Halloran, who is based in Boston and reports to MassMutual Chief Customer Experience Officer Gareth Ross, will oversee the collaborative development and implementation of the company’s initiatives in brand marketing, community responsibility, digital content, and social engagement. She will also be responsible for managing the deployment of the MassMutual brand strategy throughout all channels, as well as in the company’s community-engagement efforts. “We are excited to have someone with Jennifer’s track record of experience in the financial-services industry and business acumen on board to further enable us to drive the MassMutual brand in a way that is consistent with our strategy, and create a consistent experience within the marketplace and with our customers,” said Ross. “Her experience, creativity, and passion for collaboration — underscored by her successes throughout her two-decade career — will be invaluable as we move forward as a company.” Halloran was most recently with Fidelity Investments, where she spent a total of eight years in a variety of leadership roles in marketing, communications, and branding. These responsibilities included managing and executing the redesign of web, digital, and content programs for Fidelity’s Innovation Lab, as well as many other cross-channel digital customer-experience programs. She also held various marketing, communications, and brand-strategy positions with both Mobiquity Inc. and Putnam Investments. She began her career in 1996 with integrated advertising agency Digitas (now DigitasLBi). A graduate of Boston College with a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science, Halloran earned her MBA in marketing/marketing management from Babson College’s Franklin W. Olin Graduate School of Business.

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Amy Royal

Amy Royal

Royal, P.C., a woman-owned, boutique, management-side labor and employment law firm, announced that Amy Royal, principal and founding partner of the firm, has been honored with selection as one of New England’s Super Lawyers and has been included in the 2016 issue of New England Super Lawyers magazine. Super Lawyers consists of attorneys throughout New England who are nominated by their peers as outstanding lawyers; the nomination then goes through an extensive selection process. With more than 16 years of experience, Royal has successfully defended employers in both federal and state courts as well as before administrative agencies in a variety of areas of employment law, including employment discrimination and sexual harassment, unfair competition, breach of contract and wrongful discharge claims, workers’ compensation, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) violations, with a special emphasis in wage-and-hour class actions. Royal regularly advises non-union clients on maintaining a union-free workplace and performs other preventive work such as wage-and-hour law compliance, record-keeping audits, drafting of employee manuals and affirmative-action plans, and management training. In addition, she assists unionized clients during contract negotiations, at arbitrations, and with respect to employee grievances and unfair-labor-practices charges. Royal’s accolades also include Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s 2012 Top Women of Law award recognizing her as a top female lawyer in Massachusetts, as well as BusinessWest’s prestigious 40 Under Forty award, recognizing her for outstanding leadership in the Pioneer Valley business community.

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Anne Thomas

Anne Thomas

Paul Nicholson, chair of the board of directors for Glenmeadow, announced that Anne Thomas has accepted the position of President and CEO, and will begin work with the nonprofit on Nov. 1. Thomas most recently served as vice president of residential health at JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow, and she has over 25 years of experience working with seniors. “She has strong operational, interpersonal, team-building, and financial-management skills,” Nicholson said. “Most importantly, though, her career has been devoted solely to older adults, and she is passionate about the people she serves, including the staff members she leads. She has demonstrated that she is a driven leader.” Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Providence College in Rhode Island and a master’s in social work from Hunter College in New York. “I’m truly excited about the opportunity to lead Glenmeadow as its next CEO,” Thomas said. “Glenmeadow has earned its stellar reputation by its deep dedication to improving the lives of older adults. As a core value, I have always believed later life should be the best part of life. This philosophy is embedded in the Glenmeadow community, so I was immediately attracted.”

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Matt Roberts

Matt Roberts

Matt Roberts recently joined the Gaudreau Group Insurance and Financial Services Agency of Wilbraham as a Business Insurance Service & Sales Assistant. He specializes in helping identify gaps in commercial insurance coverage, as well as areas in which a business may have been overinsured, which results in better control over costs while achieving more solid coverage. “Matt delivers real value to our clients by helping them understand their insurance cost drivers, especially workers’ compensation. He utilizes our industry-leading technology, including forecasting tools and predictive budget analysis, to help our clients stay proactive and have better control over their insurance dollars,” said Jules Gaudreau, president of the Gaudreau Group. Roberts has been in the insurance industry since 2011, when he started his career with a large national carrier. He is a graduate of Lasell College in Newton, with bachelor’s degrees in both accounting and business management.

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Daniel O’Connell

Daniel O’Connell

Sarah Ornelas

Sarah Ornelas

Springfield-based law firm O’Connell & Plumb, P.C., announced that attorney Daniel O’Connell was named to the 2016 New England Super Lawyers list in the area of Plaintiff Employment Litigation, and attorney Sarah Ornelas has been named to the 2016 New England Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars list in the area of Plaintiff Employment Litigation. This is the second consecutive year that both O’Connell and Ornelas have been included on these lists. According to the webpage for Super Lawyers, it is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. O’Connell and Ornelas both focus their practice in the areas of employment-based discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination.

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Jennifer Bujnevicie

Jennifer Bujnevicie

Laura Dennis

Laura Dennis

Country Bank announced that Jennifer Bujnevicie and Laura Dennis have been promoted to the position of Regional Managers of the bank’s Retail Banking division. Bujnevicie has been in the banking industry since 2004 and has held several positions during her tenure at Country Bank, beginning as a teller, and just prior to this promotion as operations manager. “I have a passion for customer service and a great love for helping people,” she said. Bujnevicie holds a human resources certificate from the Center for Financial Training, and is currently enrolled in the New England College of Business & Finance, pursuing a degree in business administration. She is a self-proclaimed animal lover and often volunteers her time at the Second Chance Animal Shelter. Dennis joined Country Bank while still in high school as a part-time file clerk in 2000, and became a full-time staff member upon her graduation. She began her career in the Collections department, but then moved to retail banking to be with the customers, and has been there ever since. “I am passionate about working with my team and helping them develop in their positions. The greatest reward for me personally is seeing them reach their professional goals,” she said. Dennis graduated from the New England School for Financial Studies in 2015 and serves as the treasurer for both the Palmer and Belchertown units of the Salvation Army. “I’m very excited to work closely with Jenn and Laura as they lead our branch staff to continued success focused on excellence in customer service and product delivery,” said Brady Chianciola, first vice president of Retail Banking. “They bring with them a wealth of knowledge from the retail aspect of banking as well as a true sense of community, which is so important to Country Bank.”

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Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced that three of its attorneys were honored by Super Lawyers for 2016. Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor:

Ralph Abbott Jr.

Ralph Abbott Jr.

• Ralph Abbott Jr. was listed in Super Lawyers in the categories of employment and labor law. A partner since 1975, Abbott is known throughout the legal community for his work representing management in labor relations and employment-related matters, providing employment-related advice to employers, assisting clients in remaining union-free, and representing employers before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). He also has numerous credits as an author, editor, and teacher, and a record of civic and community involvement. Since 2010, he has been ranked as one of the top labor and employment attorneys in the state of Massachusetts by the prestigious Chambers USA rating firm;

• Susan Fentin

• Susan Fentin

• Susan Fentin was listed in Super Lawyers in the categories of employment and labor law. She has been a partner at the firm since 2004. Her practice concentrates on labor and employment counseling, advising large and small employers on their responsibilities and obligations under state and federal employment laws and representing employers before state and federal agencies and in court. She speaks frequently to employer groups, conducts training on avoiding problems in employment law, and teaches master classes on both the FMLA and ADA. She has also been ranked as one of the top labor and employment attorneys in the state of Massachusetts by the prestigious Chambers USA and was named one of the Top 50 Women in the Law in 2015; and

Jay Presser

Jay Presser

• Jay Presser was listed in Super Lawyers in the categories of employment and labor law. Presser has more than 35 years of experience litigating employment cases. He has successfully defended employers in civil actions and jury trials and handled cases in all areas of employment law, including discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, wage hour, FMLA, ERISA, and defamation. He has won appeals before the Supreme Judicial Court and the First and Second Circuit Courts of Appeals, and represented employers in hundreds of arbitration cases arising under collective-bargaining agreements.

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Judi Real

Judi Real

The DiGrigoli Companies (which includes DiGrigoli Salon, DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, and DiGrigoli Seminars) announced that Judi Real has been promoted to Creative Director. Real started with the company in February 2015 as executive assistant to the CEO, Paul DiGrigoli. From the beginning, her passion for marketing and advertising stood out, and she has been instrumental in many social-media and printed marketing campaigns for all three branches of the company. With her previous position successfully filled, she is now able to devote all of her time to marketing, brand development, and advertising.

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Jay Presser

Jay Presser

Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced that, after 40 years of practicing law, Attorney Jay Presser has retired. “It has truly been an honor for me to be a part of the firm,” said Presser. “My career at Skoler Abbott has afforded me the distinct opportunity of working alongside some of the best lawyers in our region, and I know the firm’s legal reputation will continue on for many years.” Presser, who started with the firm in 1977, has more than 40 years of experience litigating employment cases in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board, the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination, and the State Labor Relations Commission. He has successfully defended employers in civil actions and jury trials and has handled cases in all areas of employment law. He has won appeals before the Supreme Judicial Court and the First and Second Circuit Courts of Appeals, and has represented employers in hundreds of arbitration cases arising under collective-bargaining agreements. In addition to his consistent track record in the courtroom, he has received numerous honors, along with more than 20 consecutive years on the Best Lawyers in America list. “As we reflect on Jay’s retirement, we look forward to the future of the firm,” said attorney Timothy Murphy. “With his help, we have assembled an excellent team of legal professionals — a legacy that Jay will leave behind for years to come.”
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The Gaudreau Group Insurance and Financial Services Agency of Wilbraham welcomed Tracy Goodman, Personal Risk Specialist, to its personal insurance team. Using the agency’s access to dozens of carriers to ensure a customized experience for each client, Goodman designs personal risk-management plans for individuals and employer groups, helping protect what’s important to them. She specializes in coverages including life, home, auto, renters, and umbrella. “Tracy takes pride in completing a thorough coverage analysis with each client, helping them to understand their coverage, feel financially comfortable, and know what to expect if they ever have a loss. She’s a valuable addition to our remarkable personal insurance team, and our clients will benefit from her unique skillset and perspective,” said Jules Gaudreau, president of the Gaudreau Group. Goodman has been in the insurance industry since 2008, with prior experience in human resources and recruiting. She is co-chair of programs for the Women Business Owners Alliance, is a volunteer and mentor with Girls Inc., conducts community outreach for the Springfield JCC’s J-Art program, and is a member of the Professional Women’s Chamber. She is a graduate of the University of Delaware and completed a semester abroad at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beersheba, Israel. She is continuing her insurance education in the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor program.
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Kate Phelon, executive director of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, was appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker to the Mass. Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) in September. This appointment is one of three by the governor; the other two are representatives of advanced-manufacturing companies. Phelon will be part of a commission looking at the future of manufacturing in Massachusetts. “I am very honored and excited about this appointment and appreciate the state’s leadership in recognizing the role a chamber of commerce representative can have in not only formulating agenda’s for particular industries, but the outreach we have with our membership,” Phelon said. The purpose of the AMC will be to develop and implement the Commonwealth’s manufacturing agenda with the goal to foster and strengthen the necessary conditions to promote growth and innovation of manufacturing within Massachusetts. The AMC will focus on four areas: workforce development and education; technical assistance, innovation, and access to capital; enhancement of competitiveness, easing cost of doing business, and regulatory review of SMEs; and promoting manufacturing, which will include attracting a talented workforce, and expansion of in-state marketing of the supply chain. In addition, the AMC works in conjunction with President Obama’s Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, as well as with seven additional states through the National Governors Assoc. Center of Best Practices Policy Academy on Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation. Phelon attended her first full meeting of the collaborative in mid-September and learned first-hand what the subcommittees have been working on. “Right now, the subcommittees are working on a five-year strategic-planning process to develop a strategy to keep manufacturing growing, exciting, inclusive, and innovative,” she said. “I was amazed at the work that has been done by these subcommittees and am very excited to work with stakeholders in the public and private sectors.” As she gets more involved and acclimated to the work this collaborative is conducting, Phelon will share information as it becomes available and will be in contact with local manufacturers as necessary.
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Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. recently welcomed Emily Klassanos and Brian Benson to the firm as part of its next generation of talent.

Emily Klassanos

Emily Klassanos

• Klassanos comes to the firm from Elms College, with previous experience as an accounting intern with a local public accounting firm. She earned a dual bachelor’s degree in accounting and marketing from Elms, where she graduated magna cum laude, with a foundation in both technical work and the creative and strategic applications of marketing and market development. Additionally, she is currently pursuing her master’s degree in accounting and financial planning, also at Elms. She is a member of Mass. Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). In May 2015, she was the recipient of the William Donovan Award in Accounting Excellence at Elms College.

Brian Benson

Brian Benson

• Benson began his career at MBK as an audit and accounting intern and has also earned a position as an audit and accounting associate. He also graduated from Elms College, with degrees in accounting and business management. He will begin his journey to an MBA at Elms this fall with a concentration in financial planning, followed by a graduate certificate in public accounting. His goal in pursuing a diversified graduate education is to position himself to offer a broad range of expertise to his clients as he progresses through his career. He is a member of the AICPA and MSCPA. “The culture of the firm grows and evolves with each new addition of talented young people such as Emily and Brian,” said MBK Partner Howard Cheney. “They bring vital energy to a staff that is on the precipice of evolution. As a partner, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing our next generation come into their own.”
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At the recent 2016 Mid-Year Mortgage Conference, the Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman magazine, released its annual report on the top mortgage originators in Massachusetts. Beverly Orloski, Vice President and Mortgage Consultant at PeoplesBank, finished first among all Western Mass. loan originators in the report. She was also listed as the top loan originator in the market in 2015. “What makes Bev the number-one consultant in Western Massachusetts is her ability to get the customers comfortable with the process and work with the team in the background to make it all happen seamlessly,” said James Sherbo, PeoplesBank’s senior vice president, commercial lending. Orloski said the thing she likes most about her job is working with people. “You get a certain satisfaction because you take them all the way through the process, from the time they first sit with you through their closing. That can be typically 30 to 60 days, and you’re interacting with them the whole time.” Orloski has more than 30 years of financial and banking experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Elms College and is a graduate of the American Bankers Assoc. Residential and Commercial Lending School. She is a member of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley.
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Lee Dawn Daniel

Lee Dawn Daniel

Bacon Wilson announced that Attorney Lee Dawn Daniel has been selected to join the executive committee of the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA). She is currently serving her second term on MATA’s board of governors, having been appointed by MATA’s president for 2015-16, and then nominated and elected by former MATA officers to continue on the board of governors for another two-year term. “It is my privilege to continue my service to MATA by joining the executive committee,” Daniel said. “I am thrilled to be able to help promote the mission of this tremendous organization, which allows trial attorneys to gather together to share cutting-edge techniques, discuss the latest trends in the law, and improve skills so that we can continue to serve our clients and the justice system of the Commonwealth to the best of our abilities. It’s my honor to serve.” Daniel recently joined Bacon Wilson as of counsel. She is a litigator with more than 30 years of experience representing clients in matters of personal injury. She is a graduate of the Boston University School of Law and the State University of New York at Binghamton with honors, and has secured multiple million-dollar-plus settlements and verdicts throughout her career. She is based in Bacon Wilson’s Northampton location. MATA has operated since 1975, with its membership working to uphold and defend the Constitutions of the U.S. and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to assure that the right to trial by jury will be secure to all, to help people whose rights may be in jeopardy, to protect the independence of the judiciary, to promote public safety and welfare while protecting individual liberties, and to uphold the honor of the profession of law.
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Tara Cruz

Tara Cruz

DiGrigoli Salon announced that Tara Cruz has been promoted from a junior stylist to a senior stylist. She graduated from DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology in October 2014 and joined the DiGrigoli Salon Artistic Team as a junior stylist immediately after obtaining her cosmetology license. DiGrigoli Salon, located at 1578 Riverdale St. in West Springfield, has been offering professional beauty services to the public since 1987, is the official styling team for on-air personalities at WWLP-22News and 94.7 WMAS, and is a sponsor of Link to Libraries.
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Ning Jia has joined the faculty of Bay Path University, School of Science and Management, as Director of the MS in Applied Data Science program. Prior to accepting this position, she was a statistician at Affinion Group based in Stamford, Conn., and has also worked at the Hartford Financial Group and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She has also been an assistant professor at Virginia Tech and a teaching fellow at Harvard University. Jia received her bachelor’s degree in business from Fudan University, Shanghai, China, and a Ph.D. in pure mathematics from the University of Minnesota. Her specialties are in combinatorics, biostatistics, statistical modeling, and big-data analysis.
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Timothy Cotz

Timothy Cotz

On Oct. 5, the Glenmeadow community bid farewell to Timothy Cotz, who has served as president and CEO for the past 23 years. This week, in advance of the celebration, Cotz learned that $16,000 has been raised in his honor by staff, residents, and community members for the Glenmeadow Staff Education Fund, which makes scholarship funds available for employees returning to school. In addition, the largest gathering room, formerly known as Great Hall, has been renamed Timothy V. Cotz Hall. Reflecting on his time at Glenmeadow, Cotz said much has changed in the industry since he began, noting that residents are coming to the life plan community later in life, they expect more in terms of quality, and they are healthier and more active. Cotz also noted that the nonprofit itself, known for its holistic mission and innovative programs and outreach to the wider community, has greatly expanded. Once offering services only to residents, the organization now provides services to people living across the Greater Springfield area. Through such innovations as Glenmeadow at Home, the Lifestyle Pass, and Glenmeadow Learning — all programs Cotz helped found — area residents have access to services from transportation and care management to education.
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Sara Bonakdar

Sara Bonakdar

Sara Bonakdar has been hired as group sales manager for Pioneer Valley Hotel Group. Her primary focus is the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Springfield and Holiday Inn Express in Ludlow. She brings three years of hospitality experience to the position, having previously worked at Homewood Suites in Holyoke and Residence Inn in Manchester, Conn. “I am excited to take on a new challenge by stepping away from hotel operations and entering into direct sales,” Bonakdar said. “I feel I understand what it takes to offer a group a successful stay, and that’s what they will experience with us. Our properties offer guests an excellent value and great quality. That’s a winning combination and should make my job easy.” Connie Foster, director of Sales for Pioneer Valley Hotel Group, added that “Sara’s energy and enthusiasm makes her an excellent addition to our stellar sales team. So far, she’s shown an unending willingness to jump in and tackle new projects and revitalize some older accounts, and she’s only been in the job a month.” Pioneer Valley Hotel Group is a private, local, family-run company that owns and operates La Quinta Hotel in Springfield, Holiday Inn Express in Ludlow, Hampton Inn in Hadley, Comfort Inn in Hadley, and Hadley Farms Meeting House.
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John McClellan, Vice President of Tighe & Bond, received the 2016 Past Presidents’ Award from the New England Water Works Assoc. (NEWWA), the region’s largest and oldest not-for-profit organization of water-works professionals. The Past Presidents’ Award is presented to members of the association who authored the second-most-meritorious paper that appeared in the Journal of the New England Water Works Association during the previous year. McClellan was presented with this award for his article, “Biological Iron and Manganese Treatment: Five Years of Operating Experience in Cavendish, VT,” published December 2015. McClellan is responsible for overseeing projects for Tighe & Bond’s water-supplier clients. He is an active volunteer with NEWWA, serving on the scholarship and filtration committees. He is a member of the American Water Works Assoc. (AWWA) and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He is a former member of the AWWA academic achievement awards committee. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, his master’s degree in environmental engineering, and his Ph.D. from UMass Amherst. He is a registered professional engineer in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.
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Mark Batiste

Mark Batiste

Northstar Recycling announced the appointment of Mark Batiste to its new BDR (business development representative) team in East Longmeadow. His primary objective will be to secure qualified appointments for the sales team by identifying and reaching out to potential prospects throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Batiste holds a bachelor’ degree in marketing from Bentley University in Waltham, Mass.

He spent the majority of his professional career working in the pharmaceutical industry in New York City and the past several years in Western Mass. in new-business development for a national advertising agency.
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Holyoke Mall recently welcomed Kyle Hopkins as Assistant General Manager. Hopkins previously worked as a financial analyst at Pyramid Management Group’s Corporate Office in Syracuse, N.Y. before joining the Holyoke Mall team. He also served as an intern with the Finance/Revenue Department at Pyramid Management Group before graduating from St. Joseph’s University in 2014 with a BSBA degree in finance. “We are fortunate to have Kyle join our team at Holyoke Mall to help with our continued growth and commitment to providing an enjoyable shopping experience to our customers” said Bill Rogalski, the mall’s general manager.

People on the Move October 3, 2016

By
Departments People on the Move
Matthew Gilmore

Matthew Gilmore

Epstein Financial Services recently welcomed Matthew Gilmore to the firm as a Retirement Plan Consultant. The firm has grown substantially over the past several years with a recent upsurge in new clients due to the Department of Labor’s new fiduciary ruling. Over the coming months, Gilmore will work closely with founder Charlie Epstein to ensure the firm’s extensive services and mission statement are reflected in Gilmore’s continued growth within the firm. Gilmore gained extensive experience as a MassMutual business development consultant, meeting with business owners, plan administrators, advisors, and third-party administrators to review, evaluate, and discuss a business’ 401(k) retirement plan and/or defined-benefit pension-plan options. He is an accomplished retirement-services consultant with eight years of experience with MassMutual and the Hartford, with regard to 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans, investment and cost analysis, and participant education. He recently obtained his Accredited Investment Fiduciary certification and is a graduate of Western New England University with a bachelors degree in business administration.

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The Gaudreau Group Insurance and Financial Services Agency announced the promotion of Melissa Cuzzone to Director of Employer Benefit Services. In her new role, Cuzzone will help keep clients compliant in today’s increasingly complex regulatory environment, in line with the firm’s focused approach on compliance with the Affordable Care Act’s regulations. The Gaudreau Group’s Employee Benefits division, which has the largest staff in the region, delivers results to clients with robust compliance programs and high-tech employer and employee software solutions to facilitate cost reduction, claims management, and employee wellness and communication. “The unique skillset Melissa brings to the table, in combination with the tools and services that she provides, such as ACA reporting guidance, benefit administration, and proprietary claims analytics, are extremely valuable to our clients,” said Jules Gaudreau, president of the Gaudreau Group. “Melissa helps our clients enhance their overall benefits programs, which results in an increased ability to attract and retain great employees. Results like these are the reason more and more businesses are trusting us with their accounts.” Cuzzone has been a member of the Gaudreau Group team since 2012, and has worked in the insurance and financial-services industry since 2004, gaining a broad range of experience, including employee benefit plans, life insurance, and personal insurance. She is a recent graduate of the Western New England University Mini-Law School and has co-chaired the Wilbraham Relay For Life.

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The Dowd Insurance Agencies announced that Jack Dowd will be joining the agency as an Account Executive. His addition represents the fifth generation of family to be employed at the Dowd Insurance Agencies. “It’s a real sense of pride that I feel welcoming my son, Jack, to the family business representing the fifth generation here at the Dowd Insurance Agencies,” said John Dowd Jr., president and CEO of the Dowd Insurance Agencies. “Not only is Jack continuing a legacy, but he has also spent several years working in the industry outside of the family business, gaining valuable skills and experience. I think he is a great fit for our company and will be happy in his new position. We’re all very excited to have him join our team.” Jack Dowd graduated from Saint Michael’s College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2011. He has held several positions with Goji Insurance in Boston, where he sold personal auto insurance and homeowner’s insurance. He was consistently ranked number one in sales throughout the entire company of over 120 salespeople, and was responsible for managing and training several sales teams. He is a licensed property and casualty insurance producer, has participated in the Quincy Mutual Group Commercial and Personal Underwriting Program, and is working to complete the Certified Insurance Counselors Program.

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Jean Deliso, CFP has been named a member of the 2016 Chairman’s Council of New York Life. Members of the elite Chairman’s Council rank in the top 3% of New York Life’s sales force of more than 12,000 licensed agents in sales achievement. Deliso has accomplished this level of achievement for five consecutive years. Deliso’s passion for finance and strategic planning led to the creation of Deliso Financial and Insurance Services in 2000. She began her career in corporate accounting in Tampa, Fla., where she consulted with small-business owners on financial operations and maximizing performance. She has been a New York Life agent since 1995 and is associated with New York Life’s Connecticut Valley General Office in Windsor, Conn. Deliso serves on many boards in her community, including the Baystate Health Foundation and Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse, and is chairman of the board of the Community Music School of Springfield. She is past chairman of the board of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, past board member of AAA Pioneer Valley, and past trustee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the Advisory Council at Bay Path University. Deliso Financial and Insurance Services is not owned or operated by New York Life Insurance Co. or any of its affiliates.

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Sports Traveland Tours recently hired two new team members. Len Lucien serves as Chief Operating Officer and a minority partner at the 20-year-old travel organization, and Anthony Incampo serves as Project Sales Coordinator. Lucien previously worked at Square One in Springfield, where he served as vice president of operations for the nonprofit and, previously, as its vice president of finance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Salem State University and an associate’s degree from Newbury College in accounting and business. Throughout his career, he has worked in various aspects of finance and operations, managing businesses of different sizes, with an expertise in startups and efficiencies. For 12 years, he worked in the transit industry. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Long Island University, Incampo worked with the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, coordinating events, offering customer service, working with athletes, and planning the opening ceremonies. He also worked in the front office of the New York Yankees from 1998 to 2002, doing everything from driving players to physician appointments to handling budgets and expenses for the team. He previously worked with Sports Travel and Tours from 2005 to 2010. He left to teach school-age children and to coach, but missed the traveling.

People on the Move

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Departments People on the Move

Inspired Marketing recently announced several promotions and additions to the company:

Heather Ruggeri

Heather Ruggeri

Kristen Carlson

Kristen Carlson

Lauren Mendoza

Lauren Mendoza

Cara Cole

Cara Cole

Jenifer Esile

Jenifer Esile

• Heather Ruggeri, the company’s Chief Events Officer, was recently promoted and adds Vice President to her business card. She joined Inspired Marketing in 2015 and previously worked as the conference service manager and sales manager at the Springfield Sheraton for nine years. In addition, she was recently named to the board of the Connecticut River Valley Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is one of only a few certified meeting professionals in the area and one of only about 13,000 worldwide;
• Another team member, Kristin Carlson, was recently named Senior Marketing Visionary Partner. She started with Inspired Marketing as an apprentice right out of college in 2014. She has continued to evolve into a valued team member, creating innovative, successful media campaigns for several clients with outstanding results;
• Lauren Mendoza, who was with Inspired Marketing in its infancy before leaving for tech startup Waterdog, has rejoined the team and is now the Office Manager. Her organization keeps the team on track and helps communication, meetings, and schedules to run smoothly;
• Cara Cole recently joined Inspired Marketing as a Marketing Visionary Partner, serving on the front line with client creative implementation. She came to Inspired Marketing from the Center for Human Development and previously from Square One; and
• Jenifer Esile joined Inspired Marketing as On-staff Graphic Designer after having been a freelance partner since the company’s inception. In addition to 20 years of diverse design experience, she brings copywriting and social-media skills to the team to provide greater value to clients.

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Karen Bechtel

Karen Bechtel

MassMutual announced the election of Karen Bechtel to its board of directors. Bechtel is managing director of global alternative asset manager the Carlyle Group. “I’m extremely pleased to welcome Karen Bechtel to MassMutual’s board of directors. She brings both a sterling reputation and keen business acumen built on more than 30 years of investment management and corporate development expertise, and we look forward to her contributions,” said Roger Crandall, chairman, president, and CEO. “Importantly, as part of MassMutual’s unwavering commitment to best-in-class corporate governance, we are focused on ensuring that our board reflects diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.” Bechtel joined Carlyle in 2005 as the head of the Global Healthcare team and currently is focused on corporate buyout opportunities within the private equity market. Prior to her role at Carlyle, for 28 years, she held a variety of leadership roles within Morgan Stanley & Co., including as managing director of its Private Equity Group. During her career with Morgan Stanley, she was also co-head of the Financial Sponsors Group and head of the Corporate Restructuring Group, with a strong focus on healthcare investments as well as mergers and acquisitions. She was also a member of the firm’s Investment Banking Operating Committee. In addition to her role as a new MassMutual director, Bechtel serves on the boards of Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, HCR-ManorCare, and Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC. She is also a former board member of Healthscope Ltd., Grupo Qualicorp, Multiplan Inc., and LifeCare. Mergers & Acquisitions magazine in 2015 named her one of the Most Influential Women in mid-market M&A. She received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin and earned her MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business.

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Philip Johnson

Philip Johnson

OMG Roofing Products promoted Philip Johnson to the position of Key Account Manager, the company announced. In his new role, he will be responsible for managing several strategic accounts with a high level of responsiveness and customer service. Johnson started with OMG in 2012 as a field sales representative in Texas, and was promoted in 2014 to the position of regional sales manager for the United Kingdom and Ireland. He will report to Josh Kelly, vice president and general manager. “Phil is a dedicated and talented manager, who has shown a commitment to helping the company grow,” said Kelly. “He excelled as a field sales representative in Texas and as a regional sales manager in the UK and Ireland. I’m confident that Phil will continue to thrive in this new account management role for the roofing products team.” Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark. Headquartered in Agawam, Mass., OMG Roofing Products is North America’s largest manufacturer of commercial roofing products, featuring specialty fasteners, insulation adhesives, drains, pipe supports, emergency repair tape, edge metal systems, and productivity tools.

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Richard “Kick” Sullivan III

Richard “Kick” Sullivan III

Crevier & Ryan, LLP announced the addition of a new associate to the firm, attorney Richard “Kick” Sullivan III. Sullivan works primarily for attorney Michael Ryan. Collectively, Ryan, Sullivan, and fellow associate Rebecca Moran have a practice devoted to residential real-estate transactions, commercial lending, commercial real-estate acquisitions and sale (including 1031 tax-free exchanges), corporate governance, buy and sell agreements for closely held businesses, contract analysis and negotiation, civil litigation, and pre-litigation disputes (including conflicts involving trusts and estates). Sullivan graduated from Bates College in 2012, then enrolled in Western New England University School of Law, graduating earlier this year. During his legal education, he completed concentrations in estate planning, real estate, and business law. Eager to expand his education beyond the classroom, he completed the WNEU Law Small Business Clinic, Real Estate Practicum, and an estate-planning drafting course. These experiences have provided him with an advanced handle on transactional skills as well as a specialized knowledge in these practice areas. While most experienced in these legal fields, he aims to expand the practice and his expertise. Sullivan was previously employed during law school for Westfield Bank, as a law clerk for Fitzgerald, Attorneys at Law in East Longmeadow, and as a legal intern for the city of Springfield Law Department, Code Enforcement. Active in the community, he serves on the Westfield Zoning Board of Appeals.

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Cynthia Shaw

Cynthia Shaw

The Gove Law Office announced that Cynthia Shaw has joined the firm as a Paralegal focused on civil and criminal litigation and real-estate transactions. “Cindi Shaw will provide experienced and active support to our attorneys working in the diverse practice areas which Gove Law offers our clients,” said Michael Gove, founding partner of Gove Law Office. Shaw has more than 20 years of experience as a paralegal, holds a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from Elms College, and is a member of the Western Mass Paralegal Assoc. and the National Federation of Paralegals. The Gove Law Office, with offices in Ludlow and Northampton, is a bilingual firm with attorneys who provide guidance to clients in the areas of business representation, criminal and civil litigation, personal-injury law, commercial lending, residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, immigration, and bankruptcy.

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Katisha Woods-Johnson

Katisha Woods-Johnson

Katisha Woods-Johnson, director for the Center for Human Development’s (CHD) Terri Thomas Girls Program, has received a Department of Youth Services (DYS) Commissioner’s Award for 2016. The Terri Thomas Girls Program is a secure, residential treatment program operated by CHD at the DYS facility on Tinkham Road in Springfield. Woods-Johnson was recognized for her work leveraging community connections to touch the lives of many youth in CHD custody and care, as well as their families. For example, she built a partnership with Home Depot that began with the company’s commitment to visit the Tinkham Road campus to do some projects with the youth. That blossomed into an ongoing monthly program in which the youth have hung doors and installed windows, learned basic wiring and put in outlets, built Adirondack chairs and picnic tables, and installed tile. Home Depot has donated all the materials and their employees’ time for the projects. Woods-Johnson also connected with Suit Up Springfield, a nonprofit organization that donates suits and dresses to people in need so they have proper attire for job interviews. Every young person in the programs at Tinkham Road received such an outfit and wore it to a semi-formal Thanksgiving banquet also attended by their families. Woods-Johnson paid for the banquet — the first most of the youth had ever attended — with donations and a fund-raising event. The youth served their families dinner, and a professional photographer volunteered to take pictures of each family as a keepsake. Woods-Johnson has brought local poets, painters, Zumba instructors, hip-hop artists, and more to the DYS campus to volunteer their time running groups with the youth.

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Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, P.C., a community-centered cosmetic surgery and non-invasive practice serving Western Mass. and Northern Conn., announced that Dr. Glen Brooks participated in a prestigious preceptorship program hosted by Dr. Charles Randquist, a board-certified plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience. For the last decade, Randquist has been a speaker around the world on various cosmetic procedures, while his main focus has been on primary, secondary, and reconstructive breast surgery. The preceptorship was held in Sweden, and gathered a small group of U.S. physicians. “I felt like this was a great opportunity to continue my education and ensure a world-class experience and results for my patients,” Brooks said. “Dr. Randquist is renowned for his knowledge, emphasizing a natural appearance with less short- and long-term complications, which is always a focus at my practice.” Learning alongside Randquist was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Brooks said, featuring live surgery and follow-ups as well as techniques and practice management. “The best practices and higher-level understanding I have about new products and devices are credible, authentic, and valuable.”

People on the Move

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Departments People on the Move

Robinson Donovan, P.C., a full-service law firm based in Springfield, announced that seven attorneys were honored by The Best Lawyers in America© for 2017. They are:

• Attorney Jeffrey Roberts, Managing Partner at the firm, in the practice area of corporate law and trust and estates. Roberts graduated from Colgate University (Bachelor of Arts, 1968) and Georgetown University (Juris Doctor, 1974).

• Attorney Jeffrey L. McCormick, a Partner at the firm, in the practice areas of personal injury litigation — defendants and personal injury litigation — plaintiffs. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts (Bachelor of Arts, 1970 and Master of Education, 1971) and Seton Hall University (Juris Doctor, 1975).

• Attorney James F. Martin, a Partner at the firm, in the practice areas of franchise law and real estate law. Martin attended Georgetown University (Bachelor of Arts, 1975 and Juris Doctor, 1978).

• Attorney Nancy Frankel Pelletier, a Partner at the firm, in the practice area of personal injury litigation — defendants. Notably, she was named a 2017 Best Lawyers in America© Lawyer of the Year, for her practice of personal injury litigation in Springfield. Pelletier is a graduate of Boston College (Bachelor of Arts, 1981) and George Washington University (Juris Doctor, 1984).

• Attorney Patricia M. Rapinchuk, a Partner at the firm, for her practice in employment law and management in Springfield. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College (Bachelor of Arts, 1979) and the University of Connecticut (Juris Doctor, 1989).

• Attorney Carla W. Newton, a Partner at the firm, in the practice area of family law. Newton is a graduate of Lesley College (Bachelor of Arts, 1972), Suffolk University (Juris Doctor, 1980) and Boston University (Master of Laws, 1990).

• Attorney Richard M. Gaberman, of Counsel for Robinson Donovan, P.C., in the practice areas of corporate law, real estate law, tax law and trusts and estates. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts (Bachelor of Business Administration, 1960), Boston College (Bachelor of Laws, 1963) and Boston University (Master of Laws in Taxation, 1968).

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey. Over 79,000 leading attorneys are eligible to vote and more than 12 million votes have been received to date on the legal abilities of lawyers in their practice areas. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

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The Gaudreau Group Insurance and Financial Services Agency announced that Judy Davis has joined its Employee Benefits team. Davis has more than 25 years of experience in the corporate employee benefits industry, with a focus on designing and implementing benefits plans and services for organizations large and small.

She joins The Gaudreau Group after having spent 11 years as Vice President of Sales in the Employee Benefits Division at Insurance Center of New England in Agawam.  Prior to her time at Insurance Center, Davis was Vice President of Employee Benefits at Banknorth (now USI) Insurance Agency in Springfield.

“I’m very proud to have joined an organization that exemplifies the same high standards of exceptional customer service and integrity that I have provided my clients for over 25 years,” says Davis.

Jules Gaudreau, President of The Gaudreau Group added, “Judy is a great addition to our industry-leading Employee Benefits division. With the largest staff in the region, robust compliance programs, and high-tech employer and employee software solutions on her side, Judy will deliver real, impactful results to our clients.”

Davis is the recipient of several accolades and awards, including the 2013-2014 Top Woman in Insurance in the “Top 25 Women to Watch” in Western Mass., as well as the 2015 “Friend of Stavros” award from Stavros Center for Independent Living in Amherst, MA.  She has served on several Chamber of Commerce boards and committees in the Western Mass. area.

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Spherion Staffing Services, a local recruiting, staffing, and workforce-solutions provider, recently honored West Springfield franchise owner Brian Houle with the company’s 2016 Excellence in Safety Award. The annual award recognizes the Spherion owner who maintains the lowest workplace-injury rate among placed employees during the previous year and consistently demonstrates a safety-first mentality. Through an emphasis on safety protocols and a commitment to ensuring employees understand and adhere to workplace regulations, Houle and his team improved their year-over-year injury frequency rate by nearly 20%. Houle frequently participates in panels and calls to relay new safety-improvement best practices, and implements new strategies to ensure compliance with changing legislative regulations. “Ensuring the safety of our employees is of paramount importance to Spherion, and Brian Houle epitomizes our commitment to providing a secure a comfortable work environment,” said Sandy Mazur, division president of Spherion. “Brian and his team go above and beyond to identify opportunities to drive even greater workplace efficiency through safety. We are thrilled to honor their accomplishments and willingness to lead by example in achieving exceptional customer service.” Houle joined Spherion in 2013, and has since grown the West Springfield branch to include a team of four dedicated staffing and recruiting experts.

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Jeffrey Lomma

Jeffrey Lomma

The Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce announced that Jeffrey Lomma has joined the chamber team as member services director. He will be responsible for ensuring the continuous and steady growth of the chamber’s membership by building and maintaining a comprehensive and aggressive membership recruitment, retention, and service program. He will also develop and manage programs and services that grow member businesses, service member needs, and increase the overall value offered to members. Lomma comes to the chamber with nearly 10 years of experience in sales, business development, and customer service. As a former Springfield Regional Chamber ambassador and past treasurer for the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, he is well-versed in chamber management and member services. Lomma has been with Westfield Bank since 2007, most recently serving as a branch manager. Among his many client relationship responsibilities, he worked with local community members and nonprofits to support community-reinvestment initiatives and played a pivotal role in growing the location’s portfolio. Lomma also served as a business specialist for the bank, where he helped lead the small-business sales-training program, managed customer relationships, and assisted in opening a banking center in a new market in Enfield, Conn. A former board member with the Springfield Performing Arts Development Corp. and the Springfield Hockey Heritage Society, and committee member with the Young Professionals Society of Greater Springfield, Lomma currently serves as a member of the board of directors for Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts and on the Greater Springfield Senior Services Money Management Program Advisory Council. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University.

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Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a labor and employment law firm serving employers in the greater Springfield area, today announced that four attorneys were honored by The Best Lawyers in America© for 2017:

• Ralph F. Abbott Jr. was listed in Best Lawyers in the categories of Arbitration, Employment Law — Management, Labor Law — Management, and Mediation. A partner since 1975, Abbott is known throughout the legal community for his work representing management in labor relations and employment-related matters, providing employment-related advice to employers, assisting clients in remaining union-free, and representing employers before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Abbott also has numerous credits as an author, editor, and teacher, and a record of civic and community involvement. He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers consecutively, since 1989.

• Jay Presser, was listed in Best Lawyers in the categories of Employment Law — Management, Labor Law — Management, and Litigation — Labor and Employment law. Presser has more than 35 years of experience litigating employment cases. He has successfully defended employers in civil actions and jury trials and handled cases in all areas of employment law, including discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, wage hour, FMLA, ERISA and defamation. He has won appeals before the Supreme Judicial Court and the First and Second Circuit Courts of Appeals and represented employers in hundreds of arbitration cases arising under collective bargaining agreements. He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers every year since 1991.

• John Glenn was listed in Best Lawyers in the categories of Arbitration, Employment Law — Management, and Labor Law — Management. He has been a partner of the firm since 1979 and spent his career representing management in labor relations and employment-related matters. In addition to providing employment-related advice to employers, he assists clients in remaining union-free and represents employers before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). He has extensive experience negotiating collective bargaining agreements, representing employers at arbitration hearings and before state and federal agencies. Prior to joining Skoler, Abbott & Presser, Glenn was employed by the National Labor Relations Board in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has served as an adjunct professor of labor law at Western New England University School of Law and is a member of the American Academy of Hospital Attorneys. He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers repeatedly, since 1995.

• Timothy Murphy was listed in Best Lawyers in the categories of Employment Law — Management, Labor Law — Management, and Litigation — Labor and Employment. A partner in the firm, Murphy joined Skoler, Abbott & Presser after serving as general counsel to an area labor union and serving as an assistant district attorney for the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office. His practice includes labor relations and employment litigation, as well as employment counseling. A native of the Springfield area, Murphy is a graduate of the Western New England University School of Law. He is a frequent contributor to business and human resource publications and a contributing author to the Massachusetts Employment Law Letter. He has been selected by his peers and listed by Best Lawyers every year since 2013, and was named the Best Lawyers 2015 labor and employment law “Lawyer of the Year” in Springfield.

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Two Sullivan Hayes & Quinn, LLC attorneys have been named Lawyer of the Year for 2017 by The Best Lawyers In America. Selection, which is based on professional evaluations by other attorneys, honors only one attorney in each professional practice area and community. Meghan Sullivan is Lawyer of the Year for Labor Law – Management, the fifth year in the past six years that she has been selected for that honor. Gordon Quinn was honored for Litigation – Labor and Employment. Additionally, Sullivan’s accomplishments for clients resulted in her being named to The Best Lawyers in America for Employment Law – Management and Labor Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment. Quinn was selected by The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Employment Law – Management and Labor Law – Management, and Litigation – Labor and Employment. Again named to The Best Lawyers In America was Fred Sullivan, who has now been included for more than 20 consecutive years.  He was named for his work in Employment Law – Management and for Labor Law – Management. Sullivan Hayes & Quinn represents employers in a variety of Western Mass. industries and throughout the Northeast in employment- and labor-law issues.

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Stephan Chase, president of Fuel Services Inc. in South Hadley, was recently re-elected to serve a second two-year term as Massachusetts state director of the National Propane Gas Assoc. (NPGA) board. Chase has been President of Fuel Services for more than 25 years. The company has evolved over the years, adding additional service areas and new fuels to the mix. His commitment to the propane industry extends to educating consumers on the benefits of this type of energy. He is also an active board member and the incoming secretary for the New England Propane Gas Assoc., a board member of the BBB of Central and Western MA, and a Navy veteran, having served on the USS Little Rock. “As the leader in the fuel industry in Western Massachusetts, I am honored to be re-elected as the Massachusetts state director for the NPGA. It is a position I accept with great pride,” Chase said. Richard Roldan, president and CEO of NPGA, addeed that Chase’s re-election is evidence of his support and desire to continue to actively participate in the work of the NPGA. “His service to the association is greatly appreciated,” Roldan said. The National Propane Gas Assoc. is the national trade association representing the U.S. propane industry. Its memberships include small businesses and large corporations engaged in retail marketing of propane gas and appliances. Currently, the NPGA consists of approximately 2,800 memberships from companies in all 50 states.

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Fourteen lawyers from area law firm Bulkley Richardson were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017.

Bulkley Richardson had the most honorees of any law firm in Springfield, with 12 of its 14 selected lawyers based in its Springfield office.

Three of the firm’s honorees were also named Springfield “Lawyer of the Year” in specific practice areas:

• William Hart was named the Best Lawyers® 2017 Springfield Trusts and Estates “Lawyer of the Year”;

• John Pucci was named the Best Lawyers® 2017 Springfield Criminal Defense (White-Collar) “Lawyer of the Year.” Pucci was also recognized in the area of Criminal Defense (General Practice); and

• Ellen Randle was named the Best Lawyers® 2017 Springfield Family Law “Lawyer of the Year.”

The following Bulkley Richardson lawyers were also selected for the 2017 edition of Best Lawyers®:

• Peter Barry — Construction Law;

• Michael Burke — Medical Malpractice Law (Defendants); Personal Injury Litigation (Defendants);

• Mark Cress — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Corporate Law;

• Francis Dibble Jr. — Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense (White-Collar); Litigation (Antitrust, Labor and Employment, Securities);

• Daniel Finnegan — Administrative/Regulatory Law; Litigation (Construction);

• Robert Gelinas — Personal Injury Litigation (Defendants);

• Kevin Maynard — Commercial Litigation; Litigation (Banking and Finance, Construction);

• David Parke — Corporate Law;

• Melinda Phelps — Medical Malpractice Law (Defendants); Personal Injury Litigation (Defendants);

• Donn Randall — Commercial Litigation;

• Ronald Weiss — Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Tax Law

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Keith Minoff was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2017 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of commercial litigation and corporate law. Minoff represents businesses and individuals throughout Western Massachusetts in the areas of business litigation and employment law.

He received his law degree with honors from George Washington University in 1983 and has been a practicing attorney for more than 30 years. Minoff maintains a law office in downtown Springfield.

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Bacon Wilson announced that four partners have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2017.

Michael Katz was selected for bankruptcy and reorganization, Paul Rothschild for plaintiff’s litigation, Jeffrey Fialky for commercial and finance, and Stephen Krevalin received the honor for family law for the fifth consecutive year.

Founded in 1895, Bacon Wilson, P.C. is one of the largest firms in the Pioneer Valley, with 42 lawyers, and approximately 60 paralegals, administrative assistants, and support staff. The firm’s offices are located in Springfield, Amherst, Northampton, and Westfield.

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The board of directors of the Professional Women‘s Chamber (PWC), a division of the Springfield Regional Chamber, has elected its officers to lead the division: Laurie Cassidy as President; Tracy Sicbaldi as Acting Vice President; Caron LaCour as Treasurer; Jeannie Filomeno as Assistant Treasurer; and Liz Rappaport as secretary. Janet Casey serves as Past President.

Cassidy is the executive director of the West Springfield Council on Aging/Senior Center and has served in that position since 2010. Prior, she served with the Greater Springfield Senior Services as its area agency on aging director and its regional ombudsman director. She has extensive volunteer experience, currently serving as a member of the Sisters of Providence Health System Board of Trustees, Mary’s Meadow Board of Trustees, West Springfield commission on Disabilities, and West Springfield Garden Club. She is also the secretary and treasurer of the West Springfield Emergency Planning Committee and Medical Reserve Corps and associate member of the West Springfield Veterans Council. She has been a member of the PWC since 2011.

Sicbaldi is an accountant with Overland Solutions Inc. and has more than 30 years of banking experience and six years as a municipal treasurer. She joined the PWC in 2006 and has served as its treasurer, vice president, and president.

LaCour is a Certified Public Accountant working with Burkhart Pizzanelli P.C. She focuses on taxation of individuals, businesses and nonprofit corporations. This is LaCour’s first term on the PWC board and is active on its scholarship, woman of the year and program committees. She is also actively involved with Rays of Hope and the Red Thread Network.

Filomeno is the human resource manager at Marcotte Ford Sales, Inc., her family business where she has worked since graduating college. She has served on the PWC board for three terms, served as the co-chair of its mentoring program and is a member of its scholarship committee.

Rappaport is a third-generation property manager at Century Investment Company.  Prior to joining the family business, she served in a marketing and brand management role at WF Young.  In addition to the PWC, Rappaport is actively involved with the Jimmy Fund taking a leadership role in several fund-raising activities each year.

Casey, principal and founder of Marketing Doctor, served as the PWC president for the past two years.

Board members Jacquelyn Bangs, senior account manager for EMC; Marikate Murren, director, training and workforce development for MGM Springfield; and Gillian Palmer, business development and group sales coordinator for the Eastern States Exposition, will round out the executive committee.

The PWC supports the female professional through networking opportunities, provides scholarships for nontraditional students returning to the workforce and mentors students through a partnership with Springfield Technical Community College.

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VertitechIT, a nationally known healthcare leader in the design and implementation of hyper-converged network architecture, has promoted Gerry Gosselin to the position of Vice President, Engineering. Having formerly served as the company’s Director of Technical Operations, Gosselin brings with him more than eighteen years of programming and network engineering experience.

“Gerry’s wealth of early experience as a programmer shines through in his infrastructure design skills,” said VertitechIT Chief Operations Officer Gregory Pellerin.  “As health system IT departments across the country adopt a software-defined approach to networking and storage, we’re confident that Gerry will further our leadership position in the industry.”

Gosselin will oversee VertitechIT’s team of senior engineers and architects in determining technology, scope, and level of effort for all company projects. He joined the company in 2013 and has developed high-level IT experience in network engineering, monitoring and management, virtualization, system administration, and systems integration.

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Link to Libraries Inc. announced the addition of new members to its executive board:

• Gail Baquis is a graduate of the University of Maine with a degree in journalism. She has been a volunteer with Link to Libraries since its inception in 2008 and has been the project director for the LTL Read Aloud programs and the RAP – Reading Any Place for Homeless Youth program.

• Tammy Trudeau is a graduate of University of Massachusetts.  She has been involved with numerous fund raising events for Link to Libraries and other local organizations.

• Kelly Dawson, CPA, Audit Manager for Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P. C. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts. Her professional affiliations include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.

• Amy Scott is the Founder of the marketing firm Wild Apple Design Group in Wilbraham and is best know for website design success in non-profit, education and for profit sectors. She is a BusinessWest Forty Under 40 Alum.

• Laura McCarthy, Attorney is an associate at Bacon Wilson, P. C. where she practices bankruptcy, corporate law, commercial and residential real estate and other transactional matters. She is a graduate of Boston University School of Law.

• Dr. Jennifer Stratton has been teaching students from the kindergarten to graduate level for more than 15 years. She is certified as a reading specialist and holds a doctoral degree from AIC in education. In addition to teaching, Jen hosts a blog (JenStratton.com) where she shares the sports stories of athletes who play adaptive sports and authors children’s books about Paralympians.

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Timothy Netkovick

Timothy Netkovick

Attorney Timothy Netkovick has joined Royal, P.C. He has more than 14 years of litigation experience and has tried nearly two dozen cases to verdict. Netkovick’s practice is focused in labor law and complex employment litigation. He also counsels companies on the multitude of state and federal employment laws impacting them, including wage-and-hour issues, disability and leave laws, workplace safety and OSHA compliance, affirmative action, and contract negotiations. His other preventive work includes drafting employee manuals; preparing non-disclosure, non-solicitation, and non-compete agreements; and conducting management training. He is a graduate of American International College and Western New England University School of Law.

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Kimberly Klimczuk

Kimberly Klimczuk

Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced that Attorney Kimberly Klimczuk is among only 50 women throughout the Commonwealth named among the 2016 Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The Top Women of Law program showcases women who are shining stars across numerous legal fields. This list of elite legal female professionals will be honored at a dinner program sponsored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, planned for Oct. 27 at the Marriott Copley Hotel in Boston. “I know that Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly has a long-standing tradition of recognizing pioneers in the legal field,” Klimczuk said. “I am honored to be included in this group of talented women lawyers throughout Massachusetts.” Klimczuk joined Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. in 2004 and concentrates her practice in labor law and employment litigation. She became a partner with the firm in 2011. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and received her juris doctor from Duke University School of Law. Her experience includes negotiating collective bargaining agreements and advising on contract interpretation and successfully defending clients in state and federal court and before administrative agencies in a variety of areas of employment law, including wage-and-hour law, discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge, and breach of contract. In addition, she has assisted employers in compliance matters involving the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and drafted numerous affirmative-action plans for them. She is a frequent speaker for a wide variety of associations and organizations and, as a resident of Springfield, is an active member of the Western Mass. community.

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Greenfield Community College announced that Catherine Seaver has been named Chief Academic and Student Affairs Officer. “Catherine Seaver is a great fit for GCC,” said college President Bob Pura. “Catherine understands the joy, privilege, and the challenges of teaching and learning at a community college because she attended a community college, she has taught in the classrooms of one, and has worked in leadership positions in a community college. She understands the challenges of working in and running a tech-based business because she has worked in that environment. Catherine fits here because she gets how important relationships and community are to student success, how important the ongoing commitment to betterment and improvement is, and why it is essential that our student outcomes are comprehensive and sustainable. Catherine totally gets the importance of access, excellence, and our mission.” Seaver holds a bachelor’s degree in applied science: manufacturing engineering technology from Miami University, a master’s degree in computer information systems from the University of Phoenix, and a master’s degree in educational technology from Eastern Connecticut State University. She will complete a PhD in leadership from the University of the Cumberlands in December. Seaver worked at Manchester Community College from 2002 until this past spring. Her positions included division director for Business, Engineering & Technology; interim associate dean of Student Affairs; and department chair/professor in Engineering & Technology. While in administrative roles, Seaver taught one online or on-campus course each semester as an adjunct professor, including “Introduction to C++ Programming,” “Introduction to 3D AutoCAD,” “Object-Oriented C++ Programming,” and “Introduction to Engineering Analysis.” Prior to working at Manchester Community College, Seaver held systems-engineering, project-management, and technical-instructor positions with Hallmark IT, General Cigar Co., IKON (formerly HBM Technology Group), KTC Software Services, and Carrier Corp. “GCC’s President Bob Pura and GCC as a whole have a superb reputation throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, and beyond,” Seaver said. “I’m honored to be able to work here. When I was teaching at Manchester Community College, students would take a few classes at MCC with the intention of transferring to GCC to finish. I am very committed to community colleges. Their smaller classes and teachers focused on teaching instead of research make all the difference in student success. I was a finalist for a position at a selective four-year college that admits only 50% of their applicants. Thinking about what happens to the other 50%, I realized how much open access means to me and that I want to focus my career on community colleges. GCC is a great school doing powerful work in the community, and I look forward to being part of what GCC does so well.”

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Nancy Frankel Pelletier

Nancy Frankel Pelletier

Robinson Donovan, P.C. announced that partner Nancy Frankel Pelletier will be honored among the 2016 Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. This honor is awarded to only 50 women attorneys annually throughout the Commonwealth. It recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements made by exceptional female lawyers. The 2016 honorees will be recognized at a dinner program on Oct. 27 at the Marriott Copley Place Hotel in Boston. “When I look at the list of honorees this year, I see a group of women who are without-a-doubt trailblazers in the legal field,” Pelletier said. “I am thankful to be included among so many influential legal experts, and I want to extend my congratulations to each of them.” Pelletier exclusively practices litigation. She has no fear of taking a case to trial; however, she recognizes when it is not in the best interest of her clients, and she is equally talented at resolving conflicts outside of the courtroom expeditiously and economically. Her reputation as a litigator reaches well beyond Springfield, with a practice area extending from the Berkshires to Boston in both state and federal courts. She has also been admitted to the Hampden County Bar Assoc., the Women’s Bar Assoc. of Massachusetts, and the Federal Bar Assoc. Pelletier is a fellow at the International Association of Defense Council and a life fellow of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation. Other professional affiliations include membership to the Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Assoc., the Defense Research Institute, and civic involvement at George Washington University and East Longmeadow High School, where she provides mentoring and career job-shadowing opportunities for students. A complete list of 2016 Top Women of Law nominees can be found online at masslawyersweekly.com.

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J. Polep Distribution Services announced the promotion of Brian Neeld to Vice President, in addition to his role as chief financial officer. Neeld has been with J. Polep since 1998. Over the past 18 years, he has played a key role in the Accounting department. When he first started with the company, he held the title of accounting assistant, and worked his way up to corporate controller, a title he held for nine years, supporting the CFO. He was responsible for the production of financial reports, maintenance of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets. In 2014, Neeld was appointed CFO, then was promoted to vice president. Company leaders say his commitment and focus on customers, vendors, and the J. Polep team — as well as his dedication and ability to tackle complex accounting — have positively impacted J. Polep’s growth.

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Jeffrey Trapani

Jeffrey Trapani

Robinson Donovan, P.C. announced that attorney Jeffrey Trapani has been appointed chair of the legislative steering committee for the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce. The legislative steering committee identifies issues of major concern to the business community, researches the issues, and recommends positions on them. The committee is also charged with educating members on these issues, soliciting member support, and encouraging elected officials to adopt the chamber’s position. This committee also serves as the legislative arm of the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce. “Jeff is not only an outstanding litigator, but a genuine leader in the community,” said Nancy Frankel Pelletier, head of Robinson Donovan’s litigation department. “We are very proud that he has taken on a leadership role at the Springfield Regional Chamber. He has an unwavering commitment to our business community, and he will be carrying on a decades-old tradition at Robinson Donovan of community service.” Trapani, a partner at Robinson Donovan, concentrates his practice in civil litigation, including insurance defense, employment law, municipal liability, business litigation, and professional malpractice. Additionally, he represents landlords in summary-process actions and housing-discrimination claims and insurance companies in unfair-settlement claims and coverage issues. He graduated, cum laude, from New England Law in Boston, where he was editor in chief of the New England Law Review. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers since 2008.

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Marylou Fabbo

Marylou Fabbo

Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced that Attorney Marylou Fabbo has been named one of the 2016 Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. This distinction is presented to only 50 female legal professionals in the Commonwealth each year. The Top Women of Law program highlights women who are trailblazers in their respective fields and role models for future generations of attorneys. This prestigious list of elite female legal professionals will be honored at a dinner program sponsored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, planned for Oct. 27 at the Marriott Copley Hotel in Boston. “I am truly humbled to be recognized among so many talented women,” Fabbo said. “It speaks volumes about our firm to have two attorneys recognized this year. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of all the honorees in October.” Fabbo represents employers in employment litigation before state and federal courts as well as state and federal agencies in Massachusetts and Connecticut. She is a partner at Skoler Abbott and heads the firm’s litigation team. She has extensive experience working with employers to reduce the risk of legal liability they may face as the result of illegal employment practices. She is a frequent speaker on employment-related topics and also conducts extensive management-training and employment-practices audits. She is a published author and volunteers in the local community. Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly was founded in 1972 and reports decisions issued by all state and federal courts in Massachusetts as well as changes to court rules, verdict and settlement reports, bar-discipline notices, and other news vital to attorneys in the Commonwealth. A complete list of the publication’s 2016 Top Women of Law can be found at masslawyersweekly.com.

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Departments People on the Move

Health New England announced the recent appointment of Michael Marrone as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, he will lead all aspects of financial strategy for the organization. Marrone is also responsible for accounting and financial reporting and also oversees provider operations. He joins Health New England’s executive leadership team and reports directly to president and CEO Maura McCaffrey. Prior to joining Health New England, Marrone was chief financial officer, New England market at Aetna Inc. in Hartford, Conn. In this role, he was responsible for the profit and loss for all commercial and Medicare health, group, and dental businesses across health plans in six states. His career also includes more than nine years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, where he served in various leadership roles in financial management, including medical economics, trend-management analytics, and informatics. Marrone holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in economics from the University of Maine, Farmington, as well as an MBA from the University of Southern Maine Graduate School of Business. Based in Springfield, Health New England is a nonprofit health plan serving members in Massachusetts and Connecticut. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Baystate Health, Health New England offers a range of healthcare plans in the commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare markets.

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Carmine DiCenso

Carmine DiCenso

Dakin Humane Society has named Carmine DiCenso Executive Director of its organization. The appointment comes following a national search after the departure of former Executive Director Leslie Harris. DiCenso has extensive experience in animal-welfare program management and innovative project development, most recently as executive director for the Providence (R.I.) Animal Rescue League. Prior to that, he was a program director at the Mass. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and a manager at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. A former board member of the New England Federation of Humane Societies, he previously served as a board member for the Ocean State Animal Coalition, and as the Rhode Island state representative for the Humane Society of the United States Companion Animal Advisory Council. As the executive director at Dakin Humane Society, DiCenso will oversee all aspects of the organization’s work at its two locations in Springfield and Leverett. Dakin has more than 50 employees and nearly 800 volunteers who shelter, treat, and foster more than 20,000 animals annually. Dakin’s adoption centers find homes for more than 4,000 homeless pets each year. In addition, the Dakin Community Spay/Neuter Clinic, located in Springfield, recently conducted its 69,000th surgery since opening in 2009, making it New England’s largest spay/neuter provider. The organization also provides a pet-food bank, dog-training classes and pet-related workshops, plus humane learning programs. According to Nancy Creed, president of Dakin’s board of directors, “Carmine will be a terrific executive director. We’re thrilled to have him here to lead Dakin and inspire this organization’s future growth and achievements. He has significant experience in both human services and animal welfare, and understands the need to serve the human — as well as the animal — population of our community. His career has been devoted to making and keeping that connection.”

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Berkshire Bank announced the expansion of its Wealth Management Group with the appointments of Elizabeth Gore to Senior Vice President, Trust Operations and Compliance, and Janice Ward to Senior Vice President, Wealth Advisor and Senior Fiduciary Officer. Gore is a graduate of New England School of Banking at Williams College with a degree in trust banking. She has more than 35 years of banking experience, 28 at Berkshire Bank. In her new role, she will oversee all aspects of operations and compliance for the Wealth Management team and the department’s trust accounting system. She is also responsible for fiduciary and tax work, preparation of annual probate accountings, implementing disaster-recovery policies, and assisting auditors. She currently manages the Lenox Wealth Management Office, assisting clients on a daily basis. Ward received her juris doctor from Western New England University and is licensed to practice law in both Massachusetts and New York. She also obtained her designation as a certified financial planner in 2011. She began her career with Berkshire Bank in 2012 as a wealth advisor and senior fiduciary officer. In her new role, she will oversee various fiduciary activities, including executor and trustee services and financial-planning activities throughout the Berkshire Bank Wealth Management footprint. She will also continue to serve as wealth advisor to a select group of clients, and now serves as president of the newly formed Berkshire County Estate Planning Council Inc., which took the place of the previous Estate Planning Council.

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Ruth Banta

Ruth Banta

The Association for Community Living, which provides residential and community services for people with intellectual disabilities, has named Ruth Banta the new Executive Director, effective Aug. 22. Banta, who has served as the vice president for administration at the association since 2003, will oversee the $30 million organization, headquartered in Springfield. The association provides a variety of services to people with disabilities through its programs throughout Western Mass., including Community Resources for People with Autism, Specialized Home Care, Whole Children, an extensive residential division, and Valley Tees. Banta has more than 30 years of management, including positions at J.P. Morgan and Aetna. “I’m honored and humbled to be selected as the association’s next executive director,” Banta said. “I’m looking forward to working with all our constituents to meet the challenges we face to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are able to build the lives they seek and deserve.” Banta has a bachelor’s degree from Smith College and an MBA from Yale University. She became interested in the human-services field when one of her sons was diagnosed with autism. She previously served on the board of Community Resources for People with Autism, a program of the Assoc. for Community Living. The Assoc. for Community Living, which is set to change its name to Pathlight in September, has been providing programs and services to people with developmental disabilities since 1952. Its programs include residential homes, supports for independent living, family-based living, recreation, enrichment, employment supports, family resources, autism supports, and more. Banta is an amateur photographer whose photographs have been exhibited in Western Mass. She has volunteered with the Special Olympics and coached the unified basketball team for five medal-winning seasons.

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American International College (AIC) board of trustees member Peter Vogian made a gift to name a conference room in the new dining commons complex on campus. At a recent ceremony, Vogian was acknowledged for his many years of generous support to the college. AIC President Vincent Maniaci praised Vogian for his leadership as a trustee and for giving the college a space that provides an ideal venue for professional and academic meetings. “We know this room will be used by our students for both social occasions and networking opportunities. In this room, our students will learn leadership and presentation skills, they will collaborate and cooperate,” Maniaci said during the dedication ceremony. “Our students will leave this room better than when they walked in. The Peter J. Vogian Conference Room is but one manifestation of your generous spirit and your belief in our students’ potential.” Vogian has served as a member of the college’s board of trustees since 2001. Graduating from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania, Vogian began his career with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. in 1960, retiring in 1993 as senior vice president of Pension Management Sales. In addition to his years of dedicated service to AIC, Vogian has donated his time and talent to serving on numerous boards, including Goodwill Industries of Springfield and Hartford and with professional and social affiliations including Chartered Life Underwriters of Pioneer Valley and the Melha Temple Shrine.

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Christopher Buono has joined Anteris Solutions Inc. as Chief Information Officer. As CIO, he joins the executive team and also helps clients navigate the critical process of aligning technology decisions with organizational goals by identifying current needs while targeting a vision for the future. Buono has worked in the information-technology field for more than 20 years, including 12 years in leadership roles. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from the University at Albany Business School and attended the MBA program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management. He holds numerous legacy technical certifications, including Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Certified Novell Engineer, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, and Cisco Certified Network Administration. He serves on the board of directors for WAM Theatre. Anteris Solutions was founded in 2002 to serve a variety of nationwide businesses by providing them complete IT solutions, including strategic planning, proactive management, security and hardware monitoring, and ensuring software and regulation compliance.

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Karla Callahan

Karla Callahan

HUB International New England, a division of HUB International Limited, a global insurance-brokerage, risk-advisory, and employee-benefits firm, announced the hiring of Karla Callahan as an Employee Benefits Client Relationship Manager in the East Longmeadow office. Callahan has an extensive background in employee benefits and was previously employed by Health New England for more than 12 years, specializing in sales, underwriting, and member services. As part of the HUB employee benefits team, she will be responsible for assisting staff with client relations, service, sales, and administrative activities of new and existing group benefit accounts. Working closely with employers to maintain and better understand their employee-benefits packages and staying abreast of compliance restrictions and guidelines will be her other areas of focus.

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Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a labor and employment law firm serving employers in the Greater Springfield area, announced that attorney Amelia Holstrom earned the Community Service Award presented by the Mass. Bar Assoc. and subsequently through its affiliate association, the Hampden County Bar Assoc. It is awarded to worthy attorneys who are members of both their local and state bar associations, and who have demonstrated excellence in community service. “The Western Massachusetts community has given so much to me throughout the years,” Holstrom said. “That is why I think it is so important to give back to my community. I am honored to have been presented with this Community Service Award. The award truly speaks volumes about the atmosphere that I work in. Everyone at Skoler Abbott is extremely supportive of community-service initiatives and understands the value of extending a helping hand to others.” Holstrom joined Skoler, Abbott, & Presser after serving as a judicial law clerk to the judges of the Connecticut Superior Court, where she assisted with complex matters at all stages of litigation. Her practice is focused in labor law and employment litigation. Since joining the firm in 2012, Holstrom has provided legal advice to employers who want to remain union-free and defended employers against claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, and actions arising under the Family Medical Leave Act and wage-and-hour law. Additionally, she frequently provides counsel to management regarding litigation-avoidance strategies. Holstrom is a 2011 graduate of Western New England University School of Law, where she was the managing editor of the Western New England Law Review. She is a 2015 recipient of the 40 Under Forty award from BusinessWest, which honors individuals under age 40 who have achieved professional success and are active in civic organizations. In addition to her legal résumé, Holstrom is very active in the community. She is an ad hoc member of the personnel committee for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, a member of the board and executive committee for Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, and board clerk at Friends of the Homeless.

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Attorney Carol Cioe Klyman and Attorney Ann Weber have been recognized for their work on the 2016 Massachusetts Elder Law Sourcebook & Citator. Published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE), the sourcebook is an important reference source in the growing fields of elder law and special-needs planning in Massachusetts. The sourcebook represents the editors’ selections of key reference materials from state and federal sources. It contains primary sources that are called upon daily in the representation of the Massachusetts elder and disabled populations, including statutes, regulations, case decisions, and community resources. The sourcebook would not have been possible without the editorial leadership of Klyman and Weber, said Maryanne Jensen, MCLE’s director of Publications. “They share MCLE’s goal to educate practitioners and others who advocate for, represent, and advise individuals facing the vicissitudes of aging and incapacity.” Klyman and Weber are shareholders at Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., with offices in Springfield, Northampton, and Albany, N.Y. Klyman concentrates her practice in the areas of elder law, estate planning, special-needs-trust planning, estate settlement, guardianships, trust and estates litigation, and MassHealth appeals. Weber concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, probate, and elder law. She has a particular interest in creative estate planning for authors, artists, farmers, and landowners, as well as federal and Massachusetts estate-tax planning. Attorneys may purchase the 2016 Massachusetts Elder Law Sourcebook & Citator in print version or as an e-book or e-article through the MCLE website, www.mcle.org.

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Departments People on the Move
Jon Lumbra

Jon Lumbra

The Dowd Insurance Agencies announced the appointment of Chief Financial Officer Jon Lumbra. He will be responsible for directing the fiscal operations of the business and supervising the accounting department. In addition, he will assist in the planning, establishing, and maintaining of current systems and procedures. “We are pleased to welcome Jon to the team,” said David Griffin Sr., executive vice president and treasurer of the Dowd Insurance Agencies. “He is an excellent strategic and cultural fit whose breadth and depth of knowledge will help strengthen our brand and provide the best service to our customers and employees.” Lumbra brings nearly two decades of experience in financial services to the Dowd Insurance Agencies. His past experience includes working for Loomis Communities, the city of Holyoke, and Spectrum Analytical. He is a graduate of Southern Vermont College with a degree in criminal justice and minor in corporate espionage. He is currently working toward his MBA at the University of Southern New Hampshire. “The Dowd Insurance Agencies is one of the oldest insurance agencies in Massachusetts, and its headquarters remain in the city of Holyoke, where the business was started 118 years ago,” said John Dowd Jr., president and CEO of the Dowd Agencies. “Making positive contributions to the success of our community has always been important to us, which is why Jon is a great addition to our business. He has demonstrated these shared values by volunteering his time to support many organizations — many of which are based in Holyoke, Jon’s hometown.” Lumbra is president of the Knights of Columbus Council #90 board of directors, former executive board member of the Massachusetts Government Finance Officers Assoc., a member of the Holyoke Taxpayers Assoc., and a member of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Federal Advisory Committee. He is also immediate past chairman of the Holyoke Visiting Nurse Assoc. & Community Health Foundation, immediate past president of the Holyoke Rotary Club, and member of the Holyoke Medical Center board of directors.

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Teresa Spaziani

Teresa Spaziani

The Gray House announced the appointment of Teresa Spaziani as the new Executive Director of the organization. In 2009, while attending Western New England University, Spaziani began volunteering at Kids’ Club, an after-school program for children from low-income families run by the Gray House, and soon after became a staff counselor for the program. In January 2015, she joined the organization’s board of directors. “After arriving in Springfield for college, I immediately immersed myself in the community through volunteer work and was so impressed by the people and services of the Gray House,” she said. “It is a true community program in every sense. I’m proud to be a part of the organization and work alongside our dedicated staff and volunteers to further the mission of the Gray House.” Spaziani’s brings experience in nonprofit fund-raising as former community relations and outreach manager at the Children’s Study Home in Springfield. There, she also gained experience in licensing and compliance as quality assurance manager. Her most recent role was in the field of marketing at Market Mentors in West Springfield. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration in marketing/communications and advertising from Western New England University as well as a certificate in professional fund-raising from Boston University. She graduated from Leadership Pioneer Valley with the class of 2015. An open house will be held at the Gray House, 22 Sheldon St., Springfield on Wednesday, Aug. 24. Members of the community are invited to stop by from 8 to 9 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m. to meet the staff and learn more about the services offered, as well as volunteer opportunities.

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The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce (AACC) board of directors announced the appointment of Timothy O’Brien as Executive Director, effective Aug. 1. He will assume responsibility for representing the chamber’s diverse business interests in the community, directing the organization’s growth, and maintaining the chamber’s financial stability and commitment to providing value to its members. “Tim brings a wealth of experience and the needed energy and commitment to the Amherst area to serve all of our members,” said Julie Marcus, board president. The appointment had the unanimous support of the board’s executive committee. “I am honored to help lead the Amherst Area Chamber team and excited to continue my career in destination marketing as part of this outstanding organization,” O’Brien said. “I look forward to working with the board, staff, and AACC members in writing the next chapter of the chamber’s influential history.” O’Brien has been active in the Western Mass. destination-marketing industry since 1987. He has served as communications director with the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as serving on that agency’s board of directors. He held top marketing and communications positions with Yankee Candle and Kringle Candle, as well as providing marketing services to the Yankee Candle founder Michael Kittredge and his family, charity, and business interests. O’Brien holds bachelor’s degree in resource economics from UMass Amherst.

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Margo Armstrong

Margo Armstrong

Tighe & Bond recently welcomed Director of Human Resources Margo Armstrong to lead its human-resources functions, as well as strengthen the firm’s staffing growth and employee programs. She brings with her more than 20 years of high-level leadership experience in HR consulting, performance management, succession planning, and employee programs. She will work primarily out of the firm’s Westfield office. “We are delighted to welcome Margo to the Tighe & Bond team at this significant juncture of our accelerated growth. She is an accomplished HR leader who will strengthen employee-related programs across our organization,” said David Pinsky, Tighe & Bond CEO and president. Armstrong has held a variety of senior human-resources and change-leadership roles in several prominent and high-performing businesses. This includes overseeing performance management, employee recognition, talent review, and succession planning; HR planning and analysis; and HR consulting. Known for possessing a strategic business focus and technical expertise, her knowledge base includes influencing and leading in complex and rapidly changing environments. Armstrong holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Alfred University and a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of New Haven. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management.

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With the goal of accelerating growth in international markets, OMG Roofing Products has created market manager positions for both Asia and Europe and promoted two executives into these roles. Kingbill Zhao, Asia Market Manager, is based in China and will support the Greater Asian market. Lennard Spirig, Europe Market Manager, is based in Switzerland, servicing the European market. Both are responsible for all OMG sales and marketing activities in their regions, including developing products and services tailored to local market needs. Zhao joined OMG in 2009 as a roofing specialist and was promoted to China sales manager in 2011, where he was responsible for launching the OMG Roofing Products line in China. Since then, he has built a sales and customer-service organization in China to support the company’s rapidly growing business. Prior to joining OMG, he was the international department manager for the China Waterproofing Assoc., where he worked with other international counterparts like National Roofing Contractors Assoc. and the Germany Roofing Contractors Assoc. to market the China Roofing & Waterproofing Show internationally. In addition, he organized Chinese company visits to the U.S. and Europe, and worked with organizations like FM Global and FLL to introduce approvals and standards to China. Spirig joined OMG in 2014 as Europe product marketing manager, responsible for marketing OMG products throughout Europe. Since then, he has been a great resource for helping to expand OMG’s footprint in Europe by assisting system manufacturer partners and developing new distribution in various European countries. Prior to joining OMG, he spent 10 years as product manager for mechanical attachment with SFS Intec. Earlier, he had been an international key account manager based in Mexico. “OMG’s products are designed to enhance rooftop productivity and improve roof-system performance,” said Web Shaffer, vice president of Marketing. “Lennard and Kingbill will be highly focused on developing value-added products and services that meet local market needs in order to accelerate our growth in Europe and Asia respectively, and I look forward to continuing to work with these two outstanding individuals.”

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Chris Jablonski

Chris Jablonski

Mark Melikian

Mark Melikian

HZ Electric Supply (formerly Hampden Zimmerman Electric), a New England electrical distributor, announced the promotion of Chris Jablonski and Mark Melikian to Branch Managers. Jablonski (in the Northampton branch), and Melikian (Pittsfield) will manage the selling and warehousing of company products, as well as planning, administering, and controlling day-to-day operations. “Both Chris and Mark have been instrumental in the growth of business, and we are proud to recognize their contributions with these promotions,” said Regional President Mark Lauria. Jablonski graduated from UMass Dartmouth and John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in international business. He is also a member of Enactus and the National Assoc. of Electrical Distributors. Upon completion of his degree, Jablonski worked for two years as marketing manager of Hampden Zimmerman before entering the USESI 18-month management-trainee program. Melikian is a graduate of Salve Regina University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English communications. After being employed in the real-estate and retail industries, he interned at HZ in the marketing department the summer after his junior year at Salve Regina. After graduation the following year, he completed the USESI 18-month management-trainee program.

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Monique Matz

Monique Matz

HUB International New England, a division of HUB International Limited, a global insurance-brokerage, risk-advisory, and employee-benefits firm, announced the hiring of two new employees in its East Longmeadow office. Monique Matz has joined as Commercial Lines Service Manager, and Jennifer Robinson as employee Benefits Account Manager. Matz joins HUB International with several years of underwriting and commercial-lines experience. At HUB International, her role is to provide service to medium to large commercial insurance accounts of moderate to high complexity. Acting as the primary liaison between the client and insurance carrier, she coordinates all facets of the clients’ needs from the initial setup procedures to audit processing to policy review. She handles day-to-day client requests while staying focused on meeting the needs of clients, carriers, and client executives. Robinson has been in the insurance industry for many years and has experience in the customer-service and data-management fields. As part of the employee benefits team, she will work to help employers maintain their employee-benefits packages, and acts as a guide and reference tool for their HR managers. She handles client inquiries and works closely in assisting the producers with new business and sales initiatives.

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Departments People on the Move
Tejas Gandhi

Tejas Gandhi

Tejas Gandhi, the former chief administrative officer at Navicent Health in Macon, Ga. — where he led the organization through an era of positive change and restructuring, contributing greatly to its financial recovery — has been named chief operating officer at Baystate Medical Center. His appointment became effective June 13. Gandhi fills a position left vacant by Nancy Shendell-Falik, who for two years served in the dual position at Baystate Health as chief operating officer and senior vice president/chief nursing officer for Baystate Medical Center, prior to being named president of Baystate Medical Center and senior vice president of Hospital Operations for Baystate Health in October 2015. “Dr. Gandhi is a true change agent, whose culture-building skills and talents in the area of continuous process improvements will be an asset in leading Baystate Medical Center and supporting Baystate 2020, our health system’s strategic plan,” said Shendell-Falik. “His adherence to core values and accountability in all actions, as well as his advocacy of transparency, especially in his own interactions, will make him a key member of the Baystate Health family.” Gandhi, with 15 years of professional experience in healthcare administration, comes to his new position from a hospital similar to Baystate Medical Center — a 637-bed teaching hospital affiliated with Mercer University School of Medicine, a Level I trauma center and three-time Magnet designated hospital for nursing excellence nationwide. Prior to joining Navicent Health in 2013, Gandhi was employed by Virtua Health in Marlton, N.J., the largest comprehensive healthcare system in Southern New Jersey, where he helped change the overall culture to one of continuous process improvement, resulting in cost savings and key improvements for the organization. During his 10 years there, Gandhi oversaw the process-driven planning process for a new $618 million replacement hospital and regional ambulatory center, also leading successful initiatives to improve clinical safety and quality outcomes, as well as patient satisfaction and employee engagement. Gandhi attended the University of Bombay, India, where he received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He later received a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the State University of New York at Binghamton and a doctorate in health administration and leadership from Medical University of South Carolina.

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In a visit to the governor’s Western Mass. office in Springfield recently, Gov. Charlie Baker introduced Michael Knapik, a former state senator and state representative from Westfield, as the office’s new director. Knapik will be a primary liaison between the administration and constituents and communities in Western Mass. “With more than two decades of experience representing Western Mass. constituents, Mike is exceptionally qualified to lead our Springfield office,” Baker said. “Operating the office is one of the many essential tools we use to maintain an important relationship with the people, local leaders, and municipalities of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties.” Added Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, “Mike will be an asset to both the administration and those serviced by the Springfield office. I look forward to working closely with him in his new role to continue building upon the strong relationships our administration has cultivated in the western part of the state.” Knapik said he is “excited to join the Baker-Polito administration and begin working with people across Western Massachusetts again. Western Massachusetts has a lot to offer, and I look forward to playing an active role in our communities and the overall conversation with the rest of Massachusetts on behalf of the administration.” Knapik served Westfield and 11 surrounding communities in the state Legislature for 22 years, first as a representative from 1991 to 1994 and then as a senator from 1995 to 2013.

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Kevin Maltby

Kevin Maltby

Bacon Wilson announced that attorney Kevin Maltby is now president of the Hampden County Bar Assoc. (HCBA) after taking the oath of office Wednesday in front of his partners and peers at the association’s annual meeting and membership dinner at the Springfield Sheraton. “I am enormously grateful to the members of the bar association for their confidence in me, and gratified to follow in the footsteps of my partners at Bacon Wilson, including past presidents Paul Rothschild, Hyman Darling, and Michael Ratner,” Maltby said. “I consider it an honor to be counted among their ranks. So many Bacon Wilson attorneys have, over their lengthy careers, given their time and legal skills to serve the Hampden County Bar.”

Michael Katz

Michael Katz

Michael Ratner

Michael Ratner

Paul Salvage

Paul Salvage

Also in attendance was attorney Michael Katz, who took office as chair of the bar’s Bankruptcy Section, while attorneys Michael Ratner and Paul Salvage were each honored for their 50 years of membership. Maltby has a long history of service and involvement with the Hampden County Bar Assoc. He has served on the bar’s board of directors each year since 2012. He was honored with the HCBA’s Access to Justice Pro Bono Publico Award for 2012 for his vision and implementation of the Springfield District Court Lawyer for the Day program. Additionally, in 2013, he received the Community Service Award from the Mass. Bar Assoc. Maltby is a member of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s Standing Advisory Committee on Professionalism. He has extensive jury-trial and courtroom experience, and is a former prosecutor for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. He is also an adjunct professor of Legal Studies at Bay Path University in Longmeadow, where he teaches litigation, advanced litigation, criminal law, and evidence. He earned his law degree from Suffolk University Law School in 2001, and his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from UMass in 1998. In 2014, he was a recipient of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty distinction, and has been a named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for seven years, since 2009.

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The Westmass Area Development Corp. board named Eric Nelson the new president and CEO of the private, nonprofit, industrial- and business-development corporation that offers master-planned land resources at Chicopee River Business Park, Hadley University Business Park, Deer Park in East Longmeadow, and the historic Ludlow Mills. Nelson succeeds Kenn Delude, who is retiring after 10 years as president and CEO of the organization. Nelson has more than 30 years of experience in site development and design and has consulted on numerous industrial and commercial site-development projects. His background also encompasses financing development and creating public-private partnership agreements. Having served as senior vice president of Westmass for the past two and a half years and with Westmass since 2011, Nelson has conducted regular meetings with industrial and business prospects interested in Westmass properties, conducted pre-development site analysis and research, headed the process of zoning and building permits, and was responsible for project budgets and grant applications. According to John Maybury, Westmass board chair, “Westmass has been fortunate to have someone of Kenn Delude’s unique skills at the helm of the organization. We are equally fortunate to have Eric Nelson, who worked alongside Kenn for the past five years, making for a smooth transition. Eric has worked closely with Kenn and is intimately involved with all of Westmass’ industrial land resources in the region and in particular the Ludlow Mills preservation and redevelopment, an exciting project which is quickly approaching $100 million in investment and represents significant economic development for the region.” Maybury said Delude would continue to provide support to Westmass and the Ludlow Mills project through the transition in a consulting role as needed. Nelson is a registered professional landscape architect and holds U.S. Green Building Council LEED AP certification. He earned his master’s degree in landscape architecture from UMass Amherst.

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Madeline Presz

Madeline Presz

JGS Lifecare has named Madeline Presz executive director of Spectrum Home Health & Hospice Care. Presz is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the home health and hospice program, including supervision of the team, financial performance, and delivery of quality care, as well as providing direct care. Presz brings 22 years of clinical experience in healthcare to this position. She is a registered nurse, certified in hospice and palliative care, gerontological nursing; and IV therapy, central line and TPN therapy. Before joining Spectrum, Presz served as executive director of the Loving Care Agency in Springfield. In this role, she was responsible for the clinical and operational programming for two pediatric and three adult home-care offices/teams.  Prior to that, she served as regional director of Clinical Operations for Life Choice Hospice in Auburn. She was also a clinical director/administrator at Solamor Hospice in Auburn and a clinical director of Allegiance Hospice in Shrewsbury. Presz has also served as director of Nursing at Wingate in East Longmeadow, and she started her career as assistant director of Nursing at Chestnut Hill Rehab in East Longmeadow. Presz has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Elms College, graduating summa cum laude, and an associate degree in nursing from Springfield Technical Community College. She is also a member of the Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society for nurses.

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Mary-Beth Cooper

Mary-Beth Cooper

Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper has been appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker to serve on one of three special commissions created under the landmark opioid legislation signed into law earlier this year. Cooper and the other appointees to the commission were sworn in by the governor recently at the State House. Cooper will serve on the special commission to study the incorporation of safe and effective pain treatment and prescribing practices into the professional training of students that may prescribe controlled substances. This special commission is tasked with developing recommendations to ensure future prescribers have an understanding of certain fundamental issues relative to the opioid epidemic, including pain treatment, pain-treatment planning, safe prescribing practices, and prescription monitoring. The appointed commission will submit recommendations on or before Dec. 1. “I’m honored to serve on this commission, representing our outstanding healthcare-preparation programs at Springfield College,” said Cooper. “I’m excited about the diversity of the commission, which includes family members of those who have struggled with opioid use, current healthcare providers, other educators, and committed community members all wanting to be a part of solutions to the opioid crisis.” Joining Cooper as appointees to the special commission are Todd Brown, vice chairman of the School of Pharmacy at Northeastern University; Dr. Nitigna Desai, director of Addiction Psychiatry at Bedford Veteran Affairs Medical Center and director of the Substance Abuse Service Line at New England Healthcare; Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, president and CEO of the Dimock Community Health Center; Brad Ulrich, regional vice president for Walgreens; and Joan Vitello-Cicciu, dean of the UMass Graduate School of Nursing.

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Brian Risler, Farmington Bank’s assistant vice president and mortgage sales manager for the Western Mass. region, has been named 2016 Affiliate of the Year by the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV). The announcement was made during the association’s recent annual awards banquet on June 8. The award is the highest form of recognition given by the RAPV to an affiliate member who has shown outstanding service and devotion to the organization during the past 17 months in the areas of affiliate-related association activity, community service, and business activity. Risler has served in many capacities for the RAPV, including co-chair of its Education Fair & Trade Show, which was the association’s largest and most heavily attended event of the year. Risler also served on the Government Affairs Committee of the Mass. Assoc. of Realtors (MAR), advocating for private property rights and promoting MAR’s legislative agenda and positions on key issues. As affiliate of the year, Risler was also recognized for his involvement in the community. For instance, he has been a guest speaker for HAPHousing, the largest nonprofit developer of affordable housing in Western Mass., educating first-time homebuyers on the fundamentals of residential financing and how best to advocate for themselves as consumers. At Farmington Bank, Risler has more than 16 years of experience in residential mortgage banking in Massachusetts. Risler received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from Stonehill College in Massachusetts.

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Elias Acuna, a real estate agent with Maria Acuna Real Estate in Springfield, has been named the 2016 Realtor of the Year by the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV). The announcement was made during the association’s annual awards banquet held recently at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. As the highest honor given to a member, the Realtor of the Year award is bestowed upon one person who has shown outstanding service and devotion to the 1,650-member organization during the past 17 months in the areas of Realtor activity, community service, and business activity. A Realtor since 2004, Acuna serves on the association’s board of directors, finance committee, strategic planning committee, and young professional’s network committee, where he was chairman in 2015. He is a co-presenter at the bimonthly new-member orientation promoting involvement and member benefits. Acuna is a frequent technology instructor, teaching topics such as real-estate apps and social-media practices. At the state level, he is a member of the board of directors of the Massachusetts Assoc. of Realtors (MAR). He is the chairman of the Mass. Assoc. of Realtors young professional’s network committee and a member the MAR diversity committee. He participated along with 400 Massachusetts Realtors in the 2015 and 2016 Realtors Day on Beacon Hill to lobby on behalf of home ownership and private property rights. He attended the 2015 Massachusetts Assoc. of Realtors Convention and Trade Show.

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Berkshire Bank announced that Kathryn Dube, first vice president, wealth business development leader, was honored by the United Way of Pioneer Valley as Volunteer of the Year for the 2015-16 season. Dube joined the United Way of Pioneer Valley board of directors in 2007 and committed to this position until 2017. As an affiliate of the United Way, she has also held other titles, such as chairperson of the allocations and impact committee, chairman of the board, and founding member of the Women’s Leadership Council in Western Mass. in 2013. The award is based upon leadership, community engagement, and core values, among other essential qualities. The United Way of Pioneer Valley granted the award to Dube on June 22 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

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Greenfield Cooperative Bank and its parent company, Greenfield Bancorp, announced that the following seven directors were re-elected to three-year terms as directors of the bank and Greenfield Bancorp, MHC:
•Attorney Robert Carey, a principal in the Greenfield law firm of Curtiss, Carey, Gates & 
Goodridge, LLP, re-elected as clerk of the bank;
• Kevin O’Neil, president of Wilson’s Department Store in Greenfield, re- elected chairman of the board;
• Keith Finan, chief financial officer of Deerfield Academy;
• Attorney Daniel Graves, owner of the Law Offices of Daniel Graves in Greenfield;
• Attorney Peter MacConnell, principal in the law firm of Bacon Wilson, P.C., re-elected as a corporator for a 10-year term;
• John Kuhn, principal in the firm of Kuhn-Riddle Architects in Amherst, re-elected as a corporator for a 10-year term; and
• Robb Morton, CPA, principal in the accounting firm of Boisselle, Morton & Associates, LLP located in Hadley, also re-elected as a 
corporator for a 10-year term. Re-elected to 10-year terms as corporators of Greenfield Bancorp, MHC were Barry Roberts, president of Roberts Builders Inc.; Margarita O’Byrne Curtis, head of school at Deerfield Academy; and Douglas Clarke, retired after many years with Western Massachusetts Electric Co., now Eversource.

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Colin Leduc

Colin Leduc

Webber & Grinnell announced that Colin Leduc has joined the agency as an account executive. He brings insurance-agency experience to the firm, as well as knowledge gained during his many years as a recruiter for ADP. Leduc was raised in Longmeadow and grew up working in his father’s sheet-metal shop in Holyoke. This experience greatly contributed to his passion for protecting the assets of local, family-owned businesses — and his decision to move to Webber & Grinnell. “I spent my life watching my father work hard to provide for our family,” he said. “I was drawn to Webber & Grinnell because of their commitment to local businesses, as well as the work environment they provide for their staff.” Bill Grinnell, president of Webber & Grinnell, noted that “Colin has a very dynamic personality and is a very strong addition to the Webber & Grinnell family. He’s very dedicated to helping the firm grow, especially in the field of family business.”

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Gary Schiff

Gary Schiff

October Mountain Financial Advisors announced it has appointed Gary Schiff as managing director of the firm, which provides client-centered investment-management, financial-planning, and trust-administration services to clients in Berkshire County and throughout New England. Formed earlier this year, October Mountain Financial Advisors is an alliance of Lee Bank and St. Germain Investment Management, based in Springfield. “We’re excited to welcome Gary to October Mountain Financial Advisors. As managing director, he will be leading our efforts in the Berkshires and our alliance with Lee Bank,” said Tim Suffish, senior vice president and head of equities at St. Germain Investment Management. “Gary joins us with over 30 years in the business of investments and banking, and a passion for delivering professional and accountable service to clients at the local level. It’s this consistency with our core beliefs, along with Gary’s experience in the industry, that will benefit all of our clients in the Berkshires and the region.” Schiff most recently served as vice president, senior investment advisor with the Private Client Group at TD Wealth in Pittsfield from 2001 to 2016. Prior to his position with TD Wealth, he joined Bank of Boston’s Berkshire Region senior management team in 1995, and through successive mergers leading to TD’s current ownership, held senior positions at the bank in marketing, communications, government, and public relations. Schiff is a graduate of Middlebury College, received his master’s degree from Harvard University, and has attended the Cannon Financial Institute Trust School. He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations. Schiff is presently a member of the Berkshire Funders’ Roundtable and serves as a corporator of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Foundation, a member of the Congregation Knesset Israel Investment Committee, a member of the Berkshire County Estate Planning Council, and chair of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Investment Committee. He is a past director and president of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, past director of the Berkshire Economic Development Corp. and the Colonial Theatre, and a former member of the Lenox Planning Board, Berkshire County Regional Employment Board, and Berkshire Community College Business Advisory Committee. Along with Schiff and Suffish, October Mountain Financial Advisors’ principal team includes St. Germain Investment Management’s Michael Matty, president and director; Richard Bleser, vice president, portfolio manager; Matthew Farkas, vice president, portfolio manager; and Thaddeus Welch, portfolio manager. “I worked closely with Gary and Tim as portfolio managers with Banknorth Wealth Management. Together we served a significant number of individual, family, and institutional clients throughout Berkshire County and nationally,” said Chuck Leach, president and CEO of Lee Bank. “We’re all Berkshire residents, and October Mountain’s base in Lee enables us to again collaborate closely as a team that places the highest value on client relationships and locally made investment decisions.”

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Marianne Fresia

Marianne Fresia

Chuck Leach, president and CEO of Lee Bank, announced that Marianne Fresia was named assistant vice president, private banking and trust services. She will focus on attracting, growing, and retaining Lee Bank’s trust clients, and will serve as liaison to October Mountain Financial Advisors’ team for clients interested in wealth management. October Mountain Financial Advisors, an alliance of Lee Bank and St. Germain Investment Management, was formed earlier this year. In her new role, Fresia will act as a conduit between retail banking, commercial banking, and October Mountain Financial Advisors to ensure that customers are aware of and have access to products and services from all areas. Fresia joins Lee Bank after serving for six years as a financial trust administrator at Berkshire Bank Wealth Management in Lenox. Prior to her position in wealth management, she held various roles at Berkshire Bank in Pittsfield. Fresia has completed coursework toward achieving the Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation and will sit for the exam in August.

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M. Susan Guyer

M. Susan Guyer

Springfield College Exercise Science and Sport Studies Chair M. Susan Guyer will be awarded both the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award and the Gail Weldon Award of Excellence during the National Athletic Trainers’ Assoc. (NATA) annual conference in Baltimore on June 22-25. The Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer award recognizes NATA members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to leadership, volunteer service, advocacy, and distinguished professional activities as an athletic trainer. Currently, Guyer serves as the NATA District 1 secretary and the vice president for governance for the NATA Research and Education Foundation. She also has held positions of public relations chair and president of the Athletic Training Assoc. of Massachusetts. “Dr. Sue Guyer is truly a gifted and talented teacher, mentor, leader, and serves as an amazing role model to women who would like to enter the profession of athletic training,” said Tracey Matthews, dean of the Springfield College School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. “Her passion and deep commitment for her discipline is unprecedented.” The Gail Weldon Award of Excellence recognizes one athletic trainer each year who has displayed an exceptional commitment to mentoring, professional development, and a balanced life for female athletic trainers or offered significant contributions to improve the healthcare of women. “We are very lucky to have such an amazing role model, faculty, and leader in athletic training at Springfield College,” Matthews added. “She continues to elevate the profession everyday. I can’t think of another person who is so deserving of these awards from the NATA.” Since arriving at Springfield College in 2001, Guyer has taught courses in prevention of athletic injuries, research methods and education, athletic-injury rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise, and human anatomy. She has been invited to speak internationally on the prevention of athletic injuries and concussions in China and at the European Society of Athletic Training and Therapy Conference in Jerzmanowice, Poland. In addition, Guyer has also presented at the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Assoc. and the National Athletic Trainers’ Assoc. annual meetings and the NATA Educators’ Conference on issues relating to teaching and learning. She is also a manuscript reviewer for the Athletic Therapy Today Journal and the Journal of Athletic Training.

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Bryn Nowell has been named a finalist in the BlogPaws 2016 Nose-to-Nose Pet Blogging and Social Media Awards. Her blog, A Dog Walks into a Bar (www.adogwalksintoabar.com), was selected by judges to compete in the Best New Pet Blog category at the BlogPaws Annual Conference in Phoenix on June 23-25. The first social-media network for pet bloggers, BlogPaws (www.blogpaws.com) hosted its first pet-friendly social-media and marketing conference in 2010, and has grown annually into the biggest social-media event and conference of its kind, drawing attendees from all over the world. Nowell was one of 48 finalists in 12 categories chosen by a panel of industry professionals. From these 48, 12 winners will be selected by judges based on creativity, expertise, and performance in their respective categories. “Our bloggers strive to be something at BlogPaws, not just to write something or create something,” said BlogPaws co-founder Yvonne DiVita. “It’s about learning, growing, and striving for excellence. BlogPaws rewards them with our Annual Nose-to-Nose Awards, sharing the 48 finalists leading up to our conference, then awarding the winners at a red-carpet ceremony at the close of our conference.” A Dog Walks into a Bar is a site that focuses on “paws, pints, and prose — all things dogs and drinking.” Nowell, the author and site designer, decided to focus on the two things she loves, dogs and adult beverages. As such, the page includes product reviews, DIY ideas, giveaways, and insights on both industries.

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John Hunt

John Hunt

John Hunt has been named chief executive officer of Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Western Massachusetts in Ludlow. A speech-language pathologist by trade, he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UMass Amherst. Hunt’s career in rehabilitation has spanned almost 30 years as a clinician, director, administrator, private practicioner, consultant, and educator, both regionally and nationally. He has served as a guest speaker and lecturer on the topics of motor speech and swallowing disorders in the neurologically impaired population. His focus has been the improvement of patient care and superior clinical outcomes in the post-acute continuum.

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Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of bankESB, announced the following:

Timothy Czerniejewski

Timothy Czerniejewski

• Timothy Czerniejewski, has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President and Credit Analyst. He served as a credit analyst for the last seven years at TD Bank, where he had been working since 2007. He is also a self-employed tax preparer and financial advisor with his mother under the name H&T Tax Services in Westfield. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Western New England University. He is a Six Sigma White Belt, a certified tax preparer, and a Springfield Leadership Institute graduate, as well as a program committee member for the Springfield Boys and Girls Club, a volunteer at the Westfield YMCA, and a volunteer with Revitalize Springfield;

Lori Ingraham

Lori Ingraham

• Lori Ingraham has been promoted to Vice President and Controller. She joined the bank as a teller/encoder in 1988 and was promoted to operations assistant in 1989. She became operations/audit assistant in 1991 and compliance/CRA manager in 1997. She was promoted to auditor in 1998, to assistant treasurer in 2006, and to assistant vice president controller in 2013. Ingraham graduated from Holyoke Community College and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Westfield State University. She is a member of the Easthampton School Committee, Easthampton Dollars for Scholars, and the Easthampton Parent Council. She is the management committee chairperson and vice president of Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals. She is also on the Westhampton Congregational UCC property committee and Christian education committee; and

Meagan Barrett

Meagan Barrett

• Meagan Barrett has been promoted to Human Resources Officer. She joined bankESB in 2008 as a human resources assistant. She obtained her professional in human resources (PHR) certification in 2012 and was promoted to benefits specialist. Prior to working at the bank, she was a human resources generalist for Clarity Imaging and worked at CompUSA for 10 years, including as a human resources and operation manager. In her new role, she is responsible for employee relations, benefits, wellness, employee event coordination, and recruiting. Barrett has an associate’s degree from Holyoke Community College and was working towards a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rhode Island College. She is involved with the Easter Seals 5K planning committee and Easthampton’s All-4-Kids event.

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Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) recently announced six promotions. The new assignments are:

Mary Rawls

Mary Rawls

• Mary Rawls, Vice President, Compliance. Rawls has more than 22 years of experience in banking, and is responsible for ensuring bank compliance with the numerous banking and consumer laws and regulations. She also coordinates various regulatory and compliance examinations for the bank;

Adam Baker

Adam Baker

• Adam Baker, Commercial Loan Officer. Baker has more than eight years of experience in banking, primarily in commercial lending. He is based in the King Street, Northampton Cooperative division of the bank, and is responsible for developing new commercial-loan business in the bank’s market area, with a focus in Hampshire County;

Chelsea Depault

Chelsea Depault

• Chelsea Depault, Commercial Loan Officer. Depault is based at the 62 Federal St. location of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, and is responsible for developing new commercial business in the bank’s market area, with a focus in Franklin County. She has more than seven years banking experience with GCB, most recently as a senior credit analyst;

Christine Gagnon

Christine Gagnon

• Christine Gagnon, Residential Mortgage Originator for the Hampshire County marketplace. Gagnon’s new duties will complement in her current position of assistant vice president at the Northampton Cooperative division of GSB. She will be responsible for assisting consumers looking to buy or refinance their home and to develop mortgage business through ongoing relationships with local realtors. She has more than 18 years of experience in banking with Northampton Cooperative Bank;

Janet Rosenkranz

Janet Rosenkranz

• Janet Rosenkranz, Loan Analyst. Rosenkranz has been in banking for the past 20 years, starting with Vanguard Bank and the former Springfield Institution for Savings. She will be based in the King Street, Northampton office and is responsible for monitoring commercial credits and will assist in managing the overall bank-loan portfolio; and

Kari Welch

Kari Welch

• Kari Welch, branch Manager at the 67 King St. location of the bank’s Northampton Cooperative division. Welch has been with the bank for more than five years. She will be responsible for overall management of the King Street branch and its staff and operations.

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F. Adam Yanulis

F. Adam Yanulis

Following the firm’s recent stockholder’s meeting, Tighe & Bond announced the promotion of F. Adam Yanulis to Vice President of Business Development. Since joining the firm two and a half years ago, he has strengthened the delivery of the firm’s engineering services throughout New England. With more than 30 years providing leadership to the public-sector engineering community, many in the region know Yanulis well. Over the years, he has worked closely with numerous municipalities to facilitate engineering and environmental solutions for water-resource, stormwater, environmental, and other infrastructure challenges. Although he works primarily out of Tighe & Bond’s Westwood office, his involvement is region-wide. Yanulis serves as a commissioner for the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, and sits on the board of directors of the Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill and the New England Water Works Assoc. He also is on the New England Water Innovation Network’s advisory committee, and a member of the Massachusetts Water Infrastructure Finance Commission steering committee. In addition, he is finishing his term on the board of directors of the American Water Works Assoc.

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Tyler Leahy

Tyler Leahy

van Schouwen Associates, LLC (vSA) announced the addition of Tyler Leahy to its business-to-business marketing team. In his new role as strategic communications manager, Leahy’s work will involve account management, writing, social media and content development, public relations, and business development. Leahy arrives at vSA with unique experience as a communications professional in the Pioneer Valley, working in the media as well as the nonprofit sector. He most recently served as staff writer for two local newspapers, the Chicopee Register and the Ludlow Register. “Tyler has a knack for tailoring communications to the demands of individual projects. His strategic and tactical marketing aptitude will be invaluable to our clients,” said Michelle van Schouwen, vSA president. Leahy graduated from Springfield College with a bachelor’s degree in 2015, majoring in communications and English.

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Bay Path University announced that Melissa Morriss-Olson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, is one of 23 senior-level administrators in higher education nationwide selected by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) to participate in the 2016-17 Executive Leadership Academy. Morriss-Olson will participate in two seminars in Washington, D.C. on July 11-13, 2016 and June 19-21, 2017. She will also engage in readings, webinars, and a mentoring program. In addition, she will develop a professional experiential learning plan focused on specific areas of presidential responsibility. The academy is intended to help prepare provosts and vice presidents to serve as effective college presidents. Morriss-Olson joined Bay Path University in 2006 as a faculty member and founding director of the graduate programs in Nonprofit Management and Strategic Fundraising. In 2009, she became the university’s first Graduate School dean, during which time she was integral in establishing the Center for Distributed Learning and several new graduate degrees, and strengthening the graduate student-support infrastructure. She obtained a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies from Loyola University of Chicago in 1995. Developing the talents of women and girls is a personal passion of hers, and she volunteers on behalf of a number of organizations that share this concern. “Melissa Morriss-Olson has taken Bay Path to new heights,” University President Carol Leary said. “As provost, she has spearheaded initiatives that have increased undergraduate enrollment and overseen the development of the university’s thumbprint — Bay Path’s distinguishing educational aspirations — and our Women Empowered as Learners and Leaders (WELL) program. She is an effective and natural leader, and her participation in the CIC Executive Leadership Academy will be an incredible milestone both for her and for Bay Path.”

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Michael Moran

Michael Moran

Michael Moran has been appointed president and chief administrative officer of Baystate Health’s Eastern Region. He had been serving in this role in an interim capacity since Jan. 29. “Since January, Mike has been deeply engaged with community members, seeking input as the Eastern Region evolves to meet the contemporary needs of patients in Ware, Palmer, and surrounding communities,” said Nancy Shendell-Falik, senior vice president, Hospital Operations, Baystate Health. “He is working with Baystate Health colleagues to bring more primary care and specialty care to the Eastern Region, has ensured the current level of emergency care in Ware will continue, and is building relationships with Eastern Region team members, local leaders, community groups, the region’s EMS services, and many others.”
Moran came to the Eastern Region from a health-system role as vice president for Clinical, Facilities & Guest Services. In his 14 years at Baystate Health, he has had a vast scope of responsibility, at one point overseeing 13 departments and more than 1,300 team members throughout the system. He has been responsible for a broad spectrum of services including cancer, behavioral health, neurosciences and rehabilitation, food and nutrition, facilities, and more. He is known for building high-performing teams, fostering engagement, and serving as executive leader for Baystate Medical Center’s complex cardiovascular and emergency-room facilities-improvement projects. He led the building of the orthopedic surgery and cancer centers in Springfield and the surgical center under construction at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. He has co-led the health system’s largest and most complex Lean project, which improved patient flow at Baystate Medical Center and resulted in efficiencies of more than $5 million.  The Baystate Health board of trustees and board members for the Eastern Region voted unanimously to make Moran’s appointment permanent. “Michael brings 27 years of experience in multiple industries, including the military, recreation, hospitality, education, and healthcare,” said Shendell-Falik. “His community involvement includes service to several boards and committees throughout Western Massachusetts. His skills and experiences are well-suited to fulfill the leadership needs of the Eastern Region.”

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Robert Kleine III

Robert Kleine III

Robert Kleine III has been named Dean of the Western New England University (WNEU) College of Business, effective July 1. He succeeds Dean Julie Siciliano, who is retiring after 30 years at WNEU. Linda Jones, WNEU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, announced the appointment, citing Kleine’s academic accomplishments and strong record of institutional leadership. “I am pleased to welcome Dr. Kleine as our new dean, and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to develop new academic programs and to advance the College of Business and the university,” she said. Kleine was previously associate dean and James F. Dicke professor of Marketing at Ohio Northern University, where he served for 14 years. While there, he collaboratively led the creation of several programs, including a whole-campus entrepreneurial mindset initiative; the pharmaceutical business major, for which he served as coordinator for several years; and, more recently, a risk management & insurance major. Prior to that, he served as marketing faculty, with graduate faculty status, at Arizona State University, and served as a marketing consultant to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. He earned a PhD in marketing from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of New Hampshire. Kleine’s research, published in top marketing journals including the Journal of Consumer Research, Psychology & Marketing, and the Journal of Personal Selling & Sales Management, is widely cited and influential. He received the Ferber Award for best interdisciplinary article based on a dissertation published in the Journal of Consumer Research. The Marketing Science Institute recognizes his work as “essential reading in marketing.” Kleine is an accomplished educator and certified master teacher. In 2012, he received the Instructional Innovation Award, recognizing his innovative experiential curricular-development efforts. He is a member of Alpha Mu Alpha, Beta Alpha Psi, Beta Gamma Sigma, Gamma Theta Upsilon, and Phi Kappa Phi. “Western New England University generally, and the College of Business specifically, presents a great opportunity,” Kleine said. “The university is blessed with strong leadership, and the College of Business has an abundance of talented faculty and staff. As dean, I look forward to building on the college’s strengths, working collaboratively across the university campus to strengthen existing programs, and to identifying unique, high-value, differentiated new-program opportunities in ways that positively impact the college’s enrollment and reputation.”

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Thomas McDowell

Thomas McDowell

Springfield Bishop Mitchell Rozanski has appointed Thomas McDowell Interim Head of School for Pope Francis High School. He will begin his position in late July or early August. Meanwhile, a national search for a permanent head of school has been undertaken. McDowell is a retired school superintendent, having served most recently as interim superintendent in Wethersfield, Watertown, and Tolland, Conn. He also has served as superintendent of schools in Plymouth, Conn., and in Westfield. He said he looks forward to the new interim position at Pope Francis High School. “It’s exciting, building something new,” he said. “I like the idea of having one school as a superintendent, with a smaller group of kids.” He said the advantage of serving a smaller group of students will be the opportunity for more communication and more presence in the school community. “What I miss most about being a superintendent is being close to students.” McDowell will oversee day-to-day school operations while Paul Gagliarducci remains on as executive director of the Pope Francis High School project, focusing on construction of a new facility as well as other elements regarding the creation of this new Catholic secondary school. In September, the students and staff of Holyoke Catholic High School in Chicopee and Cathedral High School in Springfield will officially merge, becoming Pope Francis High School in its temporary location on the present Holyoke Catholic campus. Construction of the new Pope Francis High School building on Wendover Road in Springfield is expected to begin later this year, with an anticipated completion date in 2018.

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Jynai McDonald was recently hired as Regional Manager of the Training Resources of America Inc. (TRA)  Western Mass. offices located in Holyoke and Springfield. McDonald holds a bachelor’s degree in digital marketing and social-media management, an associate’s degree in business administration, and a paralegal program certificate in legal studies, all from Bay Path University. She brings significant leadership, supervisory, and job-development experience to her new position. Training Resources of America, headquartered in Worcester, is a private, nonprofit organization that has been providing quality education, employment, and training services in Massachusetts since 1975. Over the years, its efforts have enabled thousands of educationally and economically disadvantaged youth and adults to improve their quality of life by learning new skills, developing self-confidence, and finding pathways to self-sufficiency through education, employment, and training. It has training sites in Brockton, Fitchburg, Holyoke, New Bedford, Quincy, Salem, Springfield, and Worcester.

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John Mieczkowski

John Mieczkowski

The Hampshire Mall management team recently welcomed Operations Manager John Mieczkowski. John has more than 20 years of both commercial and industrial construction experience. He is the longtime owner and operator of Arc Welding and has served as a firefighter for over 20 years, currently as a lieutenant with the Hadley Fire Department. He continues to reside in Hadley where he was born and raised, and is a member of the PTO, Young Men’s Club, and Firemen’s Assoc. “We are excited to have John join our team at Hampshire Mall. With his vast experience in construction and project management, he will be a valuable asset to us,” said General Manager Lynn Gray.

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William Fisher

William Fisher

Springfield College School of Social Work Professor and Director of Field Education William Fisher is the lead author of a recently released report titled “Findings from the 2015 State of Field Education Survey: A Survey of Directors of Field Education on Administrative Models, Staffing, and Resources.” Guided by Fisher’s leadership, this national survey of social-work field directors sought information on a number of important issues related to how field education programs are organized. The research also analyzed who is leading the programs and how the programs respond to unique student needs. Additional in-depth reports based on the findings are planned for the future. The research was conducted with the support of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the accrediting body for social-work programs in the U.S., and the Council on Field Education, which is part of CSWE’s governance and policy-recommending structure. CWSE has designated field education as the ‘signature pedagogy’ of social-work education, meaning that it is through field experiences and practice in the real world, in conjunction with classroom and project-based learning, that students learn to be social-work professionals. Fisher has more than 25 years of experience in the social-work field, with emphasis in mental-health and substance-abuse counseling, community organizing, and community mental-health program development.

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Robinson Donovan, P.C. announced that attorney Kevin Chrisanthopoulos has been appointed to the Hampden County Bar Assoc. board of directors. Founded in the same decade as Robinson Donovan more than 150 years ago, the Hampden County Bar Assoc. represents the interests of lawyers in Hampden County. This volunteer organization of attorneys serves lawyers, the justice system, and the public by providing support, education, and networking opportunities. Its purpose is to maintain the honor of the profession, promote the administration of justice, and encourage overall cooperation and goodwill among the members of the bar. “Kevin is not only an outstanding litigator, but a natural leader,” said attorney Jeffrey McCormick, a senior partner at the firm and past president of both the Hampden County Bar Assoc. and the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. “We’re very proud that he has taken on a leadership role at the Hampden County Bar Association. Kevin’s steadfast commitment to the preservation of justice will make him a valuable addition to the board of directors. He will be carrying on a decades-old tradition at Robinson Donovan of bar-association service.” Chrisanthopoulos exclusively practices litigation. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Western New England University and his juris doctor at Roger Williams University School of Law. He is also very active in his community, serving as an advisor to the board of directors for the Amelia Park Arena and Memorial Garden, past president of the Westfield Youth Hockey Assoc., assistant coach for the St. Mary’s High School hockey team, and a Massachusetts Bar Assoc. mock-trial judge. He is also a member of the Board of Bar Overseers disciplinary hearing committee and has been listed as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer since 2014.

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Shauna Ziemba

Shauna Ziemba

Shauna Ziemba, business manager for McKenna Orthodontics, was recently appointed to the board of directors of New England Dental Office Managers, a study group comprised of dental administrative professionals who meet to learn, network, exchange experiences, share knowledge, discuss challenges, and provide support and encouragement. As a new board member, Ziemba represents the Pioneer Valley Chapter. She has been actively involved in dental-office administration for 17 years, and offers the group proven expertise in office administrative solutions. As business manager of McKenna Orthodontics, she is responsible for handling office procedures and systems of the three office locations in Longmeadow, Feeding Hills, and Chicopee.

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Northeast IT Systems Inc. welcomed Tony Shepard to the team as a Systems Administrator. Shepard found his initial passion with IT and electronics by building his own speaker cabinets. When the car audio craze came along, he designed and built high-end car systems. After that, he focused on computers. His favorite part of the job is the challenge. “There is always something different to do,” he said, “and you learn something new every day.” His certifications include A+ certification, MCP certification, a license to teach in the state of Massachusetts, and certificates in electronic technology. He also has experience as Dell field engineer, IT manager, networking instructor, and systems field engineer.

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Arlene Rodriguez

Arlene Rodriguez

The Professional Women’s Chamber (PWC) announced that Arlene Rodriguez, Vice President of Academic Affairs for Springfield Technical Community College, has been named the PWC 2016 Woman of the Year. The Woman of the Year is presented to a woman in the Western Mass. area who exemplifies outstanding leadership, professional accomplishment, and service to the community. The award has been given annually since 1954 and is publically recognized as one of the most prestigious honors given to any citizen for distinguished service and selfless giving.

“We’re thrilled with this year’s honoree — a truly inspiring and accomplished woman like Dr. Rodriguez,” said PWC Board President Janet Casey. “She is a trailblazer amongst women and a staunch advocate for education, empowerment, and advancement, and her passion to help young people succeed is unparalleled.”

A celebration in her honor will be held on Tuesday, May 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Carriage House, Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Reservations are $55 and may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or by contacting Kara Cavanaugh at [email protected]. At STCC, Rodriguez oversees all faculty in the academic schools at the college, and formerly was the school’s dean of the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. She has also served as the Honors College coordinator and professor at the college, and is the first Latina vice president of academic affairs at the College.

Rodriguez grew up in New York City, spending each of her summers in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, a rural mountain town where her parents’ roots grow deep. Life in New York taught her an appreciation for an expansive, fast-paced city life with all peoples, cultures, and languages, while Aibonito showed her the importance of family, neighbors, and their stories. Born in the Bronx to parents who never finished high school, Rodriguez, the youngest of four, learned to read by reading articles aloud from the newspaper to her mother as she cooked breakfast every morning. At a young age, she developed a love for the written word, devouring everything from newspapers to magazines and classic literature. Rodriguez speaks English and Spanish, and longs to add Italian to that list. Her love of literature led her to earn three degrees in English, including her undergraduate degree from Fordham University, a master’s from Lehigh University, and her doctorate from UMass Amherst.

Rodriguez has been a journalist and a short-fiction writer. For more than 10 years, she taught English at Springfield Technical Community College. She has served as the college’s dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences from 2005 to 2015, when she was then promoted to vice president of Academic Affairs, the first Latina to serve in that position. She was recently honored with the Springfield Women’s Commission Unsung Heroine Award, was named among BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty in 2007, and was honored with the STCC Anthony Scibelli Endowed Chair in 2005.

She is a member of the YWCA Board of Directors, and serves on Springfield’s Rosa Parks Organizing Committee, the Springfield Ward 7 Democratic City Committee, the Springfield Armory Council, and the WGBY Board of Tribunes and Latino Advisory Board.

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Florence Bank, a mutually owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through nine branch locations, has promoted Kurt Shouse of to the position of Information security officer/cyber security administrator. Shouse joined Florence Bank in 2014 as a cyber security administrator. He earned a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst, as well as a master’s in cybersecurity, with a concentration in computer forensics and cyber operations. He also has earned a Global Essentials Security certification. Florence Bank President and CEO John Heaps Jr., said, “we’re pleased to promote Kurt to this expanded role with our bank. We take a very proactive stance where security and information security is concerned, and Kurt is someone whose expertise will continue to be of great value to our bank and our customers.”

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Jean Deliso

Jean Deliso

Jean Deliso, CFP, from the CT Valley General Office of New York Life, recently joined a select group of agents who are authorized to offer AARP members a range of financial solutions through AARP life insurance, annuity, and long-term-care options from New York Life. To become part of this group of agents, Deliso followed a certification process established by New York Life, which includes extensive training on products and regulations, education on evaluating client needs, state licensing, and a commitment to service. AARP Services, AARP’s for-profit subsidiary, provides quality control over the certification process and training. Deliso is president and owner of Deliso Financial and Insurance Services, a firm focusing on comprehensive planning designed to help position clients for a solid financial future. Her extensive experience in several areas has helped lead to a reputation for certain specializations, such as assisting people in planning for their financial future, particularly in preparation for retirement as well as in times of transition such as divorce or widowhood. After graduating from Bentley University, Deliso spent seven years in the public accounting profession before transitioning to financial services, in which she has been working for more than 20 years. New York Life has been offering AARP-branded products to AARP members since 1994. Since then, the relationship has grown to include a portfolio of annuity products (added in 2006) and, most recently, long-term care options in 2016.

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David Bohl

David Bohl

Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) recently announced that David Bohl has been promoted to digital marketing analyst. GCAi also announced that Bohl is now the agency’s third Google AdWords qualified planner. Bohl started his career at GCAi in 2014 as a digital marketing intern. When he was hired as digital marketing assistant by GCAi in 2015, he began to develop e-mail marketing campaigns. Mr. Bohl now manages content marketing, e-mail marketing, and social-media marketing campaigns for GCAi and clients in entertainment, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and hospitality.

He also presented, along with Google, Carbonite, Corporate Ink, and Brandwatch, on e-mail marketing at the recent Digital Marketing Innovation Summit in Hyannis. As a Google AdWords qualified planner, Bohl is required to pass tests in the areas of AdWords fundamentals, search advertising, display advertising, and video advertising on a recurring basis. GCAi is the only agency in the region to hold the Google Partner status. Bohl is a magna cum laude graduate of Western New England University in Springfield, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a concentration in public relations. He is a member of the Advertising Club of Western Mass. and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, and is an associate member of the Public Relations Society of America.

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van Schouwen Associates, LLC (vSA) announced the addition of Todd Lucht as art director and web developer for its business-to-business marketing team. Lucht adds extensive graphic and interactive design and creative software engineering to vSA. As the head of creative for Sounds True, a Colorado-based multi-media publisher, Lucht most recently oversaw that firm’s art direction and brand management. Previously, he supervised the art department for mortgage broker Urban Lending Group and worked with Florida-based ad agency Provident Creative. “Todd’s interactive development and design skills will enhance our programs for our many business-to-business clients,” said Michelle van Schouwen, vSA president. “His experience producing digital assets will appeal to our clients as B2B and launch marketing rapidly continue to expand.” Lucht has a master’s degree in technology management from the University of Denver and a bachelor’s degree from International Fine Arts College. He has developed asset-management websites and applications, motion graphics, and online catalogs. In addition to his work in the creative and marketing industry, Lucht played professional hockey in Russia for four years.

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Michael Houff

Michael Houff

Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center, announced the appointment of Michael Houff as director of Physician Services for HMC Specialty Practices as well as Western Massachusetts Physician Associates. Houff brings more than 20 years of extensive healthcare leadership experience in executive-level physician-group management, project consulting, revenue-cycle management, hospital outpatient operations, managed-care payer and provider operations, and IT implementations. He most recently served Meridian Medical Management in Windsor, Conn. as director of operations and, previously, Hampden County Physician Associates, LLC in Springfield as chief operating officer, vice president of operations, and director of operations. “Mike brings the leadership necessary to help Holyoke Medical Center and Western Mass Physician Associates provide the highest levels of patient care and satisfaction,” said Hatiras. “His experience in managing physician services will be an asset to ensuring that our providers and office staff continue to deliver high-quality and compassionate care to our patients.” Houff graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. with a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and received a master’s degree in general administration health care management from the University of Maryland in 1996. From 1988 to 1992, he served as active duty combat arms officer in the U.S. Army and then worked for Kaiser Permanente in Rocky Hill, Conn., Tulane University Hospital and Clinic in New Orleans, and GE Healthcare. “I really wanted to get back to the patient-care-delivery side of the business of healthcare,” said Houff of choosing to work at HMC. “It’s a much more meaningful mission to know that what you’re doing every day in outpatient operations has a real impact on people’s lives — helping people who are going through very difficult times with their health issues and being able to help them have one good day among many bad ones is a really good motivation.”

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The Hampshire Mall management team recently welcomed Lynn Gray as general manager. Gray has extensive knowledge of the shopping-center industry. She is a graduate of Holyoke Community College with an associate degree in business administration. She returns to Hampshire Mall after holding the positions of marketing assistant, assistant marketing director, and marketing director within Pyramid Management Group from 1995 to 2005. Prior to her return, she held various roles within General Growth Management over the past 10 years, most recently as director of field marketing for the East Region. During her time there, she received the MAXI Award for innovative contributions made to Natick Mall. She is a lifelong resident of the Western Mass. area and actively involved with several community and nonprofit organizations, including Alex Scafuri’s Benefit Fund, Harper Yucka Benefit Fund, Chicopee Youth Football Assoc., and CHERUBS. “We are pleased to have Lynn return to Pyramid Management Group,” said Joe Castaldo, Pyramid Management Group’s director of Shopping Center Management. “With her vast experience in the shopping-center industry, she will be a tremendous asset in the development of Hampshire Mall.”

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Melissa Provost

Melissa Provost

HUB International New England, a division of HUB International Limited, announced that Melissa Provost has joined HUB International New England as a personal lines account manager, responsible for assisting clients with their home, auto, and personal-liability umbrella coverages. She will be based in the South Hadley office. Provost joins HUB International with several years of customer service experience in the insurance industry, and has held previous positions with Liberty Mutual Insurance, most recently as a senior customer service representative. At HUB International, her role includes assisting in the day-to-day needs of clients, handling client requests, preparing quotes, reviewing and updating policies and certificates, maintaining existing client relationships, generating new business, and keeping abreast of the changing market. “Over the past few months, we have hired several talented individuals as we continue to expand into one of the largest agencies throughout New England,” said Timm Marini, president of HUB International New England. “Melissa is a perfect fit for our agency as she is clearly a ‘people person’ who will focus on providing extraordinary customer service.”

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Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) announced that Bob Perry — a donor, volunteer, partner, and friend who has supported the organization for more than 15 years — will join the team as the new volunteer donor relations manager. “Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to be able to welcome back Bob Perry as our new volunteer donor relations manager,” said Jennifer Schimmel, the organization’s executive director. “Even with his new title, he’ll still be known by many as Habitat’s chief hugging officer!” Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity is a housing ministry dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through home ownership and home-preservation opportunities. This is accomplished by working in partnership with diverse people, from all walks of life, to build and repair simple, decent, affordable housing. GSHFH has helped 70 local families, as well as 90 international families, over the past 27 years.

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Michael Schneider

Michael Schneider

Michael Schneider has been named a shareholder at Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C. His practice is focused on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions (including international business transactions), land use, and commercial real estate. He is a member of the Massachusetts and Connecticut bars. Schneider is a past member of the Longmeadow Conservation Commission and past vice president and director of the Children’s Chorus of Springfield Inc. He was also a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty honoree in 2014 and a judge for the 40 Under Forty class of 2015. He earned his law degree, magna cum laude, from Suffolk University Law School in 2007. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College in 1997. Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C. is one of the largest law firms in Western Mass., providing a wide range of legal services including litigation, corporate, probate, real estate, taxation, estate planning, and intellectual property law.

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Monson Savings Bank (MSB) announced the following:

Kevin Hicks

Kevin Hicks

Dina Merwin

Dina Merwin

• Kevin Hicks has been promoted to Vice President, Information Technology Officer. Hicks joined MSB in early 2015 as assistant vice president, information technology officer. He has more than 16 years of experience managing a financial-institution IT department. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the bank’s technology infrastructure as well as security. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering with a minor in psychology from UMass; and

• Dina Merwin has been promoted to Vice President, Compliance and BSA officer. Merwin began her career at MSB in June 2013 as a compliance officer and was quickly promoted to assistant vice president, compliance and BSA officer. She has more than 20 years of experience in community banking. She is responsible for coordinating all regulatory changes throughout the bank, improving processes that enhance efficiency and compliance, as well as ensuring adherence to all rules and regulations. She is a graduate of the ABA National School of Banking at Fairfield University.

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Raj Parikh

Raj Parikh

Raj Parikh has joined American International College (AIC) as Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. Prior to joining AIC, he was professor of Accounting and Finance and dean of the Walker College of Business and Management at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa. Parikh has more than 30 years of experience as an academic executive and five years as a financial executive. Prior to joining AIC, he served as a senior-level administrator at several universities, including Mercyhurst, Southern Oregon University, Delaware State University, Wilmington University Delaware, and St. Bonaventure University. He also served as the commissioner for academic accreditation for the government of the United Arab Emirates. In addition to expanding programs and increasing enrollments, he has led or been actively involved in strategic planning, budgeting, and academic prioritization. He has led accreditation efforts at several institutions. Parikh co-authored World Accounting, a three-volume treatise on international accounting which is updated semi-annually. He has presented his research in accounting, finance, and organizational leadership at several regional and national conferences, in addition to being an invited guest speaker. Parikh is passionate about higher education, international education, and improving access to traditional students and working adults. As an academic entrepreneur, he has successfully engaged in a variety of ventures, such as establishing and enhancing branch campuses, increasing enrollments and retention, creating new academic programs, and establishing programs in international locations in partnership with local institutions. “In coming to AIC, I was intrigued by the opportunity to use my experience as a dean to help the college climb to even higher levels of academic excellence,” he said. “I am sincerely honored to join President [Vincent] Maniaci’s leadership team and look forward to this opportunity to make a difference.” A graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Parikh completed graduate work in chemical engineering. He received a Ph.D. in accounting and finance at the State University of New York at Buffalo. In addition, he is a certified managerial accountant (CMA), a certified financial manager (CFM), and a chartered financial analyst (CFA). For obtaining the highest score in the nation on the CMA examination, he was awarded the Robert Bayer Gold Medal.

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Robert Harrison, principal architect and founder of Harrison Design Associates, announced that Mark Eichorn and Robert Viel Jr. have joined the firm as both architectural designers and project managers. “I am pleased to welcome Mark and Robert to our team. They each bring a wide range of experience in residential and commercial design and detailing,” said Harrison. “In their new positions, they will enhance and carry forward Harrison Design’s tradition of architectural innovation and our singular focus on creating structures that tell a story and that inspire, delight, and surprise our clients.” Eichorn brings more than 20 years of experience in the design and building industry. His expertise encompasses all phases of work for residential and commercial architectural-design projects, from drafting and code compliance to design and construction administration. His prior experience as an architectural project manager includes eight years with Pamela Sandler AIA in Stockbridge and three years at William Caligari Interiors/Architecture in Great Barrington. He is a 1992 graduate of Vermont Technical College, where he studied architectural and building engineering technology. Viel joins Harrison Design with more than 19 years of experience in the architectural and interior-design professions. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1999 from the Wentworth Institute of Technology’s School of Architecture in Boston. He most recently served for five years as sole designer/draftsman at Kohl Construction in Hadley, while also managing his own architectural-design studio in Springfield. Prior to that, he was employed for 10 years at Pamela Sandler AIA as senior designer, job captain, and draftsman.

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Tighe & Bond recently hired Principal Engineer Wayne Bates to better serve its clients in the Greater Boston area. He will work out of the firm’s Westwood office. Bates specializes in water and wastewater treatment technologies with a focus on industrial wastewater treatment, process improvement, waste minimization, EH&S compliance, and sustainable manufacturing strategies. He has almost 30 years of engineering and environmental, health, and safety consulting experience, and is also a certified Envision sustainability professional. He holds licenses in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Bates is also an adjunct professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and serves on the board of directors for the Center for Business Sustainability at WPI. In addition, he serves on the town of Ashland’s sustainability and water-policy committees, and is a sustainability facilitator for the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. “We are happy to welcome Wayne to our growing team of experts,” said David Pinsky, president and CEO of Tighe & Bond. “His expertise will benefit our Greater Boston-area clients greatly as they seek process improvements, EH&S compliance, and sustainable-manufacturing strategies.” Bates earned his Ph.D in environmental/civil engineering from WPI. He also holds a master’s degree in environmental engineering from Northeastern University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UMass Dartmouth.

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Attorney Kenneth Albano

Attorney Kenneth Albano

Bacon Wilson announced that Attorney Kenneth Albano will assume the role of Managing Shareholder, effective Jan. 1, 2017. For the remainder of 2016, he will share the role with Bacon Wilson’s current managing shareholder, Stephen Krevalin, who has led the firm for the past 15 years, during which time Bacon Wilson has become one of the largest regional, full-service law firms in Hampden and Hampshire counties. “I am thrilled at the choice of attorney Albano as my successor,” Krevalin said. “Ken was the unanimous choice among the shareholders, and I have every confidence that he will do a phenomenal job as the firm’s next managing shareholder.” Albano is a senior partner and a member of the firm’s corporate, commercial, and municipal practice groups. In addition to his legal practice, he is active in the community, chairing the board of the March of Dimes Western Mass Division and serving on the board of the New England Chapter of the March of Dimes. He is a board member with Behavioral Health Network, where he has served for over 20 years. He also works with the American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish, and the ALS Assoc. Last June, Albano was honored with the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Community Service Award in recognition of his volunteer work. Bacon Wilson, P.C. boasts total of 43 lawyers and approximately 60 paralegals, administrative assistants, and support staff. The firm’s offices are located in Springfield, Northampton, Amherst, Holyoke, and Westfield. For more information, visit www.baconwilson.com.

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Elyse Merrigan

Elyse Merrigan

Sevane Khatchadourian

Sevane Khatchadourian

Mila Renkas

Mila Renkas

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) announced the hiring of three new associates: Elyse Merrigan, MSA, Sevane Khatchadourian, and Mila Renkas.
• Merrigan is an Associate in the Tax department. She previously held a career as a trial paralegal with a regional law firm. However, based on her strong aptitude with numbers, she decided to pursue the necessary advanced education that would allow her to transition into the field of public accounting. She is a graduate of the Commonwealth College at UMass Amherst and recently earned her master’s degree in accounting from Western New England University. She joined the Mass. Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) as a student during her graduate studies and is currently a candidate to sit for the CPA exam.
• Khatchadourian is beginning her career in public accounting in the Audit and Accounting (A&A) practice at MBK. As an A&A Associate, she will help service a wide variety of A&A clients throughout the year. She graduated from Westfield State University in 2015 with a bachelor’degree in business management with a concentration in accounting, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in accounting at the same school. As a current graduate student, Sevane is a student member of the MSCPA and AICPA.
• Renkas, who is also an A&A Associate, brings five years of bookkeeping experience and fluency in three languages to her new position. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Elms College in 2015 and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in accounting at Westfield State University. She has been recognized for her significant academic achievements though her membership with various honors societies and scholarships, including the Western Mass Women magazine scholarship.

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Stuart Jones

Stuart Jones

Springfield College announced the hiring of Stuart Jones as Vice President for Enrollment Management, effective April 1. An enrollment-management professional in higher education for more than 20 years, Jones was vice president for Enrollment Management at Trine University in Angola, Ind. since 2013. Prior to that role, he was vice president for Enrollment Management at Averett University in Danville, Va. and dean of Enrollment and executive director of the Student Success Center at Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind. At Springfield College, Jones will work to further strengthen the college’s competitive position through enrollment growth in traditional undergraduate and graduate programs. He has a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal and public communications from Purdue University, a master’s degree in divinity and theology from the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, and a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Northcentral University in Prescott Valley, Ariz.

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Toby Grader

Toby Grader

Bob Pion Buick GMC recently welcomed Toby Grader to the team. Grader has worked in the auto industry for more than 25 years and is a GM certified service manager. He took time off to open his own restaurant, but is now excited to start a new chapter at Bob Pion Buick GMC. “I enjoy the challenge of working in the auto industry. Helping people find the car of their dreams and making them happy is very rewarding,” he said. “Being in the auto industry for over 25 years, you make a lot of friendships. It makes the hard work worthwhile.”

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Jennifer Butler

Jennifer Butler

Attorney Jennifer Butler has joined Royal, P.C., the management-side only labor and employment law firm, and will focus her practice in labor law and complex employment litigation. With her experience, Butler counsels companies on the multitude of state and federal employment laws impacting them, including employment discrimination and harassment, wage-and-hour law, disability and leave law, workplace safety, OSHA, affirmative action, and contract negotiations. Her other preventive work includes drafting employee manuals; preparing non-disclosure, non-solicitation, and non-compete agreements; and conducting management training. Butler is a graduate of Norwich University and Western New England University School of Law.

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Monson Savings Bank (MSB) announced the following:
• Kylie LaPlante has been promoted to branch manager of the bank’s Ware office. She began her career at Monson Savings in 2011 as a customer service associate in Wilbraham and quickly rose to customer service associate supervisor. In 2015, she moved to the Ware branch as assistant branch manager and now to branch manager. She is a graduate of Assumption College with a bachelor’s degree in business management;
• Clare Ladue has been promoted to Commercial Loan Officer. Ladue, formerly one of MSB’s retail banking officers, has more than 20 years of experience in banking. She is a graduate of the Mass Bankers New England School of Financial Studies, holds numerous professional certifications, and is active in several community organizations.

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Keith Nesbitt

Keith Nesbitt

Keith Nesbitt has joined the Springfield office of NUVO Bank as Regional Commercial Credit Officer. Nesbitt, joins NUVO, a division of Merchants, bringing a vast wealth of knowledge with 11 years of experience in commercial lending, portfolio management, and credit administration in regional and community banking institutions. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, his master’s degree from Georgia State University, and his MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He is also a candidate for the chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation and will sit for the CFA Level III exam in June. Nesbitt is a high-school and college football official and a member of the Western Massachusetts Football Officials Assoc. and the Eastern Assoc. of Intercollegiate Football Officials.

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Margo Jones

Margo Jones

The 2016 Jury of Fellows from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) elevated 149 AIA members to its prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to their profession. Margo Jones, principal of Jones Whitsett Architects (formerly Margo Jones Architects), was nominated and elected to the College of Fellows in recognition of her leadership in the field and her service to the communities of Western Mass. Jones, who holds a master’s degree in architecture from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has practiced architecture in Greenfield for more than 30 years. As principal of her own design firm since 1984, she has designed numerous award-winning schools, public projects, and significant historic-preservation projects, including Sanderson Academy in Ashfield, several projects at the Bement School in Old Deerfield, renovations to the Ted Shawn Dance Theater at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, and, most recently, the renovation of Colegrove Park Elementary School in North Adams, a project currently being considered for a Massachusetts Historic Commission Preservation Award. Jones has also served on the board of directors of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Architects, and the board of directors of the Western Mass. chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Out of a total AIA membership of nearly 88,000, fewer than 3,200 members are distinguished with the honor of fellowship. Jones will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the AIA convention in Philadelphia in May.

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J. Polep Distribution Services announced the promotion of Eric Polep to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Polep has been with the company since 2002, most recently as director of sales. Over the past 14 years, he has worked his way up through the company, working in warehouse-control positions, cutting and stamping cigarettes, warehouse inventory, and as equipment delivery representative, field sales representative, and district manager. He has also played a key role in building and transforming J. Polep’s technology marketing and sales capabilities, in the process simplifying store managers’ everyday duties.

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Name Net Worth announced the hiring of Pam Thornton as Chief Operating Officer. Thornton has had an extensive career in the human-resources field, beginning in 1996 with LEGO Systems Inc. in Enfield, Conn. There, she was able to acquire hands-on experience with recruitment, interviewing, and training of year-round and part-time field personnel. Additionally, she was responsible for employee relations, benefits administration, and staff performance management. She also served in a management role with K2 Sports, where she hired a field merchandising staff of 100 employees. She was also business development manager for United Personnel, a woman-owned staffing firm in Springfield, and most recently served as a member of the HR legal team with the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast. Name Net Worth, a startup app launched by Jeremy Casey and currently in beta testing, is a connective platform that leverages trusted relationships to measure and strengthen personal and professional networks, allowing the ability to measure the success of connections and easily manage follow-ups. The company was accepted to the Valley Venture Mentors accelerator program and has received investment capital.  Thornton serves on the board of directors for the Human Resources Management Assoc. of Western New England and leads its membership effort. She is a past president and served on the board of directors for the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield. She has also held her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management since 2003.

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Cumulus Springfield announced that Bridget Lynott is back in radio and on 94.7 WMAS weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. She is also the promotion director for 94.7 WMAS and 1450 WHLL. “I’ve been in love with music for as long as I can remember … that love of music brought me to radio,” said Lynott, whose previous stints on the region’s airwaves include time at 1250 WARE, 560 WHYN, and 97.9 WPKX. “Growing up a shy kid, it was a shock for others to hear me on the air … but like an actor that delivers lines every night without fear, radio is my stage, and I love it. It is such an exciting time to be back on the air in the Springfield market and working with an incredible team.”

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Wolf & Co., P.C. announced the promotion of Ryan Gorman, CPA, to Member of the firm. He has 15 years of experience in providing audit, review, and business-advisory services to middle-market businesses within various industries and ownership structures. A significant focus of Gorman’s practice includes private-equity and family owned manufacturers, distributors, retail, and service organizations. In addition to his private-company practice, he also works with publicly traded companies and performs audits of employee benefit plans. Gorman, a graduate of Stonehill College, is a founding member of Wolf’s audit quality task force, a committee established to ensure the company is equipped with the appropriate training, tools, and techniques to deliver effective, quality services.

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Howard Bruck

Howard Bruck

Howard Bruck has been named president and CEO of Farm Credit Financial Partners Inc. (FPI). With 30 years of experience in general business and financial services, Bruck was most recently chief information officer with Sterling National Bank in New York, responsible for information technology and banking operations. “The breadth and depth of Howard’s business and technology experience and expertise will bolster our collective and individual efforts to better serve our customers and continue to evolve our organizations,” said Bob Bahl, chairman of the board. “His vision builds on FPI’s 21-year history of providing technology to the Farm Credit System.” Bruck has an MBA in accounting from Fordham University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Long Island University. He also served as an adjunct professor at Fordham University, teaching technology, information-management systems and security, and project and operations management for the past 10 years. He has also advised major corporations, investment managers, and technology providers in those areas. “FPI has an impressive history of providing important technologies to the Farm Credit System for over 20 years,” Bruck said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the organization as we embark into an exciting era of business-technology transformation. Realizing the opportunity to strengthen our products and services and support the business objectives of our customers will require us to be innovative, proficient, and competitive. A big part of my job will be to insure that we focus on creating and delivering great solutions and be recognized as thought leaders and valued partners.”

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Greenfield Mayor William Martin and Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz announced the hiring of Teri Anderson as the new Executive Director of the Franklin Hampshire Employment & Training Consortium (FHETC) and the Franklin Hampshire Career Center. FHETC is the administrative entity established by the two mayors in 1981 to operate public employment services in the 50-community Franklin, Hampshire, and North Quabbin region. Utilizing federal and state funds associated with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the agency delivers services through one-stop career centers in Greenfield and Northampton, and a satellite office in the North Quabbin region. The previous director of the center, Michael Truckey, retired in May 2015 after 38 years with FHETC. An interview team including representatives of the mayors’ offices, the career center, the Franklin Hampshire Regional Employment Board (REB), and the Mass. Division of Career Services conducted a thorough search process, looking for a person with the right combination of leadership, planning, and management skills to take on the job. Anderson is past economic development director for the city of Northampton and brings many years of experience in planning, project development, grants management, and economic development. Patricia Crosby, executive director of the Franklin Hampshire REB, which oversees workforce services in the region, quoted from the letter sent on behalf of the interview team to the mayors, saying, “we firmly believe that Teri has both the big-picture visioning and the day-to-day administrative skills needed for this important position, and that her deep knowledge of the Franklin/Hampshire region, planning expertise, and calm, steady presence will serve us well in this critical transitional period.” Anderson has recently has held positions with Common Capital and the Mass Broadband Institute. In addition, Crosby noted, she is no stranger to the workforce-development activities of the Career Center and the REB, having served in the past on the board as a representative of the former Northampton mayor’s office.

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Eric Martinez

Eric Martinez

HUB International New England, a division of HUB International Limited, announced that Eric Martinez has joined the company as Personal Lines Account Manager. He will be based in the East Longmeadow office and will assist clients with their homeowner’s, auto, and personal-liability umbrella coverages. Martinez joins HUB International with more than 10 years of experience in the personal-lines field. His past job responsibilities have included supervising and scheduling staff, resolving client issues, working to maintain carrier relationships, and assisting in planning and implementing marketing programs. His role at HUB International includes assisting in the day-to-day needs of clients, reviewing and updating policies and certificates, maintaining existing client relationships, generating new business, and keeping abreast of the changing market. Timm Marini, president of HUB International New England, noted that “Eric’s personality and strengths will certainly be beneficial as we continue to expand into one of the largest agencies throughout New England.”

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Peter Pan Bus Lines announced that Danielle Veronesi has been named Marketing Director. She will be responsible for overseeing Peter Pan’s Marketing Department, which includes but is not limited to creating digital advertising in multiple markets through multi-media platforms. Veronesi brings more than 15 years of experience in the marketing and promotions industry. She previously worked at iHeartMedia, where she served as the company’s Marketing and Promotions director.

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Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of bankESB, announced the following:

Kirsten Barkman

Kirsten Barkman

• Kirsten Barkman has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President, Portfolio Manager. Barkman most recently served as a portfolio manager at Chicopee Savings Bank, where she had been working since 2012. She has more than 15 years of experience in the financial industry. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Tufts University. She has also passed Level 1 and Level 2 of the Chartered Financial Analyst examinations, and she is a Risk Management Assoc. member; and

Erin Joyce

Erin Joyce

• Erin Joyce has been named Special Assets Officer. Joyce joined the bank in October 2014 as special assets manager. She has had many years of banking experience within the local banking industry, the last six in the area of residential and consumer collections. She attended UMass and has completed numerous Center for Financial Training courses and received certificates and diplomas in many areas of finance, lending, appraisals, and compliance. Joyce is a volunteer tax preparer for the IRS Volunteers in Tax Assistance Program. She was a parent volunteer and fund-raising coordinator for the Northampton Youth Football League and Northampton High School Booster club. She has also served as treasurer for the John F. Kennedy Middle School PTO.

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Jay Smith, founder and president of Sports Travel and Tours, has been named Vice Chair of the executive board for the board of directors of the National Tour Assoc. for 2016. NTA is the leading business-building association for travel professionals in the packaged travel and tour industry. Smith, whose sports-travel business entered its 20th year this fall, has served for four years on the NTA as a tour-operator board member and as its secretary last year. NTA was founded in 1951 and is now the leading business-building association for professionals serving customers traveling to, from, and within North America. Smith founded Sports Travel and Tours in 1996. Its mission is to offer hassle-free trip options to sports fans so they can attend games and other events across the U.S. and Canada.

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Homewatch CareGivers announced the hiring of Deborah Epstein as business development manager for Hampshire and Franklin counties. She will work in tandem with Kate Tyler, who also works in those two counties. Epstein comes to Homewatch CareGivers with a skill set in public relations, program development, and administration. She has a master’s degree in public health from the UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences with a focus in health policy management and community health education. This complements her dual bachelor’s degree in management and psychology from Simmons College in Boston. She also works as a marketing and health-promotion consultant for various organizations, including Orchard Medical Associates of Indian Orchard. She brings a wealth of experience through her work for Massachusetts General Hospital, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Baystate Medical Center, various senior centers, and as coordinator of the Franklin-Hampshire RSVP Osteoporosis Exercise/Nutrition Program. Epstein will begin her role immediately, seeking out partners in the medical community who can assist Homewatch CareGivers in building alliances to better serve Western Mass. residents in securing appropriate homecare options.

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Berkshire Health Systems announced the appointment of Dr. Nina Molin, a board-certified internal-medicine practitioner, to the physician staff of Berkshire Osteopathic Health of BMC. A veteran of both private and academic practice in the Berkshires since 1995, Molin received her medical degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Medicine, and completed her residency in primary-care internal medicine from the University of Rochester. Molin is presently a fellow in the Integrative Medicine Fellowship of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, where she is the recipient of the Council for Responsible Nutrition scholarship. She has served as associate professor of Medicine at UMass Medical School. Molin served at Canyon Ranch in Lenox for 13 years as an integrative medicine specialist, lecturing and consulting in many areas, including integrative medicine, preventive medicine, women’s health, digestive wellness, inflammatory conditions, and Ayurveda. She has offered integrative-medicine consultations in her private practice, Ananda Health, and has offered primary care throughout the Berkshires since 1995, including as a volunteer physician at Berkshire Volunteers in Medicine.

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Brandon Mitchell

Brandon Mitchell

Chris Marini

Chris Marini

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) announced the promotion of Brandon Mitchell, CPA, MSA and Chris Marini, MSA, MOS to Senior Associate positions. Mitchell has been with MBK since 2013 and brings a strong technical skill set to his work, as well as a background in sales. “Brandon has demonstrated a strong understanding of our clients and their industries in his time with our firm,” said MBK partner Howard Cheney. “He is resourceful and often takes the initiative to educate himself on his clients beyond the scope of his technical work, allowing him to enhance his relationship with our client base and deliver an even higher level of client service.” Mitchell earned his MSA from Westfield State University. He is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. For more than two years, Marini has demonstrated a dedicated work ethic to both clients and the firm. He is a team leader within the not-for-profit, HUD, and pension-audit niches. “Since the very beginning, Chris has worked hard and demonstrated a commitment to growth and education,” Cheney said. “He is also an instrumental resource for computer and technology matters here at the firm, helping to spearhead a number of projects and initiatives as we continue to take our cloud-based computer environment to the next level. This has resulted in efficiencies which we are able to pass on to our clients.” Marini holds a BBA with a concentration in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and earned his MSA from the University of Connecticut. He is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants and the board of trustees for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and serves as a mentor for the Westfield State University Accounting Club.

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PeoplesBank announced the following:

Beverly Farnham

Beverly Farnham

Amos McLeod III

Amos McLeod III

Nancy Robinson

Nancy Robinson

• Beverly Farnham has been promoted to Loan Service Officer. She possesses close to two decades of financial and banking experience. She first joined the bank in 1996 and previously served as loan service specialist. She has earned diplomas for financial services operations and consumer lending from the Center of Financial Training. She has been volunteering for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race for more than a decade;
• Amos McLeod III has been appointed Senior Credit Analyst Officer. He brings more than a decade of banking experience to his new position. He will be responsible for understanding and managing the credit risk and loan quality of the bank’s commercial real-estate and loan portfolios. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Springfield College and is a graduate of the School of Commercial Lending Program at Babson College. He serves as treasurer of Friends of the Huntington Public Library and volunteers for the United Way of Pioneer Valley; and
• Nancy Robinson has been promoted to Internal Audit Officer. She possesses more than a decade of banking and financial experience. She first joined the bank in 2012 and previously served as financial analyst. She holds a master’s degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University. She serves on the board of the Connecticut River Valley Golden Retriever Club. She also volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and Children’s Study Home.

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Jean Deliso

Jean Deliso

Jean Deliso, CFP, from the Connecticut Valley General Office of New York Life, is now authorized to offer AARP-branded life insurance and lifetime-income annuity products to AARP members. It is the first time these group-life-insurance products are offered by authorized-to-offer agents. Deliso is among a select group of New York Life agents who became authorized to offer her clients AARP Guaranteed Acceptance Life, AARP Level Benefit Term, and AARP Permanent Life Insurance, all from New York Life and New York Life’s Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuity. She is a licensed insurance agent and passed courses specific to AARP. Deliso has been a New York Life agent since 1995. She serves on many boards in her community, including the Baystate Health Foundation and Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse, and is chairman of the board of the Community Music School of Springfield. She is past chairman of the board of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, past board member of AAA Pioneer Valley, and past trustee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the advisory council at Bay Path University. Since 1994, AARP group-life products from New York Life have been available via direct mail to AARP members. The company has also been the provider of group lifetime-income annuities to AARP members since 2006.

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The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts announced that Liz Feeley was named Director of Philanthropy. She brings a wealth of blended experience in education and philanthropy to the organization. Feeley received her bachelor’s degree in English from Lehigh University. After spending 21 years coaching intercollegiate women’s basketball at institutions such as Smith College, Princeton University, the University of Notre Dame, and Holy Cross College, Feeley took her penchant for building relationships into the field of philanthropy. She brings a background in strategic planning, team building, volunteer management, and designing sustainable programs to the Women’s Fund. Feeley’s work at both Smith College and Stoneleigh-Burnham School, a day-boarding school for girls in Greenfield, brought to the forefront of her consciousness issues that girls and women face each day. She looks forward to building relationships around the Women’s Fund’s mission of creating economic and social equality for women and girls in Western Mass. through philanthropy. Prior to arriving at the Women’s Fund, Feeley served as director of Development at Amherst Montessori School. Previously, as director of Development and Alumnae Relations at Stoneleigh-Burnham, she led a team that increased fund-raising by 133% and alumni participation in the annual fund by 50% in three years. As director of Development, she also launched an initiative that increased the number of major-gift donors by 35% in two years. In five years, her team took fund-raising at the school to an unprecedented level by implementing a strategy based on stewardship, cultivating relationships, brand identity, creating sustainable programs, social media, and in-person visits across the country and in Asia. While at Stoneleigh-Burnham, Feeley was instrumental in the planning and implementation of a $1.2 million two-year campaign. Her team coordinated and hosted a Leadership Symposium and Gala to launch the campaign that successfully raised money for a new student-center complex. She partnered with volunteer groups of parents, alumni, faculty, students, trustees, and others in an effort to advance the mission of the institution.

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Keith G. Roy Construction Inc., a construction and contracting company serving Massachusetts and Connecticut since 1946, announced that Joshua David Roy has been appointed Vice President. “Joshua is continuing a legacy of leadership at a local family-owned and -operated company,” said President Keith G. Roy. Joshua developed his expertise by working side-by-side with both his grandfather, David, and his father, Keith, since his teenage years. He oversees and personally works on projects that include roofing; exterior builds, including decks and siding; as well as interior construction, including kitchens and baths. “I take particular pride in training our crew, project supervision, and customer service,” he said. For more information about the company, visit kgroyconstruction.com.

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The Gove Law Office announced that attorney Jaclyn Packard has joined the firm, focusing her practice on civil and criminal litigation and trials, real-estate transactions, and estate planning. “Jaclyn Packard is a wonderful addition to our growing law firm of professionals who represent the diverse practice areas Gove Law offers clients within the firm’s Litigation, Real Estate, and Estate Planning departments,” said Michael Gove, founding partner of Gove Law Office. Having graduated cum laude from the Florida Coastal School of Law, Packard holds a license to practice law in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Florida. In addition to being a practicing attorney, she is an active supporter of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event and a volunteer with the Lawyer for a Day program. The Gove Law Office, with offices in Ludlow and Northampton, is a bilingual firm with attorneys who provide guidance to clients in the areas of business representation, criminal and civil litigation, personal-injury law, commercial lending, residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, immigration, and bankruptcy.

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Rob Poole

Rob Poole

Rob Poole has been named Director of Business Programs at American International College. He will oversee the undergraduate and graduate business administration programs. As part of his responsibilities, Poole will lead the faculty in upgrading the curriculum and managing internship opportunities. The internship program will integrate with the business community to create placements that are mutually beneficial to the industry, students, and the college. In addition, he will focus the MBA program for the non-business major. “Acquiring a technical area of knowledge as an undergraduate, while layering and applying business experience, significantly expands career opportunities,” he said. Poole’s areas of expertise include accreditation, assessment, and internship programs. In addition to working as a private consultant, he has served as an assistant professor at Richard Stockton College and Bellarmine University. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in economics, then received his master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California, and a PhD in production operations management from the University of North Texas.

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Milly Parzychowski

Milly Parzychowski

United Bank announced the winners of its 2015 Mortgage Loan Officer (MLO) Sales Contest, the bank’s second annual internal awards program that recognizes its bankers for achieving excellence in mortgage production, and a local mortgage loan originator, Milly Parzychowski, is among the honorees. The final standings are based on the number of units and volume closed in 2015. Depending on an MLO’s production for a given year, they can be recognized in three categories: Chairman’s Club (including Chairman’s Club Champion), President’s Club, or Vice President’s Club. Parzychowski was named to the Vice President’s Club. Parzychowski, who joined United Bank in 2011, is based at the Westfield branch and covers Western Mass. Her more than 40 years in banking and mortgage origination included loan officer roles at Mortgage Master Inc. and Family Choice Mortgage Corp. Parzychowski was also a branch manager at American Home Mortgage and at CNI National Mortgage, a loan originator with National City and Source One, and started her banking career as a teller at Valley Bank in Springfield. She is currently an MBA candidate at Bay Path University.

People on the Move

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Departments People on the Move

• PeoplesBank announced the promotions and appointments of nine associates.
• Matthew Bannister has been appointed to Vice President, Corporate Responsibility. He possesses more than 30 years of brand management and corporate social-responsibility experience. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from UMass Amherst. His prior experience includes advertising, public relations, and event marketing for top advertising agencies and major nonprofit organizations;
• Paul Hillsburg has been promoted to Vice President, PeoplesFinancial and Insurance Services. With more than three decades of financial, sales, and business-development experience, he first joined the bank in 2008 and previously served as assistant vice president, PeoplesFinancial and Insurance Services. He holds an associate degree in business management from Springfield Technical Community College. He holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.
• Kristen Hua has been promoted to Vice President, Secondary Market. She possesses more than a decade of banking experience. She first joined the bank in May 2001 and previously served as assistant vice president, secondary market. She holds an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and a bachelor’s degree from Providence College. She also is a graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies;
• Craig Kaylor has been appointed to Vice President, Compliance. He brings more than a decade of banking and financial experience to his new position, where he will be responsible for overseeing all compliance regulations and policies. He holds a juris doctor degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University and a bachelor’s degree from the University at Albany, SUNY;
• Denise Lamory has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Loan Administration. She possesses close to four decades of banking experience. She first joined the bank in August 1976 and previously served as assistant vice president, commercial loan administration. She holds several business and financial certificates from the Western Massachusetts Institute of Management Education Inc. and Holyoke Community College;
• Trisha Leary has been promoted to Vice President, Internal Control. She possesses more than a decade of financial experience. She first joined the bank in 2013 and previously served as risk oversight officer. She holds a master’s degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.
• Karen Sinopoli has been appointed to Vice President, Controller. She brings a decade of banking and audit experience to her new position, where she will be responsible for maintaining and supervising the financial record of the bank in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. She holds a master’s degree in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at the UMass Amherst and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pennsylvania State University;
• Donna Wiley has been promoted to Vice President, Regional Manager. She possesses close to four decades of banking experience. She first joined the bank in 1979 and previously served as assistant vice president, regional manager. She holds an associate degree in business administration from Holyoke Community College and graduated with honors from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. School for Financial Studies; and
• Brian Rheaume has been promoted to assistant vice president, information technology. He possesses more than a decade of information-technology experience. He first joined the bank in 2002 and previously served as information technology officer supervisor. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Westfield State University and is an A+ certified professional IT technician.
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Kathleen McCormick and Peter Mirante have been appointed to the Berkshire Community College board of trustees. McCormick is a partner with McCormick, Murtagh & Marcus, a law firm in Great Barrington. She joined the firm in 2004 and was named partner in 2009. Her focus is on residential and commercial real estate, land use and permitting, construction law, business law, and estate planning. She previously clerked for First Justice David Kopleman in the Norfolk County Probate and Family Court and later served as an associate with the litigation firm Herlihy, Thursby & Herlihy in Boston. She has worked for well-known companies such as the Boston Celtics, the Jane Blalock Co., and Reebok International. McCormick holds a juris doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. She is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Assoc., the Berkshire County Bar Assoc., and the Real Estate Bar Assoc. of Massachusetts. She is dedicated to enriching the lives of disadvantaged youth and is an active community member serving on boards of numerous charitable organizations. Mirante, who has worked in the banking industry for more than 20 years, is senior vice president of Branch Administration at Greylock Federal Credit Union in Pittsfield. He joined Greylock in 1998 and has served in numerous management positions. Prior to joining Greylock, he worked for Patten Corp. and then Berkshire Bank.
Mirante holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the former North Adams State College. He has a long history of community service and currently serves on the boards of the Northern Berkshire United Way, Berkshire Family & Individual Resources, Berkshire Compact for Education, and North Adams Parks & Recreation. Darlene Rodowicz, who was recently reappointed board chair by Gov. Charlie Baker, noted that “the new board members bring a wealth of knowledge from their respective roles in the community. We are happy to have them join the BCC board of trustees as we continue to advance the mission of the college.”
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Local law firm Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced that attorney Steven Schwartz is the recipient of the Distinguished Advisor in Philanthropy Award. The award is presented annually by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts in partnership with the Estate Planning Council of Hampden County and the Pioneer Valley Estate Planning Council. Each year, the award’s recipient may recommend a Hampden, Hampshire, or Franklin county charity of their choice to receive a $1,000 grant. This year, Schwartz has decided to recommend the grant be made to the Children’s Study Home in recognition of its 150 anniversary. Schwartz concentrates his practice in the areas of family-business planning, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, and estate planning. His practice involves representation of principals in family-business planning (including exit planning for business owners), representation of individuals and corporations in the purchase and sale of business enterprises, strategic planning for the future of clients’ businesses, and providing advice on alternatives in financing through loans and venture capital.
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Pope Francis High School announced that John Goda, Athletic Director for Holyoke Catholic High School, has been appointed to the Athletic Director position for Pope Francis High School. The creation of Pope Francis High School was announced in 2015 when Springfield Bishop Mitchell Rozanski revealed that Cathedral High School and Holyoke Catholic High School would merge into a new school, named in honor of the current Pope. While the official merger will take place to coincide with the next academic year, 2016-17, there has already been a joining together of the athletic programs. Goda, a 1987 graduate of Cathedral, started his career with Holyoke Catholic as a teacher in 1994, and took over as athletic director in 2003. Since the merger of Cathedral and Holyoke Catholic was announced, Goda has worked alongside Cathedral Athletic Director Joe Hegarty to oversee the combined athletic programs for Pope Francis High School. Hegarty recently vacated his position at Cathedral, and Goda will assume the role.
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Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) announced the appointment of Phillip Candito to the position of Vice President of Business Development, where he is leading marketing and development efforts and focused on growing the organization. Candito worked as director of Business Development at the Eastern Connecticut Health Network in Manchester, Conn. for 10 years before coming to HMC. Previously, he served St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, Conn. as director of Rehabilitation Services and Occupational Medicine, and as a physical therapist. Earlier, he earned a degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut; worked in television, video, and stage production for 10 years in Connecticut and New York City; re-enrolled at UConn and earned a degree in physical therapy, which he practiced for 10 years; then attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to earn his graduate degree.
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TD Bank has named Karl Mirke assistant vice president, store manager of the location at 90 Main St. in North Adams. He is responsible for new-business development, consumer and business lending, managing personnel, and overseeing the day-to-day operations at the store, serving customers in Berkshire County, including North Adams, Clarksburg, Adams, Cheshire, Stamford, and Readsboro. Mirke has 11 years of retail banking experience. Prior to joining TD Bank, he served as assistant branch manager at Citizens Bank in Pittsfield. He is a 2003 graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams.
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Aaron Smith, P.C., a certified public accounting firm, announced that certified public accountant Bernard “Buzz” Travers III will assume the role of managing director. In that role, Travers will provide leadership and direction to achieve the goals of the firm. He will oversee day-to-day management and will continue to cultivate the talents of all accountants and staff at Aaron Smith. Travers joined the firm in 1999 as a tax specialist. He is a certified public accountant in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. His areas of expertise include corporate, individual and fiduciary income tax; state and local income and sales and use taxation; federal and state tax audits; mergers and acquisitions; estate and gift taxation; nonprofit taxes; and bankruptcy taxation. In addition, he has assisted numerous business owners in the sale and purchase of businesses. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bentley University and his juris doctor from Western New England University School of Law. He is past president of the Estate Planning Council of Hampden County Inc., past president of the Field Club of Longmeadow Inc., an officer and director of the Sportsmen’s National Land Trust Inc., and past treasurer of the Longmeadow High School hockey and lacrosse booster clubs.
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Bob Barna has joined Whalley Computer Associates (WCA) as a consulting architect. Barna was employed by VMWare as a senior consultant for the last 16 months and has 19 years of experience in the IT industry. He spent 17 of those years as the senior systems engineer at Competitive Computing. He has earned numerous VMware certifications and has extensive experience in design enablement, developing business requirements and identifying use cases, architecture design, environment build, product pilot, documentations and knowledge transfer, and more. Barna joins a team at WCA that also includes another former VMWare employee, Dan Sullivan, who joined VMWare shortly after it was founded and, in his seven years there, served customers all over New England and New York as a VMware systems engineer, VMware account executive, and partner business manager. Sullivan, who now holds the role of senior solution architect at WCA, is a 39-year veteran of the IT industry, with a background that combines technical expertise and sales skills.
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EMA Dental announced that Dr. Colleen Chambers has joined the practice as its newest associate. Chambers completed her undergraduate degree in biological sciences at the University of Connecticut and went on to earn her DMD at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She was awarded the School of Dental Medicine Alumni Research Fellowship for her research with alveolar bone and implant integration using rh-PDGF-BB. She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she focused on esthetics, general dentistry, and complex implant dental treatment. Chambers is proud to have had the opportunity to provide dental care to underserved communities at the CT Mission of Mercy, Remote Area Medical Services in Wise County, Va., and as part of a dental service trip to Honduras. She is a member of the American Dental Assoc., the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the Valley District Society.
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Caroline Gear has been named executive director of the International Language Institute (ILI) of Massachusetts, located in Northampton. Gear joined ILI in 1986 as a Spanish and ESOL instructor, and in 1989, she became the school’s director of programs. In that capacity, she has been ILI’s primary coordinator with numerous partners, including area businesses, partner colleges and universities, the U.S. State Department, the Fulbright Scholars program, and the U.S. Commercial Service. She has written several articles on assessment and evaluation and regularly presents on teacher training and supervision, both regionally and nationally. Gear earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from State University of New York at Potsdam and her masters’ degree in Spanish literature from Michigan State University. In addition to her years at ILI, she has worked in Peru, Mexico, and Spain.
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Lee Bank announced that Wendy Healey has been named to the position of Senior Vice President, Community Banking, and David Harrington has been named to the position of Vice President, Commercial Lending. Healey joins Lee Bank with experience in both the retail-banking and financial-technology sectors. She most recently served as senior vice president in charge of retail, sales, and marketing at Torrington Savings Bank. Prior to that, she was an independent financial services consultant while pursuing an MBA, and has held senior management roles at COCC Inc., a lead provider in core technology to the financial industry; Sovereign/Santander Bank; and People’s United Bank in Connecticut. As senior vice president in charge of community banking, Healey’s focus will be on existing and new customer relationships, as well as the design and fulfillment of new products and packages of services to meet customer needs. She will oversee policies, future business planning, and long-range strategic goals for her department and is responsible for the overall administration of compliance, including policy and procedures, monitoring, review, training, and board reporting. Harrington brings more than 18 years of experience in product and operations management. He most recently served as multi-life new business operations manager at Guardian Life Insurance Co. in Pittsfield. Prior to that, he was employed as product and project manager, U.S. Insurance Group, MassMutual Financial Group, and senior product line manager, disability and long-term-care insurance at Berkshire Life Insurance Co. As vice president of commercial lending, Harrington is responsible for developing and maintaining Lee Bank’s commercial-lending activities and expanding existing customer relationships in conjunction with the bank’s strategic goals.
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Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) recently welcomed three new members to its board of trustees: Steven Grande, Franklin Quigley, and Macarthur Starks Jr. Grande is president of Meridian Industrial Group, LLC in Holyoke and Springfield. He also serves on the Holyoke Taxpayers Assoc. is vice chair of the advisory committee at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, chairs the Mayor’s Industrial Development Advisory Council, serves on board of directors for the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, is a member of the advisory board for William J. Dean Technical High School; and is president of the board of directors for the Western Massachusetts National Tooling and Machining Assoc. Grande holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice from American International College. Quigley, an STCC alumnus, serves on the STCC foundation board and is a member of the presidential search committee. He is the president of FD Quigley and Associates, an organization specializing in providing project-management services to commercial retail developers; is a member of the state board of directors for Special Olympics; and is a retired referee of the American Hockey League. Starks, a senior finance and leadership professional, is an assistant vice president/change agent at MassMutual Way Center of Excellence, at MassMutual Life Insurance Company. Starks also serves as board chair and treasurer of FutureWorks Career Center in Springfield. A graduate of STCC (‘88), Starks received a master’s in management information systems and a bachelor of arts in accounting from Western New England University.

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Departments People on the Move

Baystate Health recently announced changes and consolidations in leadership positions in its Eastern Region:
• Effective Jan. 29, Michael Moran will become the interim president and chief administrative officer for the Baystate Health Eastern Region. Moran has been at Baystate Health for 14 years and currently serves as the organization’s Vice President for Clinical, Facilities and Guest Services. Moran’s new role combines the responsibilities of two current positions in the region, the president and the chief operating officer;
• The region’s current president, Dr. Charles Cavagnaro III, will depart Baystate Health to pursue other opportunities. Before joining Baystate Health, Cavagnaro served as president and CEO of Wing Memorial Hospital and Medical Centers for 15 years;
• The region’s current chief operating officer, Dr. M. Shafeeq Ahmed, will return to practicing medicine full-time at Baystate Health. Ahmed has been a physician-leader at Baystate Health since 2003;
• Dr. David McGuire will become the region’s chief medical officer.
“Our goal, in considering these changes, is to ensure that our Eastern Region can successfully deliver care that matters to the community in a responsible and sustainable way,” said Nancy Shendell-Falik, Senior Vice President of Hospital Operations for Baystate Health. “To survive and thrive in the contemporary world of healthcare, we continue to make changes that ensure long-term stabilization, system integration, and a consistent model for delivering quality, safety, patient experience, and value.”
Added Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health, “Drs. Cavagnaro and Ahmed have made major contributions to the integration of Wing into Baystate Health and to our organization as a whole. We thank them for their leadership, and we wish them the very best.” Three other management positions in the region are being eliminated and their work consolidated into other positions. At Baystate Health, Moran has been responsible for a broad spectrum of services including cancer, behavioral health, neurosciences and rehabilitation, food and nutrition, facilities, and more. Moran is known for building high-performing teams, fostering engagement, and serving as executive leader for Baystate Medical Center’s complex heart and vascular and emergency-room expansion projects. He led the building of the orthopedic surgery and cancer centers in Springfield and the surgical center under construction at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. He has co-led the health system’s largest and most complex Lean project, which saved more than $5 million and improved patient flow at Baystate Medical Center.

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PeoplesBank has announced the promotions and appointments of four associates:

Brian Canina

Brian Canina

• Brian Canina has been promoted to senior vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer. He possesses more than 16 years of financial experience and first joined PeoplesBank in 2009. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bryant College and is a certified public accountant. He is also a graduate of the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking and is a recipient of the Wharton Leadership Certificate. Canina is president of the Finance and Accounting Society of New England and an officer of the Financial Managers Society, Boston Chapter. He serves on the boards of directors for the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and the Children’s Study Home;

Stacy Sutton

Stacy Sutton

• Stacy Sutton has been promoted to senior vice president, retail administration. Boasting more than two decades of banking experience, she joined the bank in 1992 and previously served as first vice president, retail administration. She holds an associate degree in accounting from Springfield Technical Community College and is a graduate of the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. School for Financial Studies. She serves on the board of directors for Springfield Partners;

Joseph Zazzaro

Joseph Zazzaro

• Joseph Zazzaro has been promoted to senior vice president and chief information officer. He possesses more than three decades of information technology experience with a focus in financial services. He joined the bank in 2006 and previously served as first vice president, information technology. He holds a bachelor’s degree in information systems from the University of Phoenix and an associate degree in management information systems from Holyoke Community College. He also is a graduate of the New England School of Financial Studies. Zazzaro was a 14-year member of the Greater Westfield Boys and Girls Club board of directors and continues to volunteer to provide technical support for the club. He has also volunteered his technical and leadership skills at other local organizations, such as the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, the Red Cross, and the Chicopee Boys and Girls Club; and

Russell Fontaine

Russell Fontaine

• Russell Fontaine has been promoted to first vice president, retail sales. Boasting more than a decade of financial experience, he first joined the bank in 2009 and previously served as vice president, sales and service manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Westfield State University and a certificate from the Wharton School of Business Leadership at the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He serves on the board of the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity.

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John Dowd Jr

John Dowd Jr

The Dowd Insurance Agencies announced that John Dowd Jr., president and CEO of the Dowd Insurance Agencies, was selected to serve on the board of directors for the Massachusetts Assoc. of Insurance Agents (MAIA). Membership in the MAIA is open to independent, licensed insurance agencies doing business as individuals, partnerships, corporations, or other forms of business organizations in Massachusetts. With 1,300 agency members, MAIA is one of the largest state and regional associations of independent insurance agents in the country. The new board of directors began their term on Jan. 1. The board as a whole establishes positions on various industry issues and advocates for the agency community before government bodies. Individual members of the board of directors are the official representatives of the MAIA members in their geographical areas. “The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents has a long track record for consistent support for the insurance-agency community,” Dowd said. “I am very pleased to serve among this group of dedicated insurance professionals.” A 1980 graduate of St. Michael’s College, Dowd is an accredited advisor in insurance (AAI) and a licensed insurance advisor (LIA). He began his career as an underwriter for the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. and joined Dowd Insurance Agency in 1982.

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L. Alexandra Hogan

L. Alexandra Hogan

Local law firm, Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced that attorney L. Alexandra Hogan was selected to serve on the emerging insolvency professionals subcommittee of the American Bankruptcy Institute. “Alex has quickly become a rising star in our bankruptcy department. She is dedicated and is already helping other professionals establish themselves in the insolvency field,” said attorney Steve Weiss, supervisor of the firm’s bankruptcy division. As a new member of the emerging insolvency professionals subcommittee, Hogan will help bankruptcy professionals find different avenues to network and develop as experts. The mission of this new subcommittee is to create a forum for developing leaders to exchange ideas to better aid clients and further cultivate the insolvency field. Hogan graduated in 2008 with cum laude honors from Western New England University School of Law, where she was also appointed assistant editor and became a published author of the Western New England Law Review. She graduated from Bay Path University with summa cum laude honors in 1996. She has been selected by Super Lawyers to the Rising Stars list and as a Top Women Attorney (2011-15). Hogan concentrates her practice primarily in business, litigation, and bankruptcy law. She has an extensive bankruptcy practice that includes both debtor and creditor representation in individual and business cases, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 11. Additionally, she acts as counsel to Chapter 7 trustee Steven Weiss in bankruptcy litigation advanced in adversary proceedings. “I am honored to be a member of this new committee,” Hogan said. “It is very important for developing professionals to find ways to network with insolvency experts and to discuss emerging trends in the bankruptcy field.”

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Richard Venne, president and CEO of Community Enterprises Inc., announced the election of new officers to one-year terms at the recent board of directors meeting. Elected to officer positions for one-year terms are William Donohue, Chair, Children and Family Law, Springfield; Donald Miner, Vice Chair, Loomis Communities, South Hadley; Joanne Carlisle, Clerk/Secretary, Stop & Shop Inc., Springfield; and Brittney Kelleher, Treasurer, Westfield Bank, Springfield. Deborah Omasta-Mokrzecki, Amherst College, was elected as a new member for a three-year term. Existing members elected to additional three-year terms include Donohue; Carlisle; Miner; Mary Beth Davidson, Travelers, Hartford, Conn.; Kate LaMay-Miller, Multi-Media Impact, Hadley; and Albert Lognin, HARC, Hartford, Conn. Community Enterprises is a human-service organization that provides employment, education, housing supports, and day supports for people with disabilities. It is headquartered in Northampton and maintains 27 service locations throughout the U.S.

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Lou Mayo has been installed as president of the 1,700-member Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley. Mayo, a Realtor since 1997, is the office manager with Real Living Realty Professionals, LLC in Wilbraham. As president, he will oversee the association’s activities and operations, including meetings of the board of directors, and act as a liaison to the association’s various committees. He is the official spokesperson of the association on issues related to the real-estate industry and the regional housing market. The other 2016 officers are Richard Sawicki Jr., president-elect; Edward Alford, treasurer; Susan Drumm, secretary; and Dawn Henry, immediate past president. Directors include Elias Acuna, Kelly Bowman, Shawn Bowman, Suzi Buzzee, Janise Fitzpatrick, Raymond Hoess-Brooks, Susan Rheaume, and Russell Sabadosa.

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Departments People on the Move

The Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS) announced that three physicians have been named to expanded leadership roles for Mercy Behavioral Health Care and Providence Behavioral Health Hospital (PBHH) in Holyoke.
• Dr. Maria Russo-Appel, who has served as the chief medical officer of PBHH for the past year, has been appointed to the position of vice president of Mercy Behavioral Health Care. In this role, Russo-Appel will lead the psychiatric care and behavioral health service lines, including PBHH, for SPHS;
• Dr. Robert Roose, who has been serving as chief medical officer of Addiction Services of SPHS for the past the two and a half years, will have expanded responsibilities in a dual role as CMO/vice president of Addiction and Recovery Services, Mercy Behavioral Health Care, and will assume both medical and administrative leadership responsibilities for all addiction-treatment and recovery-service lines; and
• Dr. Gaurav Chawla, who has been serving as chief of Psychiatry, will assume the role of chief medical officer, Mercy Behavioral Health Care, and lead new SPHS initiatives in behavioral health, such as integration of behavioral health in both primary care and integration into population health management.

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Partners for a Healthier Community (PHC) has confirmed Jessica Collins as its executive director. Collins is a nine-year veteran of the Springfield-based nonprofit, where she previously served as interim executive director and deputy director. She will be leading the institute’s expansion of services in research and evaluation, coalition building, and policy advocacy. “Communities of color, members of the LGBT community, and people with disabilities face significant disparities in health in our region,” Collins said. “Our mission is to address these inequities so that all people will have what they need to lead healthy lives.” PHC was recently awarded the contract to lead the Community Health Needs Assessment for the 10 regional hospitals in Western Mass. in collaboration with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the Collaborative for Educational Services. “This assessment documents the existing health needs of each community and provides the data necessary to develop effective strategies to address health inequities,” Collins said. Added Rev. Karen Rucks, PHC’s board chair, “having a local public-health institute to serve Western Mass. is invaluable. The staff of Partners for a Healthier Community bring an understanding of the context and communities in our region to their services. They are committed to building capacity in our region to better understand how to use data and to collect and report on specific issues that are worthy of collective attention.” Prior to coming to PHC, Collins led community-based participatory research projects including the Shape Up Somerville program focused on the prevention of childhood obesity in Cambridge and Somerville. Other nationally recognized community-health initiatives led by Collins include efforts to address substance abuse and suicide prevention, as well as preschool oral health. In addition, Collins announced the hiring of Jessica Payne as senior research associate. Payne brings 25 years of experience in program development, evaluation, and needs assessment. She has extensive knowledge of regional communities and public-health initiatives, and collaborates with partners and informants of varied backgrounds relative to age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, occupation, and region. Since 1988, her company, Jessica Payne Consulting, has provided research and evaluation services in the healthcare, education, community-development, marketing, and culture and arts industries.

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Jules Gaudreau, president of the Gaudreau Group in Wilbraham, was recently inducted as president of his industry’s national trade organization, the National Assoc. of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). “It will be a great privilege and responsibility to lead an association of over 42,000 professionals who help American families achieve financial security,” Gaudreau said. “I look forward to advocating on their behalf in Washington and throughout the country as I have done for over 25 years here in Massachusetts.” One of the nation’s oldest and largest associations representing the interests of insurance professionals and financial advisors, NAIFA is the only organization that serves and represents insurance and financial advisors regardless of the products they sell or the focus of their practice. Members include insurance agents, financial advisors, multi-line agents, and health-insurance and employee-benefits specialists. NAIFA’s mission is to advocate for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhance business and professional skills, and promote the ethical conduct of its members.

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Departments People on the Move
Christopher Casale

Christopher Casale

Chicopee Savings Bank recently welcomed Christopher Casale to its Financial Services Center as an investment services sales associate. Casale has been advising clients on investments and insurance as a registered representative for more than 30 years. In 1982, he started his career with E.F. Hutton & Co. and most recently worked at United Bank, where he served as a personal banker and assistant vice president of investments. Casale has earned his Series 7, 63, and Investment Advisor Representative designation through LPL Financial as well as his license in life, accident, and health insurance. He graduated in 1982 from American International College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

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John O’Rourke III has been appointed to the position of controller at Bay Path University. O’Rourke will work closely with Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services Michael Giampietro and the staff of the university’s Business Office to account for and manage its financial assets. His responsibilities include overseeing payroll, accounting, receivables and payables, grant accounting and compliance, and the Bursar’s Office. “John O’Rourke is highly skilled in financial analysis, auditing, and strategic planning,” Giampietro said. “We are excited to have him join the university staff.” O’Rourke brings to the university more than 15 years of experience in finance and accounting. Prior to joining the Bay Path staff, he served as comptroller for Holyoke Community College, and has additional experience as an investment accountant for MassMutual Financial Group and staff accountant for Lester Halpern & Co. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from UMass Amherst.

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The Gray House recently inducted five new board members to three-year terms.
• Jan Rodriguez Denney is director of Elder Affairs for the city of Springfield. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from UMass and a master’s degree in human resources development from American International College. She serves on the board of Partners for a Healthier Community, Springfield Food Policy Council, Regional Employment Board, YWCA, Incorporated Emerson Wright Foundation, Greater Senior Services Inc., and Springfield College Board.
• Sean Ditto is a project executive with Consigli Construction Co. in Hartford, Conn. He has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Norwich University.
• Karen Garcia is a family specialist with the New England Farm Workers Council. She works with the homeless to help them address their issues so they are able to sustain affordable housing.
• Sr. Catherine Homrok is one of the founders of the Gray House. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1959 after graduation from St. Jerome High School in Holyoke. She received her bachelor’s degree from Elms College and her master’s degree from Emerson College. Currently, she serves the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield as its director of Pastoral Ministries.
• Tina-Marie Quagliato is director of disaster recovery and compliance for the city of Springfield. She has been employed by the city for almost 11 years, with varying roles in housing, community development, and neighborhood stabilization. She is on the board of trustees for the Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School of Excellence in Springfield and the board of directors for the United Way of Pioneer Valley, Emergency Food and Shelter Program. She has volunteered with Keep Springfield Beautiful, Habitat for Humanity, Open Pantry, and the Mattoon Street Arts Festival.
The Gray House is a small, neighborhood human-service agency located at 22 Sheldon St. in the North End of Springfield. Its mission is to help neighbors facing hardships to meet their immediate and transitional needs by providing food, clothing, and educational services in a safe, positive environment. For more information, visit www.grayhouse.org.

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Corina Belle-Isle has joined Gage-Wiley & Co. Inc. in a dual role, serving as a financial advisor and also holding a new position the investment firm recently created: director of business development. In her leadership position, Belle-Isle will work with President Christopher Milne to set firm and wide objectives and identify methods to reach these goals. She also will have a responsibility to develop, coordinate, and implement plans designed to increase existing business and capture new opportunities. “Creating this new leadership position represents one more incremental step in our long-term goal of advancing Gage-Wiley as a comprehensive boutique wealth-management firm mand ensuring we are well-positioned to support the growing and complex needs of our clients,” Milne said. Belle-Isle’s varied background includes experience in financial services, real estate, corporate sales and marketing, small-business ownership, and nonprofit development. Rounding out her business knowledge and experience are her creative pursuits; last year, she served as the principal and curator of the Quinn Marin Gallery Project in Rockport. “The common thread among all her experiences is a demonstrated success in business development and building strong relationships,” Milne said.

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Berkshire Bank announced that Kathryn Dube has joined the bank as first vice president and wealth business development leader. Dube brings more than 30 years of banking and financial-management experience to her new role. She has held progressively responsible positions in retail banking and wealth management in the Western Mass. and Connecticut markets. Prior to joining Berkshire Bank, she served as senior vice president of private banking at TD Bank, where she was responsible for sales of wealth products and services and generating new assets. She served as senior vice president, regional retail market manager for TD Bank as well, managing a network of 35 stores and $2 billion in deposits. Dube holds Series 7 and 66 FINRA licenses. She attended the University of Connecticut, New England College of Finance, and Bryant College. Involved in numerous community endeavors, she is the current chair of the United Way Women’s Leadership Council in the Pioneer Valley, a member of the organization’s board of directors, and co-chair of the Endowment Committee for the United Way. Having previously served as chair and vice chair for the United Way of Pioneer Valley, she was selected as the organization’s Volunteer of the Year in 2014.

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Phillips Insurance Agency Inc. announced that account executive Sam Fortsch has earned the prestigious accredited adviser in insurance (AAI) designation. This degree was earned after he successfully completed the Liberty Mutual Commercial Lines Producers School, an intensive, six-month training program that included multiple classes and nine exams. Fortsch joined Phillips Insurance in July 2014 after four years of active-duty service in the U.S. Army. He left the Army as a captain after two tours of duty in Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne. He holds a bachelor’s degree from UMass. Fortsch has developed a strong expertise in the energy, automotive, technology, and craft-brewing industries in a short time, said Joseph Phillips, president of Phillips Insurance. “The same level of commitment that he brought to serving his country, he has brought to serving his clients.” Fortsch is servicing existing clients and cultivating new business opportunities throughout New England. Phillips Insurance Agency, established in 1953, is a full-service risk-management firm with a staff of 23 professionals. The agency handles the personal and commercial insurance needs for thousands of individuals and businesses throughout New England.

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Richard Venne, president and CEO of Community Enterprises Inc., announced the appointment of Gary Daniele as director of Greenfield Community Employment and Training Programs. He is responsible for the effective management of all aspects of employment and training services in Greenfield, and will implement the organization’s mission and values by supporting individuals to make positive changes in their lives. Daniele was previously employed by the state of Oregon as a branch manager for vocational rehabilitation. He has more than 25 years of experience in employment, vocational, and residential supports for individuals with disabilities, and was awarded the Department of Human Services Director’s Excellence Award in 2014. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Roger Williams University. Community Enterprises is a human-service organization that provides employment, education, housing supports, and day supports for people with disabilities. Headquartered in Northampton, it maintains 27 service locations throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Kentucky. The Massachusetts offices include Springfield, Holyoke, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Worcester, Salem, Gloucester, and Somerville. The nonprofit organization, which started as a small program at Northampton State Hospital, has grown to a $22.5 million business.

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Yvonne Diaz

Yvonne Diaz

Ramon Financial Services announced that Yvonne Diaz is joining the company as a benefits consultant. She will design and service employee-benefit programs for new and existing clients. Diaz brings 16 years of industry experience, including 10 years as an account executive at Health New England. She received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Bay Path College and is currently a member of Leadership Pioneer Valley’s Class of 2016.

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AFC Doctors Express announced the appointment of Dr. Vincent Meoli as regional medical director. With 10 years of experience, Meoli will be responsible for developing clinical guidelines for treatment of patients, assisting in recruitment of new medical staff, coordinating patient care with administrators and medical assistants, and developing ongoing teaching programs for all medical staff. “I am thrilled to join AFC Doctors Express as the new regional medical director,” Meoli said. “I have seen the company develop over the past few years as a leading healthcare resource, and I am excited to bring my passion for patient-oriented healthcare to this emerging source of collaborative medicine.” Meoli completed his emergency-medicine residency program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2006 and received his doctor of medicine degree from Boston University School of Medicine in 2002. He is an active member in the American College of Emergency Physicians, an organization that works to promote high-quality emergency care and continuing-education opportunities. Meoli is also involved in the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, a program that promotes access to superior emergency care by emergency-care specialists. “Our mission is to deliver high-quality healthcare and provide an exceptional experience for patients who are sick, injured, or who just need to see a doctor,” said Rick Crews, president of Medvest, LLC. “After a long search, we have found the best candidate that not only shares in our dedication to patients, but is also talented.”

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The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education formally approved Ramon Torrecilha, a lifelong educator, as the 20th president of Westfield State University (WSU). A lifelong educator, he is currently a professor of sociology at California State University Dominguez Hills. “I am delighted by the appointment of Dr. Ramon Torrecilha as the new president of Westfield State and look forward to working with him,” said Carlos Santiago, state commissioner of Higher Education. “I want to thank the Westfield board of trustees and the search committee for delivering an exceptional pool of quality candidates, and congratulate them on an outstanding selection.” Torrecilha will be the first Latino to serve as president in the university’s 176-year history. He is scheduled to begin his term on Jan. 25. Westfield State’s presidential search process officially launched in January 2015, with a search committee comprising 13 members of the campus community. The pool of candidates was narrowed to a semi-finalist group of 13 in August, and on Sept. 29, the presidential search advisory committee announced three finalists: Torrecilha; Damian Fernandez, CEO and head of school at Ethical Culture Fieldston School; and Linda Vaden-Goad, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Framingham State University. On Oct. 28, the WSU trustees voted to recommend Torrecilha as the final candidate, and the state Board of Higher Education approved the choice this week. Previous to his current role at California State University Dominguez Hills, he served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, where he designed and implemented a cohort-based, first-year initiative to increase student retention and graduation rates. As provost, he invested in student research and supported more than 200 undergraduate research projects. He provided leadership and support to secure more than $16 million in grants and contracts and $600,000 to support faculty research and creative activity. Torrecilha also served as executive vice president of Mills College in Oakland, Calif., during which time he served as acting president on two separate occasions. His many accomplishments at Mills include the design, implementation, and successful achievement of a capital campaign that raised more than $130 million dollars on behalf of women’s education. He also led a successful campus reaccreditation process resulting in an eight-year renewal from the Western Assoc. of Schools and Colleges and increased the alumnae participation rate by 10%. Torrecilha earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology from Portland State University and his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Wisconsin Madison.

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Eight lawyers from Bulkley Richardson have been named to the 2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list of top lawyers in the state, and two lawyers from the firm have been named to the 2015 Massachusetts Rising Stars list of top up-and-coming lawyers. No more than 5% of lawyers in Massachusetts are selected for the Super Lawyers list, and no more than 2.5% are selected for the Rising Stars list. The following Bulkley Richardson lawyers were named to the 2014 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list:
• Francis Dibble Jr., whose practice areas include business litigation, health law, and antitrust litigation;
• J. Patrick Kennedy, whose practice areas include business litigation, banking and intellectual property litigation;
• Kevin Maynard, whose practice areas include business litigation, general litigation, and nonprofit;
• David Parke, whose practice areas include business/corporate and mergers and acquisitions;
• John Pucci, whose practice areas include criminal defense (white collar);
• Donn Randall, whose practice areas include banking and business litigation;
• Ellen Randle, whose practice focuses on family law; and
• Ronald Weiss, whose practice areas include mergers and acquisitions, closely held business, and estate planning and probate.
The following Bulkley Richardson lawyers were named to the 2015 Massachusetts Rising Stars list:
• Michael Roundy, whose practice areas include business/commercial litigation, tax appeals, and medical malpractice (defense); and
• Kelly Koch, whose practice areas include family law and estate planning and probate.
Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented, multi-phase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area.

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Kenneth Albano

Kenneth Albano

Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that attorney Kenneth Albano was recently honored with the Esteemed Service Award from Behavioral Health Network Inc. (BHN). Albano was presented with the award during BHN’s annual meeting, in recognition of his 20-plus years as a member of BHN’s board of directors and his related board service. “I am grateful to BHN for this recognition,” Albano said. “The services BHN provides are essential to the wellness of so many in our community who may be struggling with addiction or other life crises. I am honored by this award, and it has been my honor to serve this excellent organization for so many years.” Behavioral Health Network is a growing non-profit, community behavioral-health service organization, and has served the needs of children, adults, families, and communities in Western Mass. since 1938, offering tools and treatments for those with mental illness, substance-use disorders, or intellectual disabilities. Albano is a senior partner with Bacon Wilson and a member of the firm’s corporate, commercial, and municipal practice groups. In addition to his work with BHN, he has worked with the American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish, and the ALS Assoc., and he serves as board chair of the March of Dimes Western MA Division and on the board of the New England Chapter of the March of Dimes. In June, Albano was honored with the Mass. Bar Assoc. Community Service Award in recognition of his exceptional volunteer work.

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Country Bank President and CEO Paul Scully announced that Eric Devine has been promoted to first vice president, Information Technology. Devine has been with Country Bank since 2006 in the IT Department, working most recently as the Information Technology Services officer. “Eric is a dedicated and driven member of our team. I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize him for his outstanding leadership over the last few years,” Scully said. Devine studied at Sacred Heart University with a concentration in information technology and graduated from New England School for Financial Studies in 2012. He is very active in the community, serving on the program advisory committee for Porter and Chester Institute, working on the annual SIDS Road Race committee, and supporting the Griffin’s Friends Children’s Cancer Fund as a runner and charity fund-raiser. In addition, he served as the 2015 Springfield grand parade marshal for the annual St. Patricks Day Parade in Holyoke. He was elected to BusinessWest’s 40 under Forty in 2015.

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Aaron Smith, P.C., a certified public accounting firm serving individuals and businesses in the Pioneer Valley, announced the addition of two new staff accountants, Trent Domingos and Emily Sit. Both are responsible for audits, reviews, and compilations. “We are pleased to add two staff accountants to our team, as this allows us to maintain a high level of excellence and personal attention that our clients have come to expect,” said David Padegimas, CPA, managing director of Aaron Smith, P.C. Domingos is a graduate of Fairfield University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He previously served as a tax intern at Therrien & Associates, P.C., in Wilton, Conn. At Fairfield University, Domingos was a four-year member of the varsity rowing team. “I am excited to join the team. I look forward to growing as an accountant in this position and contributing to the distinguished reputation that Aaron Smith, P.C. has established,” Domingos said. Sit is a graduate of the UMass Isenberg School of Management with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting. She is expected to obtain her master’s degree in accounting in May. Prior to joining the team at Aaron Smith, P.C., she was employed by IBM Corporation as a financial analyst. She is fluent in English and Chinese, and enjoys gardening in her spare time. “Aaron Smith, P.C. has an excellent track record of great customer service,” Sit said. “I am thrilled to continue my passion for accounting in a well-respected firm.” CPAs at Aaron Smith, P.C. continually invest time and resources into furthering professional education, using state-of-the-art computer technology and developing extensive new business relationships.

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Ruth’s House, the assisted-living residence at JGS Lifecare, announced the appointment of Samantha Panniello as dining services coordinator. As an experienced executive and catering chef, she brings a new dimension to the facility’s signature kosher dining and banquet menus. Panniello brings more than 10 years of experience to Ruth’s House. Formally trained at the Connecticut Culinary Institute, where she was recognized for excellence and graduated at the top of her class, she worked as a chef for both Springfield College and UMass Amherst before becoming kitchen manager of the Federal in Agawam and Vinted in West Hartford, Conn. where she was named head chef. While at Vinted, the restaurant received a rave review by the New York Times, praising its “rich tastes on small plates.” Panniello also landed an executive chef position at Lego in Enfield, Conn., and most recently served as head chef of Marketplace/Back Street Bistro in Springfield. “We’re proud to welcome Samantha to coordinate our dining services. She brings tremendous talent, enthusiasm, and experience to our culinary team,” said Joelle Tedeschi, executive director of Ruth’s House. “Our residents are in for a treat.”

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Country Bank  announced the following:
• Susan Teixeira has been promoted to Senior Vice President. Teixeira has been with Country Bank since 2007. She has 23 years of experience in the financial-services industry and manages the bank’s Operations and Compliance departments. Prior to joining Country Bank, Teixeira worked for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., Woronoco Savings Bank, and Florence Savings Bank. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Western New England College and is a graduate of Stonier Graduate School of Banking. She is a board member for the Randall Boys & Girls Club/Ludlow Community Center and serves on the advisory board for the Springfield Salvation Army.
• Shelley Regin was promoted to Senior Vice President, Marketing & Retail Banking. In this position, she draws on her 20-year tenure with the bank to lead marketing and retail-banking efforts. Regin holds a bachelor’s degree from Western New England University and earned a certification from the New England School for Financial Studies, a Mass. Bankers Assoc. program at Babson College. She serves on the Carson Center Advisory Board and the River East School to Career Board.
• Phil Goncalves has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending. Goncalves has been with Country Bank since 1992 in the Commercial Lending department. He has 31 years’ experience in the financial-services industry and manages the bank’s Commercial Lending team. Goncalves earned his MBA at Western New England University with a concentration in the field of finance and economics. He also attended the Massachusetts School for Financial Studies and the National School of Banking. He is active in the community and serves on the board of Junior Achievement, the Randall Boys & Girls Club, and the STCC Foundation. In addition, he is an adjunct professor at local colleges.
• Denise Walker has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Retail Lending. Walker has been with Country Bank since 2008 as first vice president, director of Retail Lending. She has 35 years of experience in the financial-services industry and is responsible for Country Bank’s Retail Lending division, including origination, processing, underwriting, secondary market, and loan servicing. “Her commitment to exceptional service along with her strong leadership skills has made her a valuable asset to her team and to the bank,” Scully said. “We are delighted to recognize her for her efforts.” Prior to joining Country Bank, Walker worked at Springfield Institution for Savings, Woronoco Savings Bank, and Monson Savings Bank, holding different positions in banking throughout her career. She attended the Massachusetts School for Financial Studies and the National School of Banking. Walker was a treasurer for the Belchertown Football Assoc. for many years and started the Belchertown Salvation Army Community Unit in 2010. In 2013, Country Bank’s Retail Lending team was voted #1 Residential Lender by Banker & Tradesman. Country Bank is a full-service mutual community bank serving Central and Western Mass. with 15 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton, and Worcester. For more information, call (800) 322-8233 or visit countrybank.com.

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Jim Madigan

Jim Madigan

Longtime WGBY producer and host Jim Madigan has been named a 2015 inductee for the prestigious Silver Circle Award of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Boston/New England Chapter. He received his award in a ceremony in Boston. The Gold and Silver Circle Awards are a special recognition to honor television professionals who have “made significant contributions to their community and to the vitality of the television industry,” according to NATAS. Madigan is one of six Silver Circle award recipients, which honor those with more than 25 years of distinguished service to broadcasting. Madigan joined WGBY in December 1990 as senior producer for public affairs and is now director of public affairs. In addition to hosting WGBY’s Connecting Point public-affairs series, he is producer and host of “The State We’re In,” a weekly Connecting Point segment broadcast each Friday focusing on local, state, and national politics. Madigan is also a veteran moderator of seven gubernatorial debates over the past 20 years. Prior to joining WGBY, Madigan was a reporter and backup anchor for WGGB/ABC 40 in Springfield, where he specialized in political reporting and Massachusetts State House coverage. This included the 1988 Republican National Convention in New Orleans and the presidential campaign of then-Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis. Before that, he was news director for WLDM Radio in Westfield/Springfield. Prior to his broadcasting career, he served on the staff of the minority leader of the New York State Senate in Albany. In 1992, Madigan was honored with both a New England Regional Emmy and National Public Service Emmy as a co-producer of the documentary Out of Work, a co-production by WGBH-Boston, WHYY-Philadelphia, and WGBY-Springfield.

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Four new board members have been elected to the Bay Path University board of trustees. Delcie Bean IV, Kathleen Devlin, John Heaps Jr., and Hamline Wilson will each serve a three-year term.
• Bean is the founder and CEO of Paragus Strategic, IT, one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America. He also established Tech Foundry, a nonprofit technology institute that seeks to solve the shortage of computer-science professionals in the region. Most recently, he has been working with Valley Venture Mentors and DevelopSpringfield to launch the Springfield Innovation Center, which will include his Innovation Café concept, providing a place where people can share ideas, energy, and great coffee.
• Devlin is a recently retired executive director from Johnson & Johnson. She spent several years in the healthcare industry, where she was responsible for sales, training, hiring, and strategic alliances. In her role as executive director, she managed the interface with the Fortune 40 employers and the major insurers for the 250 operating companies under the Johnson & Johnson umbrella in the Northeast. Prior to her advancement to executive director, she was responsible for negotiating large contracts for Johnson & Johnson, and earlier consulted to nine bioscience, pharmaceutical, and device companies, as well as negotiating large contracts for Roche and Syntex Laboratories.
• Heaps is president and CEO of Florence Savings Bank (FSB). He joined the bank in 1995 following a distinguished 24-year banking career in Western Mass. that began in 1971 at Valley Bank in Springfield. Since joining FSB as its president in 1995, the bank has grown its assets from $272 million to a $1.1 billion. Heaps is currently a board member of the Hampshire County Regional Chamber, the Western Mass. Economic Development Council, the Depositors Insurance Fund, and Savings Bank Life Insurance. He was recently named chairman of the Western Mass. Sports Commission.
• Wilson is a retired insurance executive with a career that spanned more than 30 years with the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. In his last position, he was the senior vice president and managing director of investments for the Springfield-based Fortune 500 firm. Among his many professional memberships, he was an avid supporter of the Rotary and Jaycees, and he served as a trustee for Johnson Memorial Hospital. He is currently on the pension board for the town of Somers, Conn.

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Drew DiGiorgio

Drew DiGiorgio

Drew DiGiorgio was appointed President and CEO of Consolidated Health Plans Inc. (CHP) by the Berkshire Hathaway board of directors, including CHP founder Kevin Saremi. DiGiorgio has served as CHP’s president since 2013, and was previously director of sales and marketing. He began his career at CHP in 1995, shortly after receiving a bachelor’s degree in business from Framingham State University. In his new role as CEO, DiGiorgio will provide oversight of the company, reporting to the board of directors. He will continue expanding CHP’s business services to best meet the needs of clients and customers, with a focus on quality service. CHP is a claim administrator providing affordable health insurance and special risk solutions for thousands of policyholders worldwide. It offers student health and accident plans, employee health and dental plans, FSA and HRA administration, and participant accident insurance and backroom claim administration for carriers. Since 2012, CHP has increased its workforce locally by 26%, and continues to forecast stable growth.

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Robert Kolb

Robert Kolb

Country Bank President and CEO Paul Scully announced that Robert Kolb has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial & Retail banking officer. A banking professional with 33 years of industry experience, Kolb has been with Country Bank since 2012 as senior vice president, chief commercial banking officer. Before coming to Country Bank, Kolb worked at TD Bank as its Rhode Island market president. Prior to that, he held the same position the bank’s Central and Western Mass. divisions. “Since joining our team, Bob has brought an outstanding level of leadership to the bank,” said Scully. “He has completely embraced the unique mission of community banking, while helping us benefit from the insights he gained while working at a respected, larger institution. His contributions have helped both our employees and our customers, and his proven approach has become the cornerstone of our commercial-lending success.” Kolb serves on the Ware Business and Civic Board.

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Jean Deliso

Jean Deliso

Jean Deliso has been named a member of the 2015 Chairman’s Council of New York Life. Members of the elite Chairman’s Council rank in the top 3% of New York Life’s sales force of more than 12,000 licensed agents in sales achievement. Deliso has accomplished this level of achievement after 30 years in the financial-services industry. Her passion for finance and strategic planning led to the creation of Deliso Financial and Insurance Services in 2000. She began her career in corporate accounting in Tampa, Fla., where she consulted with small-business owners on financial operations and maximizing performance. Deliso has been a New York Life agent since 1995, and is associated with New York Life’s Connecticut Valley General Office in Windsor, Conn. She serves on many boards in her community, including the Baystate Health Foundation and Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse, and is chairman of the board of the Community Music School of Springfield. She is past chairman of the board of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, past board member of AAA Pioneer Valley, and past trustee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the advisory council at Bay Path University.

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William H.W. Crawford, IV, CEO of United Financial Bancorp Inc. and United Bank of Glastonbury, Conn., announced that Rick Renaud, private mortgage banker for United Bank, has been elected to the 2016 Board of Directors of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Central Massachusetts (HBRACM).
The HBRACM Board of Directors is made up of various leaders from the area’s homebuilding and remodeling industry, including building contractors, suppliers and subcontractors. It also includes those who provide professional services to the home building industry such as designers, engineers, legal professionals and lenders. Renaud is part of United’s greater Boston-based loan production office led by Jim Picciotto, vice president and Eastern Mass. Sales Manager. Renaud, who has 15 years of experience in the banking industry, joined United Bank in April 2012 and is based at the bank’s Chadwick Square branch in Worcester.

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Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. announced the following:
• Shawn Howard will lead investment strategies for the bank as its new Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager. Howard has more than 20 years of financial experience, with nearly 16 years in the asset-management space as a portfolio manager; he was most recently at TD Bank in the Private Client Group in Springfield, where he managed investment portfolios for high-net-worth individuals, nonprofit organizations, and institutional clients. He served in a similar capacity at Evergreen Investments and Mellon Private Asset Management Companies. Barney, a certified financial planner for more than 30 years, has rejoined the Berkshire Bank Wealth Management team after retiring in 2011. Prior to his retirement, he led the team for 17 years, growing the division to almost $700 million in assets;
• Tom Barney, First Vice President, Wealth Advisor, has joined the Wealth Management team. Barney previously served as vice president for Fleet Investment Services in Hartford, Conn., as well as vice president and private banker for Bank of Boston in Pittsfield, Springfield, and Hartford. He was on the board and served as president of the Estate Planning Council of Hampden County; and
• Colleen Lussier, Vice President and Wealth Advisor, has also joined the Wealth Management team. Lussier also joins the bank from TD Bank, where she was a wealth advisor for more than 16 years. Her expertise is concentrated in areas of trust and estate planning, business succession, and contract law. She is a certified trust and financial advisor and a registered financial consultant. She will assist in developing client relationships as well as trust and estate administration.

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Christopher Nadeau

Christopher Nadeau

The independent accounting firm Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C., announced that Christopher Nadeau, CPA, has been appointed manager, joining the firm’s Holyoke office. Nadeau brings more than 10 years of experience in private and public accounting with a practice concentration in assurance, compliance, tax and advisory services to closely held businesses, professional/medical practices and the nonprofit sector —the firm’s largest niche focus. Most recently, he served as assistant controller for Worcester Envelope Company. Nadeau received his master of science in accountancy and Bachelor of Science in business management and accounting from Westfield State University, where he is currently an adjunct professor and member of the university’s Accounting Mentoring Program. He currently holds memberships with the Mass. Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Springfield/Hartford Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants.

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Chris Martin

Chris Martin

Tom Roberts

Tom Roberts


Ayre Real Estate Co. Inc. announced the following:
• Chris Martin recently joined as a Licensed Sales Associate. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Western New England University, served in active duty for eight years in the Army, and is now a current member of the U.S. Army Reserve. He has a strong background in investment properties, formerly working as a senior partner in a real-estate investment group in Memphis;
• Tom Roberts has joined Ayre as a full-time real-estate sales associate. An Agawam native who started his real-estate career in 2003, he moved to the Myrtle Beach, S.C. area before returning to Western Mass.

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Amy Royal

Amy Royal

Royal LLP, a woman-owned, boutique, management-side labor and employment law firm, announced that Amy Royal, principal and founding partner of the firm, has been honored as one of New England’s Super Lawyers and has been included in the 2015 issue of New England Super Lawyers magazine. Super Lawyers consists of attorneys throughout New England who are nominated by their peers as outstanding lawyers, and each nomination undergoes an extensive selection process. With nearly 15 years experience, Royal has successfully defended employers in both federal and state courts as well as before administrative agencies in a variety of areas of employment law, including employment discrimination and sexual harassment, unfair competition, breach of contract and wrongful discharge claims, workers’ compensation, and Family and Medical Leave Act, Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and Fair Labor Standards Act violations, with a special emphasis on wage-and-hour class actions. Royal regularly advises non-union clients on maintaining a union-free workplace and performs other preventive work such as wage-and-hour-law compliance, record-keeping audits, drafting of employee manuals and affirmative-action plans, and management training. In addition, she assists unionized clients during contract negotiations, at arbitrations, and with respect to employee grievances and unfair-labor-practices charges. Royal’s accolades also include Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s 2012 Top Women of Law award recognizing her as a top woman lawyer in Massachusetts, as well as BusinessWest’s prestigious 40 Under Forty award recognizing her for outstanding leadership in the Pioneer Valley business community.

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Drew DiGiorgio

Drew DiGiorgio

Drew DiGiorgio was appointed President/CEO of Consolidated Health Plans Inc. (CHP), effective Sept. 9, by the Berkshire Hathaway Board of Directors, including CHP founder Kevin Saremi. DiGiorgio has served as CHP’s president since 2013, and was previously director of Sales and Marketing. He began his career at CHP in 1995, shortly after receiving a bachelor’s degree in Business from Framingham State University. In his new role as CEO, DiGiorgio will provide oversight of the company, reporting to the Board of Directors. He will continue expanding CHP’s business services to best meet the needs of clients and customers, with a focus on quality service. CHP is an industry-leading claim administrator providing affordable health insurance and special risk solutions for thousands of policyholders worldwide. CHP offers student health and accident plans; employee health and dental plans; FSA and HRA administration; and participant accident insurance and back-room claim administration for carriers.

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Webber and Grinnell Insurance Agency announced several recent changes at its North King Street office in Northampton:
• Mat Geffin has been named Vice President and Equity Partner at the firm. He started at the agency in 2009 as vice president of business development in the commercial-lines department, and quickly established himself as a leader at the agency. Geffin leads the sales efforts at Webber and Grinnell, in addition to managing a large book of business encompassing the construction, habitational, manufacturing, and nonprofit market niches. He is an active board member for the United Way of Pioneer Valley, Tech Foundry, and the philanthropic services committee at the Community Foundation;
• Jenna Rodrigue has been promoted to Commercial Lines Supervisor. She leads a team of eight business-insurance specialists and is responsible for the day-to-day service of the agency’s commercial clientele. She began her career at Webber and Grinnell 12 years ago as a commercial lines customer-service representative;
• Kathy Cusson has been named Personal Lines Supervisor. Part of the Webber and Grinnell team since 1989, she leads a staff of nine and is responsible for the day-to-day servicing of the agency’s personal-lines clients.
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Alison Shilinsky

Alison Shilinsky

Country Bank announced that Alison Shilinsky has been named senior vice president of Human Resources. With 10 years in the industry, Shilinsky is an experienced human-resources professional. She earned her master’s degree in management from UMass Amherst and her bachelor’s degree in English and communications from Assumption College. Shilinsky’s previous work at Brown Rudnick LLP, a prominent Boston law firm, has had a significant impact on her approach to human resources and business. She is an active member of the Society for Human Resources Management, the New England Human Resources Assoc., the New England Employee Benefits Council, and the Mass. Bankers Assoc. “Alison is an exceptional example of what a human-resources professional is supposed to be,” said Paul Scully, president and CEO of Country Bank. “Not only is she knowledgeable and dedicated, she demonstrates compassion and empathy to all employees. We are thrilled to have her join our team, as we know she will be a valued resource for Country Bank and its employees.”
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April Healey

April Healey

Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced that April Healey has joined the bank as a Mortgage Originator at the bank’s main office on Federal Street in Greenfield. Healey has more than 14 years of experience in real estate, most recently at a local, regional bank. She will be responsible for originating residential mortgage loans in Franklin and Hampshire counties. She attended Holyoke Community College and has held various positions with the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley, including director and chairperson of its Realtor Public Image Committee. Greenfield Cooperative Bank and its Northampton Cooperative Bank division is a community-based institution with more than $525 million in assets and $60 million in capital reserves. The bank provides residential mortgages, commercial loans, and deposit products at 10 offices in Western Mass.
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Tim Irwin

Tim Irwin

Chris Mader

Chris Mader

Tim Irwin and Chris Mader of OMG Inc., have been named in the annual 30 Under 30 Awards given jointly by Young Fastener Professionals and the Fastener Industry Coalition. “To be recognized by this prestigious group is certainly a high honor for these two outstanding individuals, and also for OMG,” said Hubert McGovern, president of OMG. “We are very proud of their accomplishments and for this great industry recognition.” The 30 Under 30 Awards are given annually to young industry professionals who are making a difference in the fastener industry. Ideal candidates are leaders who are driven, motivated, and passionate about their jobs and the future of the fastener industry. Individual nominations are selected based on several criteria, including their contribution to measurable results in the form of cost savings, sales increases, and design-efficiency increases. Irwin is a Product Manager with FastenMaster, where he is responsible for the LOK line of structural wood fasteners. He was cited for his team leadership as well as significant contributions he has made on the success of the FlatLOK, the ThruLOK, and the FastenMaster business as a whole. In his role as product manager, he has been able to significantly impact sales revenue and profits and has demonstrated a keen ability to drive product development based on end-user needs. Mader is a Codes/approvals Support Engineer for OMG’s Roofing Products division, responsible for helping evaluate new products, as well as developing and maintaining technical product specifications, maintaining code approvals, and keeping abreast of technical changes and advancements in the commercial-roofing industry. He has been instrumental in helping OMG understand critical compliance standards and requirements for products sold in various international markets and for his work with products designed to secure solar PV racking systems to commercial roofs. The winners from this year’s 30 Under 30 Awards were recognized at the National Fastener Industrial & Mill Supply Expo in Las Vegas on Oct. 21. Headquartered in Agawam, OMG Inc. is North America’s largest manufacturer of specialty fasteners and products for commercial and residential construction applications. The company operates two business units: OMG Roofing Products and FastenMaster.
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Beloved Earth, the Pioneer Valley’s first green cleaning company, has promoted Lynn Moynahan to the position of Assistant Vice President in charge of the residential services division. Beloved Earth co-founders David and Terra Missildine serve as company president and vice president, respectively. David oversees commercial services, and Terra oversees general operations. Moynahan has been with Beloved Earth for three years and previously served in the role of residential services manager for Hampshire County only. In her new position, Moynahan will oversee the entire residential services team, including managers in other counties. Beloved Earth employs a total of 12 staff members in its two divisions. The business primarily serves Hampshire County, but also Hampden and Franklin counties.
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Edward Garbacik

Edward Garbacik

Edward Garbacik has joined the team at Private Financial Design, LLC in South Hadley. For more than 30 years, he has been providing individuals and small-business owners with comprehensive financial planning as an advisor and planner, including investment-advisory services, retirement planning, estate planning, and other wealth-management needs. He earned the certified financial planner designation through the CFP certificate program at Boston University and has also been awarded the accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) designation, widely considered the fiduciary standard for business retirement planning and plan-sponsor services. Prior to joining Private Financial Design, Garbacik held the title of partner at a boutique investment firm specializing in retirement-income planning. He was also vice president and managing partner of investments at FSB Financial Group, where he led the group’s financial-planning and wealth-management team. Private Financial Design offers comprehensive financial planning for both personal and business needs, including fee-based investment-advisory services, retirement plans, and other wealth-management services.
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Dakin Humane Society has appointed Kimberly Hannah and Brendan Wood to serve three-year terms on its board of directors, according to interim Executive Director Nancy Creed. Hannah currently serves as office manager and executive assistant to the president and CEO for the Sisters of Providence Health System. Prior to that, she was the office manager and executive assistant to the president and CEO of Cooley Dickinson Hospital and worked at Baystate Health for several years. She has volunteered for animal-rescue organizations including FACES and the Westfield Animal Shelter, and is a graduate of Bay Path College. Wood is a wealth-management advisor with the Foundation Management Group at Merrill Lynch. He previously taught at independent schools in Santa Barbara, Calif., and is a graduate of Princeton University. Dakin Humane Society delivers services that improve the lives of animals in need and the people who care about them from its two locations in Springfield and Leverett. The organization shelters, treats, and fosters more than 20,000 animals each year and has performed more than 62,000 spay/neuter surgeries since 2009.

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Departments People on the Move
Lisa Pack

Lisa Pack

Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) announced that Lisa Pack has been named Nurse of the Year by the March of Dimes Massachusetts Chapter in the category of Labor and Delivery. This is the third consecutive year a Holyoke Medical Center nurse has received this elite distinction. “Lisa is highly deserving of this prestigious recognition,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of HMC and Valley Health Systems Inc. “Holyoke Medical Center prides itself on its exemplary team of professionals such as Lisa, who demonstrate consummate skill and deep compassion in providing critical nursing care.” Added Pack, “I am humbled to be recognized by the March of Dimes to be chosen for this award. I feel blessed to be a member of the Birthing Center staff, where I have now worked for 22 years since it opened. It is a job I love and where we work as a team to support and empower women to have the birth they desire. I am also deeply committed to MotherWoman and postpartum depression, for which I facilitate a weekly support group at Midwifery Care of Holyoke.” Pack will be honored at a reception in the Holyoke Medical Center lobby on Monday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.

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Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. announced the promotion of Richard Marotta to president of Berkshire Bank and Sean Gray to chief operating officer of the bank. Marotta will be responsible for all aspects of administration, risk, and infrastructure, including people and systems, compliance, and credit. He has been serving Berkshire as executive vice president, chief risk and administrative officer since 2013. Gray will be responsible for the operating teams of the bank, including retail, commercial, small business, home lending, wealth management, and insurance. He has been serving Berkshire as executive vice president, retail banking since 2010. “Richard and Sean are results-driven, high-integrity leaders that have been integral to the growth of this company, and this promotion reflects their contributions. As we continue to execute on our strategic vision, their leadership and ability is increasingly important to our success,” said Michael Daly, CEO of the bank and the company. Additionally, the bank promoted three executives — George Bacigalupo, Josephine Iannelli, and Linda Johnston — to senior executive vice president, while promoting eight others to the executive team, broadening the responsibilities of these leaders and creating a more effective operating structure. They are Michael Carroll, executive vice president, chief risk and credit officer; James Curran, executive vice president, regional commercial leader, Central Mass. and Connecticut; Mark Foster, executive vice president, regional commercial leader, Eastern Mass. and ABL; Tami Gunsch, executive vice president, retail banking; Scott Houghtaling, executive vice president, regional commercial leader, New York; Allison O’Rourke, executive vice president, investor relations and financial institution banking; Deborah Stephenson, executive vice president, compliance and regulatory; and Gary Urkevich, executive vice president, IT and project management.

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Miranda Rowe

Miranda Rowe

United Personnel announced the promotion of staff member Miranda Rowe. Formerly an administrative coordinator in United Personnel’s main office in Springfield, Rowe has been promoted to a recruiter. In her new role, she will be assisting United’s Light Industrial and Professional divisions in sourcing and interviewing candidates. She will also oversee community-outreach activities including off-site recruitment, attending job fairs, and working with training programs to place graduates.

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St. Germain Investment Management announced the hiring of Richard Bleser as vice president and portfolio manager, and Thaddeus Welch as portfolio manager. Bleser manages investment portfolios, assists with trading, and performs analytical duties on both the fixed-income and equity sides. He brings experience and knowledge in fund analysis and portfolio management. He was previously the chief investment officer at Berkshire Bank in Pittsfield. While
at Meridian Capital Partners Inc., he was responsible for macroeconomic, S&P 500, and hedge-fund analysis. Prior to Meridian, Bleser was an equity analyst with Paradigm Capital Management Inc., where he generated long- and short-investment ideas in the small-cap specialty retail, leisure, and technology-distribution sectors. He began his career as a client analyst with Ayco Co., a Goldman Sachs Company. Active within the community, he has been involved with nonprofits and is also a trustee for the Berkshire Housing [401(k)] Plan. He holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and business administration from the State University of New York at Albany. Welch is responsible for managing trading activities and performing fundamental economic and sector research to assist in investment strategy development. He comes to the firm from Berkshire Bank in Pittsfield, where he managed portfolios in addition to providing analysis and research on market, corporate, and economic activities. Prior to Berkshire Bank, Welch was an assistant portfolio manager and a member of the investment committee at Spinnaker Trust in Portland, Maine. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Bowdoin College. He has completed all three levels of the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) program.

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Beetle Press, a public-relations and communications firm in Easthampton, recently welcomed Ruby Dillon to the team to serve as an editorial assistant. Dillon earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations this year from Champlain College in Vermont. While in college, she served as a PR intern for a mission-driven nonprofit that provides respite for cancer patients by giving them a therapeutic sail on Lake Champlain. Through this experience, Dillon realized her passion for standing behind a cause and has since worked to promote various nonprofits. Janice Beetle, principal of Beetle Press, said Dillon is a key Beetle Press partner, handling the development of press releases and overseeing internal writing and web projects as well.

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Leesa Wallace

Leesa Wallace

Kevin Matheny

Kevin Matheny

The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast announced that Leesa Wallace has joined EANE as its new director of Learning & Development, and Kevin Matheny will serve as the new controller. Wallace will spearhead the EANE learning and development offerings, designing and customizing a diverse array of more than 500 substantive training programs each year. She replaces Susan Miller, who served in the role of director of Learning & Development for more than 18 years. Wallace is a learning strategist, guiding individuals, teams, and organizations to help them identify their most critical needs and create solutions that have real impact. She helps strengthen the capacity of individual contributors, creates clarity and collaboration on teams, and teaches leaders how to engage and tap into the potential of their people. Matheny has more than 15 years of progressive management experience across a broad range of business functions and industry segments including manufacturing, property management, financial services, and not-for-profit. He guides EANE with a combination of talent, technical knowledge, and business acumen in all reporting, operations, internal controls, and compliance areas. He replaces Paul Correia, who will assume full-time responsibility for membership as the new director of Member Relations. With a focus on maximizing revenues via budgeting and other strategic initiatives, Matheny, a certified public accountant, is known for his ability to manage costs through improved efficiencies and the elimination of redundancies. He has increased profitability by seeking out lower-cost solutions, implementing stricter purchasing protocols, and reducing overhead costs.

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Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) recently named Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh the recipient of the Anthony M. Scibelli Endowed Chair and Gary Masciadrelli and Paul Thornton recipients of the Joseph J. Deliso Sr. Endowed Chairs. Each year, STCC faculty are nominated for an endowed chair by their colleagues and then invited to apply. Applications are reviewed by an award-selection committee composed of faculty and staff. Winners are then selected by the STCC Foundation executive committee. The awards include a $3,000 grant given to each recipient, half of which is applied to professional development for the recipient and half of which is given to the recipient’s academic department. The Anthony M. Scibelli Endowed Chair was established in 1992 to recognize and foster faculty excellence. McGinnis-Cavanaugh, professor of Physics and Civil Engineering, will donate her funds to STCC’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) to fund service projects and cover event costs. She is the faculty advisor to the chapter, which she created last year. Established in 1993 by the family of industrialist Joseph J. Deliso Sr., the Deliso Endowed Chair is awarded annually by the STCC Foundation in recognition of excellence in teaching. Masciadrelli, a professor and department chair in Mechanical Engineering Technology, will use the award funds to update software in his department to an industry standard product called PC-DMIS for coordinate-measuring machines. Thornton, professor and tri-chair of Business Administration, said award funds will be used to purchase a new printer and flip charts for his department as well as a set of multi-walkers which will be used in team-building exercises with his students.

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Dani Klein Williams, owner and lead photographer at Dani Fine Photography, was approached earlier this year by Amherst Media Publications about creating a book, set to be released in early 2016, focusing on the art and business of boudoir photography. Covering an array of topics in keeping with this theme, the book will comprise practical business advice as well as the step-by-step photographic techniques used by a successful professional photographer. For updates and more information on the progress of this project, follow the studio on Instagram and Facebook.

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The Gilded Lily Florist, a Sixteen Acres business for more than 30 years, announced a new owner, Brian Grisel. A Springfield resident, Grisel began working in a flower shop during his teens and is currently a floral designer with more than three decades of experience. Previous clients include Katherine Hepburn, Andy Williams, Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King, Barbara Bush, Conan O’Brien, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rudolph Nureyev, Lee Radziwill (sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis), the Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Princess Maria Trubetskaya, Princess Irina Bagration, Countess Sophia Cheremteff, the Baroness Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza, as well as several previous governors of Connecticut and local politicians and corporate heads.

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Departments People on the Move

Local news hires, promotions, awards, and appointments October 6, 2015

 

Nancy Shendell-Falik

Nancy Shendell-Falik

Nancy Shendell-Falik, who for the past two years has served in a dual position at Baystate Health as senior vice president/chief operating officer and chief nursing officer for Baystate Medical Center, has been promoted to president of Baystate Medical Center and senior vice president for hospital operations at Baystate Health. Her appointment becomes effective Oct. 1. “During her two years at Baystate, Nancy has propelled the organization as both a system leader and COO/CNO of Baystate Medical Center. Her new role is an important step in our journey toward becoming a fully integrated health system, ensuring that we deliver care most effectively and efficiently,” said Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health. “As Baystate Health continues to develop a regional model of care, an important new directive for Nancy will be to help us to achieve a greater alignment between our five hospitals, physicians, and other community providers.” Baystate Health consists of Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, and its newest members, Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer and Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield. In Shendell-Falik’s new role, the presidents of Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Baystate Health’s Northern Region, Baystate Noble Hospital, and Baystate Health’s Eastern Region will report to her. Before coming to Baystate, Shendell-Falik — an experienced healthcare and nurse leader with years of success improving the quality of patient care, hospital efficiency, and patient satisfaction — served as senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer at Tufts Medical Center and Floating Hospital for Children in Boston. During her tenure there, she demonstrated a collaborative style of leadership in championing numerous initiatives to improve clinical quality, patient safety, and patient experience. She implemented a system of performance scorecards across all departments, served as executive sponsor of Tufts’ Patient and Family Advisory Council, and sponsored a novel leadership-education program. Prior to her work in Boston, Shendell-Falik served as senior vice president, Patient Care Services, at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey. While at the 673-bed, regional-care teaching hospital, she led similar successful initiatives to improve quality and safety, implemented a nurse-residency program, and reduced nursing vacancy rates. Since joining Baystate in July 2013, Shendell-Falilk has encouraged new interdisciplinary collaborations as a way to further improve patient experience, and served as the architect behind developing standard attire for various caregivers to help patients identify who is providing their care. Also, under her leadership, Baystate Medical Center was named to an elite group of High Performing Hospitals in America by U.S. News & World Report for 2015-16. Shendell-Falik holds a master’s degree in nursing from New York University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Rutgers College of Nursing. She was a fellow of the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Program. She holds membership in numerous professional societies and organizations, including the Mass. Organization of Nurse Executives, the Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellows Alumni Assoc., the National Assoc. for Female Executives, and the American Organization of Nurse Executives. She has published more than a dozen peer-reviewed articles in national journals on topics such as team-based care, achieving Magnet status, and implementing clinical practice guidelines. Keroack noted that Shendell-Falik’s appointment is a milestone in the history of Baystate Health, marking both the first female president and first nurse as president of Baystate Medical Center. “I am extremely excited about the opportunity to guide our nationally recognized hospital into the future,” she said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with staff and leaders of all Baystate facilities to deliver care that is compassionate, of the highest quality, and affordable. As I prepare to assume my new role, I am honored and humbled to be the first woman and nurse to hold this position at Baystate.” For more information on Baystate Medical Center, visit baystatehealth.org/bmc.

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Jason Curtis

Jason Curtis

Tighe & Bond, a New England leader in civil engineering and environmental consulting, recently hired mechanical engineer Jason Curtis to bolster its growing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) team. He has experience designing a range of institutional, educational, residential, healthcare, commercial, and combined heat and power projects throughout the region. He will work primarily out of the firm’s corporate office in Westfield. Curtis has managed projects from the conceptual design phase through construction administration. He has completed HVAC system designs and overseen the production of MEP and fire-protection construction documents. Known for working closely with owners and architects in design-coordination efforts, he also has performed energy models and life-cycle cost analyses to evaluate various prospective energy-conservation measures for renovation projects. “Jason is a welcome addition to our MEP team,” said David Pinsky, president and CEO of Tighe & Bond. “As the demand for our mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services has grown, we have expanded our staff to better serve our clients and provide more integrated services. We now have a robust MEP team of 10 that quickly respond to our clients’ needs.” Curtis earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Union College. He is licensed in both Massachusetts and Connecticut, and is registered in Accredited LEED AP Building Design + Construction. In addition, he is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers.

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Regional accounting firm Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C. announced the following promotions to senior audit associate: Timothy Bessette, Nicholas Deets, Patrick Kelly, Caitlin Main, Alex McCabe, James Mercadante, Steve Norris, Andrew Pires, Michael Ray, and Kyle Rounseville. In addition, Rachel Hahn has been promoted to senior tax associate. In the firm’s wholly owned subsidiary, the Technology Group, LLC, Hadas Davis was promoted to senior network engineer, and Kenneth Blain was promoted to network engineer. “I am pleased to see our team’s dedication to accounting and technology excellence,” said Drew Andrews, the frm’s managing partner. “These promotions are the result of our clients’ continued satisfaction in all that we do for them.”

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Elizabeth Fitzgerald

Elizabeth Fitzgerald

Joseph LeMay

Joseph LeMay

Robert Spano

Robert Spano

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. announced the hiring of three new associates: Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Joseph LeMay, and Robert Spano. Fitzgerald graduated summa cum laude from Elms College with two bachelor’s degrees, in accounting and information systems and in business management and marketing. She is currently enrolled in the MSA program at Elms. As an undergraduate student, she earned the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship, the Margaret & Agnes O’Donnell Scholarship, and the Donald A. & Dorothy F. Axtell Grant Scholarship. Before pursuing accounting, Fitzgerald worked as a customer-service professional at a local bank. In her current position, she works closely with clients to meet their engagement needs and supports the lead accountant in matters including compliance testing and financial analysis. LeMay comes to MBK from Westfield State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and an MSA. He brings a background in bookkeeping, cost-accounting analytical research, and public-accounting experience to his position through various internships in both public accounting and private industry, including an internship with Meyers Brothers Kalicka. As an associate, his responsibilities include performing audit testing for various industries as well as tax returns for individuals and businesses. Spano holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from American International College, where he is currently enrolled in the MSAT graduate program. He specializes in field work and compliance testing. Before joining the firm, he completed an internship at a local firm, where he gained experience in taxation and fraud examination. “Elizabeth, Joseph, and Robert represent the next generation of accountants in our profession,” said Howard Cheney, partner and director of the firm’s Audit and Accounting practice. “They are young, vital, and motivated to provide quality service to our clients. At MBK, we believe strongly in the development of our next generation to ensure the continuity of the service we provide to our clients. We couldn’t have asked for better candidates.”

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HUB International New England, a division of HUB International Limited, a global insurance-brokerage, risk-advisory and employee-benefits firm, announced multiple new hires in its East Longmeadow office to meet the needs of its expanding products, services, and customer demand:

Eileen Maxwell

Eileen Maxwell

• Appointed as an employee benefits client relationship manager, Eileen Maxwell will be responsible for assisting staff with client relations, service, sales, and administrative activities of new and existing group benefit accounts. With almost 30 years of experience, she has an extensive background in planning, evaluating, implementing, relationship building, and managing all aspects of employee benefits; and

Marayda Pagan

Marayda Pagan

• Marayda Pagan joins the Personal Lines department as an account manager and will be responsible for assisting clients with their home, auto, and personal-liability umbrella coverages. She has held various positions in the insurance industry, starting out as an office assistant before being promoted to processor. She also held the position of Personal Lines manager. Cynthia Squires has been hired as the manager of Select Business for small to medium-sized business accounts in the Commercial Lines department. She has been in the insurance industry for almost 30 years and brings an extensive amount of knowledge and leadership skills to the agency. She will be responsible for the day-to-day management and servicing of small-business accounts, providing oversight and direction to commercial-lines staff, leading quality-control and product-analysis processes, managing departmental retention, acquiring new business goals, and staying on top of the latest industry changes and trends. “We’re thrilled to welcome Eileen, Marayda, and Cynthia on board during this exciting period of growth for the company,” said Timm Marini, president of HUB International New England, formerly FieldEddy Insurance. “Their respective experience will be an essential part in helping to further the agency’s goals of expanding our products and services while maintaining the highest level of service standards and best value to our clients.”

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After 20 years at Dakin Humane Society, Executive Director Leslie Harris announced her resignation effective Oct. 2 to pursue a new opportunity at Quonquont Farm & Orchard in Whately. “Leslie’s vision and leadership has given Dakin incredible momentum and untold success stories,” said Charlotte Cathro, Dakin’s board treasurer. “Since joining the organization in 1995, Leslie grew Dakin from an all-volunteer, foster-based network to one with more than 60 employees between its two locations in Springfield and Leverett, a full-time spay/neuter clinic that has performed more than 60,000 surgeries, and a multi-million-dollar budget. I know I speak for the entire board in expressing my appreciation for Leslie’s stewardship of Dakin and wish her great success in her new role.” Under Harris’s leadership, Dakin Humane Society grew from serving 300 animals in its first year to more than 20,000 in 2014. She led the charge to merge operations with Greenfield’s Pioneer Valley Humane Society in 2006 and the expansion of operations to Springfield in 2009. Today, Dakin encompasses two adoption centers and the Community Spay/Neuter Clinic. Due to Dakin’s affordable, wide-reaching spay/neuter programs, intake of local homeless kittens has declined 46% in the past six years. Dakin has met its dual goals of eliminating euthanasia as a means of controlling pet overpopulation in the Pioneer Valley and guaranteeing the placement of every adoptable animal that arrives at its front doors. Harris currently oversees the organization’s $3.7 million budget. “It has been my honor and pleasure to serve as Dakin’s executive director,” Harris said. “This was a hard decision to make, given my love for animals and Dakin, but I know the organization will continue to thrive and evolve thanks to its dedicated staff and volunteers. I will continue to be an enthusiastic supporter of Dakin’s work.” Dakin’s board voted to appoint its recent president, Nancy Creed, to the position of interim executive director. The board will now conduct a search for a permanent replacement who, according to Cathro, “exemplifies our guiding principles, is committed to our mission, and can lead the organization into the next phase of its development, expand community goodwill, and challenge the Dakin nation to bigger and better things.”  Dakin Humane Society is a local, nonprofit organization that relies solely on contributions from individuals and businesses that care about animals to bring its services to the community. For more information, visit www.dakinhumane.org.

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Facial Cosmetic & Maxillofacial Surgery, P.C. announced the hiring of surgeon Justin Clemow. Clemow earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, then attended the UConn School of Dental Medicine from 2003 to 2007, where he was awarded the Student Oral Surgery Award. In 2007, Clemow was accepted into the oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) residency at the University of Florida Jacksonville. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 2011, completed an internship in general surgery at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, and completed his OMFS training as the administrative chief resident in 2013. He was decorated with multiple awards during residency, including the Resident Advocate Award, Best Teaching Resident Award, and SICU Resident Award. After residency, Clemow worked for two years in private practice with Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Cleveland. He served as assistant clinical professor for the Case Western Reserve OMFS residency, provided level-1 trauma coverage at MetroHealth Medical Center, and also provided trauma and OMFS call coverage at Fairview Hospital, part of the Cleveland Clinic system. Clemow’s specific surgical interests include facial trauma and reconstruction, general anesthesia, corrective jaw surgery, obstructive sleep apnea surgery, and complex dental implant procedures, including bone grafting. He is a fellow of the American Assoc. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and a diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (board-certified). He maintains certification in BLS, ACLS, PALS, and ATLS.

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Dress for Success (DFS) announced that it has appointed Gina Golash Kos to its board of directors. Golash Kos brings vast nonprofit leadership experience to the table — both in her role as CEO at Sunshine Village and in leadership positions in the region’s nonprofits. She is currently a trustee of Elms College and a member of the executive committee of the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County. She previously served on the board of trustees of Westfield State University and is a past chairperson of the boards of the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce.

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The board of directors of the newly-formed Springfield Regional Chamber has elected officers to lead the organization: Daniel Keenan, chair; Patricia Canavan, vice chair; Barbara-Jean Deloria, treasurer; and David Parke, clerk. “The leadership of our new organization is incredibly strong,” said chamber President Jeffrey Ciuffreda. “With their breadth of knowledge and experience, combined with the talent, commitment, and capabilities from the entire board, the Springfield Regional Chamber is poised for continued growth and to maximize the investment our members place in us.” Keenan is senior vice president of government and community relations for the Sisters of Providence Health System. He has been a member of the chamber’s legislative steering committee since 2006, previously serving as its chair. He had served on the board of directors of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) since 2010, most recently as its vice chair. Prior to joining SPHS, he served six terms as a Massachusetts state representative, holding several key committee assignments, including vice chair of Insurance, Ways and Means, and Taxation. Canavan is president of United Personnel. A member of the board of directors of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, she most recently served as its vice chair. Canavan also served on the ACCGS board for the past two years. Canavan lends her leadership to other boards of directors, including the Baystate Health Foundation, Springfield Public Forum, and the Northampton Chamber of Commerce. Deloria is a senior vice president at Florence Bank. She was a member of the ACCGS board of directors since 2005 and served as its board treasurer since that time. She is a past president of the West Springfield Chamber of Commerce and Dress for Success Western Massachusetts and serves on the Mass. Small Business Review Board. Parke is a partner with Bulkley Richardson and a member of its business and finance department, focusing on general corporate and business matters, mergers and acquisitions, and other transactional work. He served on the ACCGS board for the past nine years and, according to Ciuffreda, was instrumental in the formation of the Springfield Regional Chamber. He serves on Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Inc. and is past chair and current member of the Friends of the Homeless board of directors.

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Departments People on the Move

Berkshire Bank announced the promotion of Michael Grandfield to Senior Vice President, commercial relationship manager in Berkshire’s Pioneer Valley Region. He will continue his role as a commercial relationship manager in the region. Grandfield has nearly 30 years of managerial and commercial-lending experience, having held leadership roles at community banks in Western Mass. and Northern Conn., including Hampden Bank, Simsbury Bank, Baybank, and Bank of New England. “Mike has been a valued employee for the past 15 years,” said Luke Kettles, senior vice president, commercial regional executive. “Over this time, he has built strong ties to the local community and solid commercial relationships. He is a seasoned banking professional with a strong customer focus, assisting clients with all of their commercial-borrowing and cash-management needs. I am delighted to count him as a member of our team and know he will continue to be an important contributor to our continued growth and success.” Grandfield is a graduate of Bryant College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He also earned an MBA from American International College. He has been civically involved in all of the communities in which he has lived and worked over the years, serving on numerous nonprofit boards. He is also past president of the Agawam Rotary Club and continues to be an active member.

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The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts has appointed Janet Daisley vice president of programs effective immediately. Daisley reports to Katie Allan Zobel, president and CEO. “Janet will provide leadership and strategic vision for the foundation’s grant-making programs and help with building capacity for the region’s nonprofit sector,” Zobel said. In her new role, Daisley will be responsible for the team that distributes approximately $3.5 million each year in grants to 100 local nonprofits, and awards scholarships to more than 700 area students. Janet’s area is also responsible for continuing Valley Gives Day, which will happen on May 3, 2016. “We are fortunate to have someone with Janet’s skills and broad experience to work with the foundation to continue to expand our presence in the Pioneer Valley,” said Liz Sillin, who chairs the foundation’s distribution committee, which oversees grant recommendations. Daisley joined the foundation in September after serving as vice president of programs at VentureWell in Hadley, where she led the development, design, and management of a portfolio of programs focused on training young scientists seeking to launch ventures that improve life for people and the planet. Prior to that, she was the director at Commonwealth Corp., where she oversaw a $17 million state contract to provide education and workforce training of youth in Massachusetts’ juvenile justice system. Her experience also includes working on K-12 education policy issues for both the Massachusetts State Legislature and the Connecticut General Assembly. She has served as a volunteer on the boards of the Amherst Education Fund and the Performance Project. She also led an Amherst-based Girl Scout troop for 12 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Colgate University and a master’s degree in public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.

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Melissa Tetreault

Melissa Tetreault

Veteran mortgage professional Melissa Tetreault has joined Mortgage Network Inc. as a loan officer in the company’s Longmeadow branch office. In her new role, Tetreault will be responsible for serving homebuyers and homeowners throughout the Western Mass. area. Based in Danvers, Mortgage Network provides mortgage banking services in more than 20 states through a wide variety of retail offices built to fit each local market. Tetreault brings 20 years of mortgage banking experience in the Franklin County area. Most recently, she served as assistance vice president of retail lending for Greenfield Cooperative Bank. Tetreault serves as a board member at the United Way of Franklin County and the YMCA of Greenfield. She is also a member of the Shelburne Falls Women’s Club and an affiliate member of the Realtor Assoc. of the Pioneer Valley. “We are delighted to welcome Missy to Mortgage Network,” said Carrie Hamel, branch manager of Mortgage Network’s Longmeadow office. “Having lived and worked in this area as a mortgage professional for the past 20 years, she knows the market about as well as anyone.” Added Tetreault, “the Western Massachusetts housing market is definitely looking up. Home prices are very affordable, which is excellent news for first-time homebuyers, and price appreciation has been steady, which is great for homeowners.”

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Berkshire Bank recently named five individuals to lead and manage its Wealth Management team, which serves individuals, companies, government organizations, and nonprofit organizations:
• Richard Bleser has been appointed senior vice president, chief investment officer. Bleser has served Berkshire Bank as its senior vice president, portfolio manager since joining the firm in 2010 from Meridian Capital Partners Inc., where he was responsible for macroeconomic, S&P 500, and hedge-fund analysis. He will lead Berkshire’s investment-portfolio-management efforts, working closely with and Edgar.
• Jason Edgar has been named senior vice president, wealth portfolio manager, and regional leader – New England. Edgar joined the banks a senior portfolio manager in 2014 after several years with Enterprise Investment Advisor, a division of Enterprise Bank. He will lead Berkshire’s wealth-management initiatives for the New England region, while working closely with Bleser and Cologero on the investment portfolio.
• Mary Ellen Cologero has been named senior vice president, wealth portfolio manager, and regional leader – New York. Cologero will lead Berkshire Bank’s wealth-management initiatives for the New York region, while working closely with Bleser and Edgar on the investment portfolio. With more than 25 years of investment experience, she joined the team as a senior portfolio manager from Key Bank, where she served as senior vice president, senior portfolio manager.
• Janice Ward has been appointed first vice president, wealth advisor, and senior fiduciary officer. Ward has served Berkshire as a wealth advisor and senior fiduciary officer since joining the bank in 2012 from Greenfield Savings Bank. She works primarily with trust and estate clients, oversees fiduciary activities, and focuses on financial planning; and
• Elizabeth Gore has been named first vice president, trust operations and compliance. Bringing more than 34 years of banking experience, 22 of them in Berkshire Bank’s Trust Operations, Gore oversees all aspects of operations and compliance for the Wealth Management Group and currently manages the Lenox Wealth Management Office and assists clients on a daily basis.

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Sarah Eustis, CEO of Main Street Hospitality Group, a Berkshires-based hotel-management company, announced the appointment of Janet Eason as vice president of marketing. In this position, Eason is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction, and vision to all marketing efforts for the properties in the company’s portfolio. Main Street Hospitality Group manages the new boutique Hotel on North in Pittsfield, the Porches Inn at MASS MoCA in North Adams, and the Williams Inn in Williamstown, and owns and operates the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. Eason brings more than 15 years of hospitality experience to Main Street Hospitality Group, including her most recent leadership role as director of marketing communications at the Colonial Williamsburg Hospitality Co. in Virginia, where she oversaw all aspects of marketing for six unique hotel properties, 12 restaurants, three golf courses, a full-service spa, and 20 retail outlets. “This is an exciting time for Main Street Hospitality Group as we deepen our position as a regional management company with a focus on preservation, innovation, and the communities we serve,” Eustis said. “Janet’s extensive knowledge of integrated brand positioning across multiple properties will be instrumental in guiding the company’s continued success. We welcome her to the Main Street family.” Prior to the Colonial Williamsburg Hospitality Co., Eason served as president at Eason Partners, a Boston-based marketing firm specializing in the travel and hospitality industries, working with clients such as the Barbados Tourism Authority and Elegant Hotels. She was also vice president of strategic planning at Boston-based ISM, where she provided marketing solutions for travel companies such as the Sagamore Resort and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

People on the Move September 7, 2015

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Departments People on the Move

Insurance Center of New England (ICNE), one of the largest privately owned independent insurance agencies in the Northeast, has announced the appointment of four new staff members:
• Marie Rosema has been named marketing coordinator. She earned her master’s degree in marketing management and holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and marketing;
• David Farwell has been named account manager in ICNE’s Small Business Unit. He is a certified commercial lines coverage specialist and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice;
• Mary Leveille has been named benefits administrator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health science; and
• Colleen Caban has been named personal lines account manager. She is a licensed insurance broker for personal lines.
“As an independent insurance agency, we put the needs of individuals, families and businesses first,” said William Trudeau, president and CEO of Insurance Center of New England. “We are independent agents for more than two dozen insurance carriers, but we represent our customers, working as their advocate and advisor in the often-complex world of insurance. We are proud to add Marie, Dave, Mary, and Colleen to our staff to continue our commitment to putting customer needs first.” ICNE is headquartered in Agawam and has six other locations throughout the state.

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University Products Inc. (UPI), manufacturer and distributor of archival quality storage products for museums, libraries, and archives worldwide, announced the realignment of its management team:

John Adamson

John Adamson

Bob Boydston

Bob Boydston

• Chief Financial Officer John Adamson, who joined UPI in 1995 and has worked in sales and marketing, human resources, and accounting, has been appointed president of the company and will be charged with coordinating and implementing the future direction of the company;
• Company founder David Magoon will continue as chairman of the board;
• Scott Magoon will continue as CEO; and
• Bob Boydston, who joined the company in 1976, will remain as senior vice president and is also chief operating officer of the corporation.
University Products is a privately owned business and manufacturer and distributor of archival quality materials. Museums, libraries, historical societies, archives, and similar institutions are among the company’s worldwide clients. UPI offers products for conservation, restoration, and preservation of books, photos, documents, collectibles, textiles, artwork, artifacts, and natural-history specimens.  University Products is also the manufacturer of Lineco brands, sold and distributed worldwide by art and framing retailers.

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The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced that John Ritenour, chairman of Insurance Office of America (IOA), has been unanimously elected to the Hall’s board of trustees. He will serve as one of 33 members, beginning a three-year term immediately. “It is an honor to be named to the board of trustees and to represent the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame,” Ritenour said. “I look forward to working with the highly talented and prestigious group that guides the Hall, including many legends of the sport and the outstanding roster of civic and business leaders, such as Chairman Jerry Colangelo and President and CEO John Doleva and his accomplished staff.” Ritenour and his wife, Valli, founded Insurance Office of America in Florida in 1988 with a vision to have an organization that gave ownership to its sales associates. The company now boasts more than 225 sales partners and more than 600 employees who claim ownership. IOA has grown from $188,000 in revenue the first year to more than $120 million today. “The Basketball Hall of Fame has had a tremendous relationship with IOA for a number of years,” said Doleva. “As a well-respected businessman, philanthropist, and fan of the game, John Ritenour will be an excellent addition to our board of trustees.” The trustees are responsible for preserving the fundamental mission and financial well-being of the Basketball Hall of Fame. They serve as ambassadors for the Hall, promoting its core mission, which is to celebrate the greatest moments and people in basketball. Made up of individuals that work in or have worked in the game, as well as business leaders that have supported the game, the board also elects all governors of the Hall.

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First Connecticut Bancorp Inc., the publicly owned holding company of Farmington Bank, announced the election of John Green to the respective boards of directors of the corporation and the bank. “John’s extensive experience as both a leader of a successful, multi-generational family business and a tireless volunteer for many nonprofit organizations makes him a wonderful addition to our boards of directors,” said John Patrick Jr., chairman of the board of directors of First Connecticut Bancorp and chairman, president, and CEO of Farmington Bank. “In addition, John’s leadership of a successful retail business in today’s changing retail climate will be a valuable asset in the boardroom as we continue Farmington Bank’s organic growth strategy.” Green graduated from Boston College in 1978 and from the Gemological Institute of America in 1979. He earned the titles of registered jeweler and certified gemologist appraiser with the American Gem Society in 1981. In 1992, he was elected president and CEO of Lux Bond & Green. Today, Lux Bond & Green, established in 1898 by Green’s great-grandfather, has grown to seven locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts with more than 100 employees. Green has served on many nonprofit organizations and leadership positions within the Hartford community, including the Connecticut Historical Society, Old State House, Greater Hartford Convention and Visitors Bureau, Connecticut Science Center, Bushnell Park Foundation, TheaterWorks, Hartford Ballet, Hartford Downtown Council, Young Presidents Organization, Connecticut Business and Industry Assoc., and Connecticut Bank & Trust Co. Currently, he serves as treasurer on the Saint Francis Hospital Foundation and a member of the economic-development committee of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce.

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Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. has appointed Ron MacDonald to the position of senior vice president, corporate auto sales leader. MacDonald joins Berkshire from First Niagara Bank, where he served as first vice president, national sales manager, focused on expanding the indirect auto finance business across the Northeast. He has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive business, including previous roles at TD Bank as the national sales manager for auto finance and various positions within the auto-dealer community. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire. “I am excited to have Ron join the bank and take on a leadership role in expanding our prime indirect auto unit,” said Sean Gray, executive vice president and head of Retail Banking. “With his extensive auto-lending relationships and experience across New England, he is the right person to expand on the successful platform Berkshire has established in New York. Ron will be leading Berkshire’s indirect team, providing strategic direction to develop and expand relationships throughout our footprint, with a focus on building long-term partnerships and managing the secondary marketing of this product. This is another example of our commitment to ongoing leadership recruitment and revenue diversification, and we look forward to profitable growth from this business line.”

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Mary-Anne DiBlasio

Mary-Anne DiBlasio

Marge Pietras, founder of All About You, LLC, has appointed Mary-Anne DiBlasio chief operating officer of the eight-year-old home-care company. All About You has steadily grown since its inception. “With DiBlasio now as part of the team, we are excited to see the company expand its reach in an ever-growing market where families are keeping their loved ones at home and we, of course, are here to support them in those efforts,” Pietras said. “With her experience recruiting and marketing, we are focused on delivering the confidence of quality care to directly meet the ebb and flow of the market needs.” DiBlasio comes with years of healthcare experience in both elder care and staffing, and Pietras said both will provide value to the company’s mission.

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Michael Ipekdjian

Michael Ipekdjian

Holyoke Medical Center has appointed Michael Ipekdjian as the hospital’s director of Transitional Care/Case Management.
With vast experience in nursing and case management in the community-hospital setting, Ipekdjian will lead HMC’s transitional care and case-management programs. In this role, he will oversee the hospital’s registered nurses and social workers, and communicate with internal and external partners to improve case management and care coordination. “Mike brings the leadership and vision necessary to help HMC achieve the highest levels of patient care,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc. “We are confident in his ability to leverage his case-management experience to ensure that patients can access a full scope of community services across the continuum.”
Added Ipekdjian, “joining HMC is a tremendous professional opportunity. I look forward to working with a highly committed team of colleagues to ensure that patients can access complete, comprehensive healthcare and the important community resources that contribute to quality healthcare.” Most recently, Ipekdjian served as case-management supervisor at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pa, where he coordinated the day-to-day operations of the Case Management department. He managed 21 full-time employees, including case managers and RN nurse navigators/transitional-care nurses. He coordinated with community agencies to facilitate communication and assure continuity of care, and reviewed and developed readmission programs and chronic-disease-management metrics. As that medical center’s MSICU case manager, he planned, coordinated, and facilitated the care and transition of patients through two intensive-care units Ipekdjian is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, earning both his associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing. He is pursuing an MBA in healthcare management at Western Governors University and is expected to graduate in 2016.

People on the Move

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Departments People on the Move

Douglas Bowen

Douglas Bowen

Thomas Senecal

Thomas Senecal

The PeoplesBank board of directors announced that bank President and CEO Douglas Bowen will retire in July 2016, to be succeeded by Thomas Senecal, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. The board’s leadership-succession plan calls for Senecal to become president at the bank’s annual meeting in February 2016. Bowen will become chairman and CEO at that time. Senecal will be named president and CEO in July 2016 upon Bowen’s retirement. During this transition period, Bowen will remain active in his position and the bank’s management and strategy implementation. Bowen joined PeoplesBank in August 1975 as a teller in the management-development program. He has since worked in almost every department at the bank. In 1986, he started the Commercial Lending department and, in 2002, was named executive vice president and chief lending officer. He was named president and CEO in 2007 and, since that time, has led the bank to its current position in the market, with more than $2 billion in assets and a substantial track record of innovation, community support, environmental sustainability, and employee engagement. Under Bowen’s tenure, PeoplesBank opened six branches, three of which are LEED-certified; has financed more than $80 million in sustainable-energy projects; and has been named a “Top Place to Work” by the Boston Globe three years in a row. The bank was also named a “Top Charitable Contributor” by the Boston Business Journal seven years in a row. The American Bankers Assoc. gave PeoplesBank a Community Commitment Award for its environmental-sustainability efforts in 2013. The Boston Globe also named Bowen a “Globe 100 Innovator” in 2011. In 2009, BusinessWest named Bowen one of its first Difference Makers. Meanwhile, Senecal possesses more than 25 years of progressive financial experience. In his current position, he has managed all accounting, financial reporting, and treasury and facility operations. He has overseen asset growth of the bank from $460 million to $2 billion in 2015. In addition to Senecal’s responsibility for the Finance department, as the COO, he will oversee the Retail, Operations, Internal Control, and Risk Oversight functions. Early next year, he will also be responsible for the Commercial and Consumer Lending, Cash Management, and Human Resources functions. Senecal holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UMass Amherst. He also attended the Tuck Executive Program at Dartmouth College. He is a certified public accountant and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. He currently serves on the boards of directors of Holyoke Community College, where he is chair of the investment committee; Loomis Communities Inc.; and the Hampshire Regional Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the advisory council of the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank – Boston advisory panel. “Under his leadership, I am confident that our customers, our staff, and our future are in very capable hands,” said Bowen, making a statement on behalf of the bank’s board of directors. “Tom and I believe in our bank’s mutual charter. We will remain a mutual bank going forward — committed to helping our customers achieve financial success and to serving the community. It is our mutual charter that powers our values. It is also the structure that allows us to invest in innovation, to contribute to nonprofit and civic causes, to support environmental sustainability, and, perhaps most important of all, to help our associates grow and succeed. Our mutual charter has served us well for 130 years, and it is the key to our future as well.”
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Carla DiLoreto

Carla DiLoreto

Greg Musante

Greg Musante

Christopher Fager

Christopher Fager

Sean Millane

Sean Millane

Jeffrey Lomma

Jeffrey Lomma

James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, announced several recent changes to the bank’s retail and commercial banking staffs:
• Carla DiLoreto has joined the bank as Manager of the Enfield, Conn. office. DiLoreto has nearly 10 years of retail banking experience. Prior to joining Westfield Bank, she was Banking Center manager of the Somers, Conn. office of Webster Bank. While serving there, she was inducted in the Somers Women’s Club, where she helped raise money for its scholarship and charitable-giving programs;
• Greg Musante has been hired as Assistant Branch Manager and Business Specialist in the Holyoke office. Musante has 15 years of banking experience in commercial and mortgage lending. Most recently, he was mortgage bank officer at Webster Bank and also held the positions of cash management analyst and business specialist at Bank of America. A graduate of Greenfield Community College and Plymouth State College, he is an active member of several area chambers of commerce;
• Christopher Fager has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer. Fager joins Westfield Bank following a successful six-year career at Citizens Bank, where he served as both branch manager and business banking officer. In his new role, he will be responsible for developing and managing commercial banking relationships. A graduate of UMass Dartmouth, he is active in local chambers of commerce;
• Sean Millane, previously Manager of the bank’s Enfield office, has been promoted to Commercial Loan Officer. Millane has 15 years of banking experience and joined Westfield Bank in 2014 as manager of the Enfield branch. Previously, he was branch manager and business development officer of the Ellington and East Windsor, Conn. offices of Rockville/United Bank. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he is president of the East Windsor (Conn.) Chamber of Commerce and treasurer of the North Central Connecticut PTSD Foundation; and
• Jeffrey Lomma, previously Assistant Manager and Business Specialist in the Enfield office, has been promoted to Branch Manager of the Tower Square office in Springfield. Lomma joined Westfield Bank in 2007. Prior to being named branch manager of the Tower Square office, he served as assistant manager and business specialist at the bank’s Enfield branch. A graduate of Western New England University, he is active in the community, serving as treasurer of the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce and board member for both the Springfield Performing Arts Development Corp. (Symphony Hall and CityStage) and the Springfield Hockey Heritage Society.
“I am pleased to announce these exciting changes to our retail and commercial banking staffs,” Hagan said. “At Westfield Bank, we are committed to delivering the best possible banking experience for our retail and commercial customers in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. In addition to their proven accomplishments, Carla, Greg, Chris, Sean, and Jeff truly epitomize what better banking’s all about.”
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Square One recently announced the addition of two senior-level individuals to its leadership team:
Kristine Allard

Kristine Allard

• Joining the organization as Vice President of Development is Kristine Allard. She will oversee the nearly $10 million organization’s fund raising, communications, and program development. She comes to Square One from the YMCA of Greater Springfield, where she led the fund-development and communications team, as well as family-center operations. In addition to fund raising, grant writing, and special-event planning, she has an extensive background in marketing and media relations. Allard is active on a number of community boards and committees, including Leadership Pioneer Valley and the Baystate Academy Charter School. “We are very pleased to welcome Kris to Square One,” said Joan Kagan, president and CEO. “She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and talent to our organization. Her enthusiasm, positive energy, and team spirit are contagious, making her a great addition to our team. Kris is a true asset to Square One, and we are fortunate that she has joined us.”
Frank Tate III

Frank Tate III

• Also joining the Square One team is Frank Tate III. As Food Service Director, Tate will develop menus and oversee daily food preparation for the organization’s 400 preschool and after-school program participants, assuring compliance with government regulations and Square One’s commitment to encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Tate comes to Square One following senior-level positions at YSET Academy in Springfield and the Early Childhood Centers of Greater Springfield. “We know that proper nutrition is a critical part of every child’s ability to succeed academically, physically, emotionally, and socially,” said Kagan. “Frank’s extensive experience and expertise make him a perfect fit to help fulfill our mission. Not only does he bring knowledge, creativity, and a diversity of nutritious food to our kitchen, but also a cheerful disposition that our staff and families have come to embrace.”
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Moriarty & Primack, P.C. announced several promotions and additions to the firm. The new hires include Dahimeli Mercado, Associate; Jonathan Normand, Associate; and Laurie Bonano, Associate. Meanwhile, Timothy Provost has been promoted to Manager, and Daniel Duncan has been promoted to Senior Associate.
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Springfield Falcons President Sarah Pompea recently announced five front-office staff promotions:
• Chris Thompson has been promoted to Senior Vice President. Thompson will continue to oversee the team’s corporate sales with an expanded focus on driving ticket sales. In his new role, he will be working closely with Pompea in the day-to-day operations of the organization;
• Cortney Hersom has been promoted to Vice President. Hersom is currently responsible for all Falcons financials and human resources. In addition, she will take a stronger lead in the daily operations of the office;
• Andy Zilch has been promoted to Manager of Communications/Broadcasting. Zilch, the Falcons’ play-by-play broadcaster, also has responsibilities in ticket and corporate sales. He will oversee the team’s communications and community-relations efforts and act as the primary media contact for the Falcons;
• Marija Ward has been promoted to Manager of Ticket Operations. Ward oversees all aspects of the organization’s ticket operations and serves as the box-office liaison. She has been tasked with streamlining the ticket department, increasing efficiency, and enhancing the fan experience; and
• Luke Pawlak has been promoted to Manager of Game Operations/Creative Services. Pawlak spearheads all creative aspects for the organization and will also be able to utilize new technology this season to enhance the fan experience. He has cultivated a positive leadership role with the team’s game-night staff.
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Erika Kaftan

Erika Kaftan

Erika Kaftan has been appointed assistant Director of Educational Services at the Willie Ross School for the Deaf. She succeeds Linda Carfora, who is retiring after more than 20 years at Willie Ross. Kaftan will oversee the Mass. Comprehensive Assessment System Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt) portfolios and the School-to- Work program. She also will assist in supervising and evaluating staff, hiring new staff, and reviewing and approving quarterly progress reports. Prior to joining Willie Ross last month, Kaftan was the individualized education plan (IEP) coordinator at the EDCO Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Newton. She also worked as a teacher for the deaf at the high-school level at EDCO. Kaftan began her career as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher for elementary-school students at a charter school in California. She received her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from California State University, Northridge, with a focus in American Sign Language, and went on to earn two master of education degrees, from Boston University in deaf education and from Endicott College in organizational management. The Willie Ross School for the Deaf provides a comprehensive educational program stressing academic excellence that focuses on the development of students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth from the early childhood level through high school. Willie Ross serves students at its main campus in Longmeadow and at its partnership campus located in the East Longmeadow public schools. Mainstreaming opportunities are provided at the partnership campus.
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Burkhart Pizzanelli announced the promotion of Julie Quink to Managing Principal. Quink has more than 20 years serving clients in the public accounting industry along with several years in private industry. She received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Elms College and recently returned to her alma mater as an adjunct professor in the MBA program. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Mass. Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Assoc. of Certified Fraud Examiners. She also serves on the Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee, the finance committee for the East Quabbin Land Trust, and the board of directors for the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce. In addition to her firm management responsibilities, Quink will continue to actively serve clients, primarily in the accounting and auditing area and as a specialist in forensic accounting. She succeeds Richard Burkhart, who is a co-founder of the firm and has served as managing principal from its inception in 1986. Burkhart will continue to provide his clients with service and expertise as a principal of the firm, sharing his 40 years of experience in public accounting.
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HUB International New England, a division of HUB International Limited, a leading global insurance-brokerage, risk-advisory, and employee-benefits firm, announced that Cynthia Squires has joined HUB International New England as manager of Select Business for small to medium-sized business accounts in the Commercial Lines department. Squires will be responsible for the day-to-day management and servicing of small-business accounts, providing oversight and direction to commercial-lines staff, leading quality-control and product-analysis processes, managing departmental retention and acquiring new-business goals, keeping abreast of the latest industry changes and trends, while providing the highest level of service standards and value to clients. She will be based in the East Longmeadow office. Most recently, Cynthia served as a Commercial Lines account executive for Goss & McLain Insurance Agency, where she had worked for almost 30 years. She started her career in the Personal Lines department as a customer-service representative, then worked her way up the ranks to Personal Lines manager and Marketing manager. She then switched over to the Commercial Lines department, where she worked for five years on small and medium-sized accounts. “HUB International New England is dedicated to building a team of experts with local market specialization and industry experience,” said Timm Marini, president of HUB International New England, formerly FieldEddy. “Cynthia brings a wealth of insurance knowledge with her, which will synergize well with our Commercial Lines team. Her extensive knowledge of the insurance industry and leadership skills will provide our clients with value-added solutions and innovative products that are specific to this market.”

People on the Move

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Departments People on the Move

Local news hires, promotions, awards, and appointments August 10, 2015

Kathy Tobin

Kathy Tobin

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced the appointment of Kathy Tobin as its new director of Development and Marketing. In this role, she will oversee all fund-raising and marketing activities for the Food Bank, including special events, individual donor cultivation, communications, corporate relations, grants, and education outreach. She will assume her position on Aug. 31. “We’re very excited to have Kathy joining our organization,” said Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse. “She brings with her a breadth of knowledge and experience from her current role at Friends of the Homeless in Springfield — a member agency that receives food from us — as well as her career in media.  We are confident that her proven track record for leadership and creativity will be a tremendous asset in forwarding the mission of the Food Bank.” Since 2009, Tobin has served as the director of Program Development for Friends of the Homeless, where she increased visibility for the nonprofit and helped more community partners learn about the critical role it plays in meeting the needs of homeless in the region. Under her direction, it established a formalized annual appeal, expanded corporate outreach, coordinated volunteer engagement, and held an annual donor event. In addition, she oversaw the establishment of the Friends of the Homeless Store, providing people with access to free personal-care items and clothing. Tobin will continue in her current position at Friends of the Homeless through the end of August. “Her talents will certainly be missed,” said Bill Miller, executive director of Friends of the Homeless. “I know I speak for our board, our staff, and our clients in acknowledging her efforts to initiate and sustain a development program for the organization. We will build upon the foundation Kathy helped us establish as we expand the support required to meet the needs of our homeless population.” Moving forward, Friends of the Homeless will be seeking someone to assume the responsibility of development and community outreach and will formalize a search process to identify someone who can continue to build on its established programs, Miller said. Prior to joining Friends of the Homeless, Tobin enjoyed a 30-year career as a television news journalist with WGGB ABC40 in Springfield, where she was honored with a number of awards for news coverage, including the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award. Among the many issues she covered during her television career were the plight of area homeless and the community campaign and planning which led to the development and construction of the Friends of the Homeless Resource Center on the organization’s Worthington Street campus. Tobin is also involved with a number of community organizations. She serves as a trustee for Elms College in Chicopee, a director of Spirit of Springfield, a director of the Women’s Commission in Springfield, and a scholarship committee member for the Valley Press Club.

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Cristina Perez

Cristina Perez

Tighe & Bond, an environmental engineering and consulting firm, recently hired Cristina Perez to lead and expand its asset-management services for the firm’s clients. A civil and environmental engineer with more than 15 years of consulting experience, she has more than nine years of experience with infrastructure asset management, capital-improvement planning, and geographic information systems (GIS). Perez will work primarily out of Tighe & Bond’s new Westwood, Mass. office. Perez has consulted with numerous public and private clients on asset-management, GIS, facilities-management, pavement-management, sustainability, and climate-change projects. She leverages her background in civil engineering for designing and architecting targeted asset-management solutions for her clients. “We are happy to welcome Cris to our growing team of experts,” said David Pinsky, president and CEO of Tighe & Bond. “Her expertise will benefit our communities and clients greatly as they become increasingly focused on asset management to prioritize and properly budget improvements within the constraints of limited funding.” Perez earned her master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from Tufts University. She received her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain.

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Robert Accorsi

Robert Accorsi

Springfield College has named Robert Accorsi its faculty athletic representative to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Appointed by Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper, Accorsi is currently an associate professor of Sport Management and Recreation at the College. He succeeds immediate past Dean and Associate Professor of Exercise Science and Sports Studies Charles Redmond, who retired following this past academic year. As faculty athletic representative, Accorsi will represent the college to the NCAA, the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference, the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference, and all other athletic conferences and associations. Accorsi will oversee that academic integrity, institutional control of intercollegiate athletics, and enhancement of student-athletes’ experience are college priorities. Accorsi will also advise the college president, director of athletics, faculty, students, and other constituencies on intercollegiate athletics. Additionally, he will monitor student-athletes’ eligibility, academic progress, and graduation rates, and support their nominations for various awards. Student-athletes may discuss any aspect of their student-athlete experience with him, and he will consult with NCAA legislative services for interpretations. “I am delighted that Bob has agreed to serve in this critical position for the college. His deep understanding of sport and the needs of our student-athletes make him a perfect fit for assuming this leadership role,” Cooper said. “I look forward to working with him in this capacity. He is more than qualified to represent and advise Springfield College on intercollegiate athletics.”

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Doreen Fadus

Doreen Fadus

Doreen Fadus, executive director of Community Benefit and Health at Mercy Medical Center, has been tapped to serve as president of the board for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, a network of more than 10,000 doctors, nurses, social workers, patients, and advocates who work to eliminate homelessness by ensuring comprehensive healthcare and secure housing for all. In this role, Fadus serves as the council’s lead representative on the national stage for advocacy issues such as the Accountable Care Act, Medicaid reimbursements, and housing and health collaboration. “Doreen personifies our mission to serve as a transforming, healing presence. She is a tremendous advocate for the local homeless community, and her selection to this national position will allow her dedication and talent to benefit a greater number of individuals,” said Yvonne Boudreau, senior vice president of Mission Services for the Sisters of Providence Health System. As Mercy’s executive director of Community Benefit and Health, Fadus oversees the hospital’s community health programs, including Health Care for the Homeless, which works in partnership with the city of Springfield and Open Pantry to provide primary-care services at 23 homeless shelters, soup kitchens, job-placement sites, and transitional programs. These services are delivered to more than 2,200 people each year in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. She also oversees Mercy’s Vietnamese Health Project, Faith Community Nursing, High End Utilizer Program, and Community Benefit. Fadus began her career at Mercy Medical Center as director of Health Care for the Homeless in 2001, and she has an extensive background in community service. She currently serves as co-chair of the Western Mass. Network to End Homelessness; an advisory board member of the Hampden County Continuum of Care Board, the Catholic Charities Diocesan Board, and the Western Mass. Task Force on Homelessness; and a member of the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County. The founder and past president of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, Fadus also serves on the board of Friends of the Homeless. “The National Health Care for the Homeless Council works with government agencies and private institutions to foster collaboration on the varied and complex problems associated with homelessness,” said Fadus. “These remarkable individuals have dedicated their lives to this important cause, and it is an honor to serve as their leader.”

People on the Move

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Departments People on the Move

Springfield-based United Personnel announced the promotion of two staff members, Danielle Cirillo and Marlene Johnson:

Danielle Cirillo

Danielle Cirillo

Marlene Johnson

Marlene Johnson

• Cirillo, who most recently has served as a staffing consultant in United Personnel’s Light Industrial Staffing Division, has been promoted to Project Manager for one of United Personnel’s larger accounts. In her new role, Cirillo will oversee all aspects of account management, including on-site staffing support, recruitment, employee relations, and project-based initiatives. She is a member of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield. “I am pleased to receive this promotion, and I look forward to working with our clients to produce great results for them,” said Cirillo, an alumni of Western New England University.
• Johnson, who most recently served as a recruiter for United’s Professional Division, has been promoted to Staffing Consultant. In that role, she will work with both candidates and client companies, serving as the liaison between the two. “If you work hard, persevere, and persist, you will accomplish all that you desire,” said Johnson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Monroe College in New York City, and also serves as United’s Diversity Program Coordinator. She serves on the advisory committee for the School of Business and Information Technologies and is a member of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield. “We are pleased to recognize the dedication and results-oriented approach of both Danielle and Marlene,” said Tricia Canavan, president of United Personnel, “and look forward to the positive impact they will have for our clients and candidates in their new roles.”
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Stuart Kirshner

Stuart Kirshner

Environmental Compliance Services Inc. (ECS) announced that Stuart Kirshner has joined the firm as Health and Safety Manager. Kirshner has more than 18 years of experience in the environmental and safety sectors. His key skills include environmental health and safety (EHS) management program development, implementation, and administration. He applies compliance-enforcement policies through motivation, training, and process control, and his collaborative leadership style promotes team building, engagement, and a compliance culture. In his capacity as ECS’ health and safety manager, Kirshner is responsible for occupational safety and health for 25 office locations in 11 states, as well as enhancement of the firm’s safety culture through motivation and engagement of the workforce. His initial tasks include collaborating with the firm’s Information Technology department to redevelop the existing environmental health and safety program into a computer-based management system. He is also integrating EHS processes into the business-process-management system. Kirshner holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental management, as well as an undergraduate certificate for project management. He is a certified hazardous materials manager and a combat life saver certified by the U.S. Army.
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Cheryl Hoey

Cheryl Hoey

Geoffrey Frost

Geoffrey Frost

Gomes, DaCruz & Tracy, P.C. recently announced the hiring of Cheryl Hoey, CPA, and Geoffrey Frost. Hoey has been hired as a Staff Accountant. She specializes in small-business and individual tax returns. Before joining the firm, she worked as a senior financial-risk consultant for an insurance company as well as a tax preparer for a local accountant during tax season. Frost has been hired as a Staff Accountant. He is a recent graduate from Elms College and has volunteered for Junior Achievement.
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Freedom Credit Union announced the new executive committee of the board of directors, the appointment of a new board member, and two appointments to the leadership team of the credit union. At the recent annual meeting of the credit union, Lawrence Bouley was elected Chairman of the board of directors for the next three years. Bouley has been a board member of Freedom for the past 11 years and, prior to that, served on the FHBT Credit Union Board for 25 years. During his tenure, he will play an active role in the strategic direction of the credit union. Along with Bouley, the following board members were elected to three-year posts on the board’s executive committee: Donald Emerson, Vice Chairman; Louis Guillette, Treasurer; William Carey, Clerk; and John Reigner, Security Officer. Brian Harrington has been appointed to the board of directors to fulfill the unexpired term of a recently vacated seat. Harrington is an attorney and a deputy regional director in the Springfield office of the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection. While on the Freedom board of directors, he will be a member of the auditing committee, site committee, and security committee. In other news, David Chase Sr. has joined Freedom Credit Union as Vice President of Member Business Lending. Chase has more than 25 years of experience in the banking industry with an extensive background in commercial lending. Most recently, he was vice president of Commercial Lending at Hampden Bank. Chase is actively involved with several organizations, including the West of the River Chamber of Commerce as a board member. Chase is also a vice president of the board of Gray House and also serves as a member of the town of Agawam Planning Board. Finally, Christine Williams has been promoted to branch officer of the Freedom branch in Easthampton. In this capacity, she will oversee the financial and lending operations of the branch and develop new business opportunities with individuals and companies. For the past two years, Williams has been the assistant branch officer at the Easthampton Branch, and, prior to that, she worked at Citizens Bank. She has more than eight years of banking and credit-union experience.
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Greg Richane

Greg Richane

Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) announced that Greg Richane has joined the LPV team as Program Coordinator. In this role, Richane will be responsible for coordinating and facilitating LPV’s signature 10-month regional leadership-development program and helping to recruit future participants. Richane comes to Leadership Pioneer Valley with a background in advocacy, events, and community engagement. Most recently, he worked as an organizer with the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, where he mobilized human-service professionals, clergy, and others to advocate for the needs of New York’s most vulnerable residents. In earlier roles, heworked as a housing advocate, campaign field organizer, and manager of large-scale fund-raising events, collaborating with professional and volunteer constituencies ranging from homeless adults to elected officials. Richane is a volunteer with the Northampton Survival Center and an active member of First Churches of Northampton. He holds a degree in theater studies from Boston University’s School of Fine Arts.
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The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) recently recognized John Frederick of New England Business Associates in Springfield as the 2015 Direct Support Professional of the Year for Massachusetts. “We at New England Business Associates are proud of John. “The award shows the dedication Frederick has to support people with disabilities and reflects the quality of services provided by New England Business Associates,” said Jeannine Pavlak, executive director. The award was presented at the 2015 ANCOR Annual Conference, “Ignite!” in Arlington, Va. Direct support professionals (DSPs) — also referred to as caregivers, personal assistants, and direct-care or home-care aides — provide a rich mosaic of daily support services for the many Americans with disabilities. DSPs are integral in helping people with disabilities participate in their communities and lead full and independent lives. Since 2007, ANCOR has honored exceptional DSPs with the Direct Support Professional Recognition Award for exemplary work in furthering community inclusion and full participation for the many Americans living with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities. “The work that DSPs do is so important, not just to the people with disabilities they serve, but also to the social and economic lives of their communities,” said Chris Sparks, president of ANCOR. “DSPs like John deserve recognition for the difficult but inspiring work they do every day.” ANCOR’s Direct Support Professional Recognition Award is given to those who personify the values of ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign, which works to ensure a well-trained and sustainable direct-support workforce. Nominees are judged on the work they’ve done to build social networks, substantive community participation, and advocating for the people they serve. New England Business Associates is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities through integrated employment and community involvement. Through its 32 years of service, NEBA has maintained an employment rate at or above 85%, serving more than 400 individuals annually.
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The YWCA of Western Massachusetts board of directors met recently and elected the following individuals: Ann Donah, director of Development for Easter Seals Massachusetts; Nicole Griffin, president of Griffin Staffing Network; Pastor Gail Hill of Family Church in Springfield; Arlene Rodriquez, dean of the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Springfield Technical Community College; attorney Deborah Saremi, general counsel of Future Health, LLC and Saremi, LLP Property Management Co.; Jamina Scippio-McFadden, director of Marketing & Community Relations at the UMass Center at Springfield; and Nancy Urbschat, principal and owner of TSM Design. Ann Turnberg, Coldwell Banker and president of the YWCA board of directors, was elected for a second term.

People on the Move

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Departments People on the Move

The United Way of Pioneer Valley held its 93rd annual meeting and celebration recently to elect new board members and honor donors, community partners, volunteers, corporate partners, and employee campaign managers. Bennet Markens, President and CEO of the Markens Group Inc., was elected Chairman of the board. Also:
• Jennifer Endicott, Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President of Baystate Health, was elected Vice Chair;
• Brian Smith Sr., Vice President and Treasurer of People’s United Bank, remains as Treasurer;
• Susan Mielnikowski, attorney with Cooley, Shrair, P.C., remains as board Clerk; and
• Denis Gagnon Jr., Vice President of Excel Dryer Inc., and Michael Mathis, President of MGM Springfield, were elected as new board members for a three-year term. Gagnon was also named chairman of the Resource Development Council, the volunteer fund-raising arm of the United Way. Stephen Spelman, attorney at Egan, Flanagan and Cohen, P.C., was named vice chair of the council.
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Mary Shea

Mary Shea

Mary (Fallon) Shea has been promoted to Vice President of digital strategy at Garvey Communication Associates Inc. Shea started her career at GCAi in 2004 as an intern. She later was instrumental in changing the direction of the agency in 2007 toward digital marketing and away from more traditional marketing tactics. Shea was also responsible for GCAi achieving Google Partner status, a designation that reflects the qualification level of agency associates and the volume and quality of the pay-per-click work done by the agency. Shea is a Google AdWords qualified planner, which requires her to pass tests in the areas of AdWords fundamentals, search advertising, display advertising, and video advertising on an annual basis. Shea is a cum laude graduate of the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She is vice president of the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts and a member of the Valley Press Club, the New England Financial Marketing Assoc., and the Public Relations Society of America. She was honored among BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of 2010.
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Lisa Kraus, Western Massachusetts vice president and mortgage sales manager at United Bank in West Springfield, has been named 2015 Affiliate of the Year by the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley. The announcement was made during the association’s annual awards banquet on June 11 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. As the highest honor given to an affiliate member, the award is bestowed upon one person who has shown outstanding service and devotion to the organization during the past 17 months in the areas of affiliate-related association activity, community service, and business activity. A member of the Realtor Assoc. since 1999, Kraus is chairperson of the community service committee and a member of the affiliate-Realtor committee. She is an active participant in the association’s many charitable fund-raising efforts, serving as co- chairperson of the annual benefit golf tournament, and the calendar raffle. She chaired the Minute to Win It charitable fund-raising event. She is involved in shopping, wrapping, and delivering gifts to area homeless shelters as part of the association’s activities during the holidays. Kraus is a co-presenter of financing classes as part of the “If the Realtor Had Only Known” series and at the annual Education Fair & Expo. She regularly participates in association membership meetings and networking events. Her business activities include hosting a monthly Meeting of the Minds, a gathering of local lenders, attorneys, and appraisers who come together to discuss real-estate market trends and challenges, and craft potential resolutions. She is also a member of the Home Builders & Remodelers Assoc. of Western Massachusetts.
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Unemployment Tax Control Associates Inc. (UTCA), a national unemployment-insurance service provider based in Springfield, with offices in Boston and Houston, announced the addition of Carrie Jo Dennis as Vice President of Business Development. Dennis, based in Houston, will be responsible for managing sales and marketing strategies to accommodate corporate goals and will ultimately develop and lead the future sales team. Prior to joining UTCA, Dennis was a client-development consultant for a background screening firm serving the healthcare industry, helping to ensure the safety of patients and staff. She holds a bachelor of business administration degree in marketing from Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, holds certifications in Paradigm Sales Training and Integrity Selling Training, and has completed the Franklin Covey Organizational Course.
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Following the firm’s annual stockholder meeting, Tighe & Bond announced the promotion of three of its veteran managers to vice president: Christopher Bone, Antonio da Cruz, and John McClellan:
Christopher Bone

Christopher Bone

• Bone, who has 22 years of engineering experience and works out of Tighe & Bond’s Westfield office, joined the firm in 1999. Over the years, he has served as an environmental engineer and project manager for numerous high-profile wastewater and water-resources projects. He has overseen the design of numerous new treatment plants, and also has a history of finding innovative and cost-effective solutions for challenging upgrades at existing facilities. Currently, he serves as project manager on a design-build team for a $130 million sludge-dryer facility in Detroit, which will be the largest facility of its kind in North America once constructed. University of Wisconsin at Madison. He is a member of the American Water Works Assoc., the New England Water Works Assoc., and the Water Environment Federation; 
Antonio da Cruz

Antonio da Cruz

• da Cruz, who has 22 years of engineering experience and works out of Tighe & Bond’s Worcester office, joined the firm in 1993. Over the years, he has served as a civil engineer and project manager who specializes in wastewater, water resources, solid-waste management, and site/civil projects. He has hands-on experience with a wide array of project roles including planning, design, and construction administration. He designs and manages numerous high-profile infrastructure projects for the city of Worcester and the town of Palmer. He formerly served as a member of Ludlow’s Board of Public Works, and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Water Environment Federation, and the New England Water Environment Assoc.;
John McClellan

John McClellan

• McClellan, who has 20 years of engineering experience and works out of Tighe & Bond’s Westfield office, joined the firm in 2000. He specializes in water supply and treatment, water-distribution systems, water-treatment plant upgrades, and environmental modeling. He has performed system-wide water-quality modeling studies and water-treatment process-evaluation studies for major communities and water suppliers throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. He also has managed design- and construction-phase services for numerous water-supply and treatment projects to improve water quality and overall system improvement. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Water Works Assoc. Founded in 1911, Tighe & Bond has offices in Pocasset, Westfield, and Worcester, Mass.; Middletown and Shelton, Conn.; and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
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Amanda Murray has joined the Berkshire Museum staff as the Curator of the Little Cinema. In her new role, Murray will be choosing films for the weekly showings, as well planning special screenings, organizing film-themed talks and events, and improving the moviegoing experience for Little Cinema audiences. “Coming from both the museum world and the independent-film world, I was so excited to learn that the Berkshire Museum is home to a thriving independent cinema. What a rare combination — and a rare opportunity for a film programmer,” said Murray. “In my own life, I’ve relished opportunities to see the latest independent films at festivals and historic, small theaters around the country, and it’s a joy to now be representing and programming such a unique venue for independent film.” Berkshire Museum’s Little Cinema has been showing independent and foreign films for 66 years in downtown Pittsfield. Little Cinema is a single-screen movie theater inside the museum; typically, one first-run independent or foreign film is shown each week. As the film curator, Murray will be developing new initiatives, such as presenting films and film-related programs that complement the museum’s exhibitions and support its mission to create inspiring connections among art, history, and natural science.
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Sandy Weicher

Sandy Weicher

Comcast Cable announced that Sandy Weicher has been appointed Vice President of Customer Care for the company’s Western New England Region, which includes Western Mass., Connecticut, New York, Vermont, and Western New Hampshire. In this role, Weicher will be responsible for delivering a positive experience for Comcast customers across the region and will oversee day-to-day management of the company’s regional call centers located in Enfield, Conn., and South Burlington, Vt. Weicher will work closely with her team to implement the company’s recently announced multi-year strategy to transform the customer experience. Weicher has more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry and has worked at Comcast for more than a decade. She comes to the Western New England Region after serving as vice president of care for the company’s Freedom Region, which includes Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs, New Jersey, and Northern Delaware. Prior to that, she worked as area vice president for the Greater Chicago Region’s north area, where she was responsible for the network operations, repair, installation, and technical operations teams providing video, high-speed Internet, and voice services to the area’s customers. Weicher is a member of Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) and received the Greater Chicago Chapter’s Breaking the Mold Award and Mentoring Award. She is also a graduate of WICT’s Betsy Magness Leadership Institute and Comcast’s Field Executive Boot Camp. Additionally, she previously served as president of the Indiana Cable Television Assoc., held a board member position with the Chicago Urban League, and was a fellow in Leadership Philadelphia, a nonprofit community-service organization.