People on the Move
Rosemary Tracy Woods
Jackson Counsel-Watkins
The African Hall Committee of the Springfield Museums announced the recipients of the prestigious Ubora Award and Ahadi Youth Award, which were presented at a ceremony at the Museums on Sept. 21. Rosemary Tracy Woods, executive director of Art for the Soul Gallery, is this year’s Ubora Award recipient, and Jackson Counsel-Watkins, a 2024 graduate of Central High School who is now a freshman at UMass Amherst, was chosen for the Ahadi Youth Award. Woods is known throughout New England as a passionate advocate for social justice. In her role at Art for the Soul, she has championed the transformative power of artistic expression, particularly for African-American and Latinx communities, Native American artists, and those with disabilities like the visually and hearing impaired. Beyond exhibitions, Woods collaborates extensively with local and state cultural councils, cementing her role as a catalyst for arts advocacy. Her accolades, including being appointed by then-Gov. Deval Patrick as Advocate for the Arts in Western Massachusetts and prestigious awards like the 2021 Newell Flather Award and the 2024 Pan African Historical Museum Legacy Award, underscore her impact. She was appointed the Western Mass. coordinator for the creative economy with the assistance of the Springfield City Council, and also aided Anita Walker, former executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, in establishing the first cultural district in Western Mass. Counsel-Watkins. An outstanding student with a GPA of 4.0, Counsel-Watkins pursued a rigorous course load in high school, including multiple AP classes. She was also a member of the track and field team and the cheerleading squad. She also co-founded Central High School’s Black Student Union and served as its first president. In this role, she fostered an environment of inclusivity and empowerment for her peers. She was a two-year member of the Hampden County district attorney’s Youth Advisory Board, teen president of the Western Mass. chapter of Jack and Jill of America, and a member of the National Honor Society. At UMass Amherst, Jackson plans to major in speech, language, and hearing sciences with the goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist.
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Anthony Gulluni
Jeffrey Sattler
Kevin Vann
The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts’ trustees of the Order of William Pynchon announced the selection of three local residents as this year’s Pynchon Medal recipients: Anthony Gulluni, Jeffrey Sattler, and Kevin Vann. Gulluni is now serving his third term as Hampden County district attorney. He has promoted a vision of safer communities through community outreach, crime prevention, and education — as well as through the smart prosecution of violent offenders. Furthermore, he has shown commitment to compassionate and effective rehabilitation. Gulluni’s notable accomplishments include spearheading the Emerging Adult Court of Hope, a one-of-a-kind program in Massachusetts designed for criminal defendants ages 18 to 24. Instead of incarceration, the court provides intensive support and programming focused on the participants’ physical and mental health, behavior patterns, housing, and other factors, and ultimately develops a pathway for careers through education and job training. He also developed a cold-case unit, the first in the Commonwealth to use cutting-edge technology like DNA phenotyping and forensic investigative genetic genealogy to assist law enforcement in generating leads and narrowing down suspect lists. Inspired by his humble beginnings, Sattler has spent his lifetime dedicated to service over self. After putting himself through school to earn a bachelor’s degree from Springfield College, he went on to found a bank in Springfield. When he was 18 years old, he became a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council; 47 years later, he is still a member. Throughout Sattler’s professional life, public service has been a mainstay. A partial list of organizations for whom he has volunteered and supported includes the Western Massachusetts Boy Scouts of America, the Chicopee Rotary Club, Springfield Technical Community College, the Chicopee Boys and Girls Club, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. For each organization he serves, he has shown heart and commitment, with particular passion in fighting the impact of cancer in his community. When the American Cancer Society’s 2021 fundraiser was canceled due to COVID, he was instrumental in launching the Men in Pink event in its stead. A native of Springfield and a lifelong resident of the Pioneer Valley, Vann has made serving his community a lifetime commitment, particularly for those who can’t help themselves. The many organizations to which he has dedicated his time and resources reflect a strong affinity for supporting the youth of our region. His involvement with the Chicopee Boys and Girls Club spans decades and includes multiple capital campaigns, including chairing its current campaign to build a new teen center. Vann’s service has included, but is not limited to, the Chicopee Boys and Girls Club, the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, the United Way of Pioneer Valley, the St. Christopher’s Capital Endowment Fund, the American Cancer Society, the National Conference on Community and Justice, and the NFIB Governors Guardian Council. In addition to his nonprofit and charitable activities, he has been a life mentor and coach to countless young people.
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Andrew Loin has joined Bulkley Richardson as an associate in the Real Estate department. Loin graduated from Western New England University School of Law, summa cum laude, in 2024, where he was the editor in chief of the Western New England Law Review, a member of the Environmental Law Moot Court Team, and an Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Scholar. He was also awarded the CATIC Foundation Award for Achievement in Real Property Coursework. Loin was a summer associate at Bulkley Richardson in 2023. He completed internships with Green Miles Lipton and the Hampden Probate and Family Court. He also participated in Western New England’s real-estate practicum, where he was placed with CATIC and a local residential real-estate attorney’s office.
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Allison Gaynor
Jalaysia Isaac
Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) announced two new hires: Allison Gaynor, administrative assistant, and Jalaysia Isaac, Audit and Accounting associate. Gaynor comes to MBK with more than 30 years of experience in the administrative world. Her role at the firm is vital to ensuring smooth workflow, and her approach tactic to customer service is to always offer a helping hand and a warm smile. She is not limited only to her administrative roles, but has a creative world outside work life. She is the founder of the Jammie Jingle drive and has established roots in the community for the past 10 years, collecting pajamas for children and adults and donating them in time for the holiday season. She flourishes in community involvement and is excited to take part in the community-service branch at MBK. Isaac brings her fresh perspective to her engagements as a recent college graduate and believes that customer service starts with listening to the client and their needs. She received her bachelor’s degree in accounting and management from Elms College. She is also a member of CPAmerica and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants. She is eager to continue growing as an accountant to best help her team and clients succeed.
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Bulkley Richardson recently welcomed Rachel Knauerhase as an associate in the Business department. In 2024, Knauerhase graduated magna cum laude from Western New England University School of Law, where she concentrated her studies on transactional law and served as senior articles editor of the Law Review. She was an Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Scholar and CALI award recipient. She graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in business & finance. Prior to joining Bulkley Richardson, Knauerhase was a legal intern at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and summer law clerk at a boutique litigation firm in Connecticut.
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Noel Aguilar
Shreya Sanghvi
Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced the recent addition of two new employees at the firm. Noel Aguilar has joined Dietz in the role of project manager. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington. He has worked for architecture firms in Texas, most recently in design and construction for retail-store development. He also has many years of experience working on the construction side of the industry. Aguilar specializes in design for medical office and industrial buildings and also has a particular interest in the hospitality sector. Shreya Sanghvi has joined Dietz in the role of architectural associate. She recently completed her master’s degree in architecture and urban design at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), where she completed her thesis focusing on design strategies to overcome the disconnection of a complex Brazilian neighborhood while also creating a sustainable environment. She also holds a bachelor’a degree in architecture from the Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture for Women in Pune, India. Sanghvi has experience working as a architectural designer and intern for firms in India and most recently as a graduate assistant in the Architecture Department at NYIT.
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The Home Builders and Remodelers Assoc. of Western Massachusetts announced the appointment of Zach Kushner as its new president. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having founded First Peak Construction. Kushner is a graduate of UMass Amherst, where he earned a degree in building and construction technology. He then embarked on a successful career with Gilbane Building Co., one of the nation’s largest commercial construction firms. During his tenure at Gilbane, he was integral to the construction-management teams responsible for delivering numerous high-profile projects spanning various sectors, including healthcare, K-12 education, higher education, and underground infrastructure. In his professional journey, Kushner has excelled in multiple roles, from project engineer to project manager to now running a successful commercial general contracting firm. This diverse experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both project management and field operations. As a commercial property owner, he recognizes the importance of communication, organization, and transparency with clients, and is dedicated to overseeing every phase of the construction project life cycle, ensuring attention to detail from the initial concept to the final issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
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Lydia Martinez-Alvarez
Pedro Sanchez Jr.
Elms College announced that two regional leaders have joined the college’s board of trustees. Lydia Martinez-Alvarez is the former assistant superintendent for the Springfield Public Schools system, and was the first person of Hispanic descent to hold this position. Her career in public education spanned more than 25 years and began in the mid-1990s as a substitute teacher at Samuel Bowles Elementary School. In 2003, she became superintendent of Springfield High School of Science and Technology, and in 2012, she began her tenure as the city’s assistant superintendent. Martinez-Alvarez holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Westfield State University and a master’s degree in teaching from Elms College. In 2019, she was named a Women of Impact by BusinessWest. Pedro Sanchez Jr. is the president of BlueX Solutions, a consulting firm in Springfield specializing in leadership coaching. A bilingual speaker and entrepreneur, he empowers individuals and business leaders by deconstructing preconceived beliefs, identifying opportunities for growth, and nurturing their process of self-discovery. His client base includes companies from several industries, including manufacturing, event and studio production, nonprofit, and mental health. Sanchez holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from the Assemblies of God Theological Spanish Seminary in Springfield.
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Darcy Tarte
Community Bank recently welcomed Darcy Tarte as regional Retail Banking manager. In her new role, Tarte will lead, oversee, and manage the Retail Banking team and retail banking relationships across the bank’s New England footprint in Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Tarte has 30 years of experience in the banking industry. Prior to joining Community Bank, she served as regional market manager at TD Bank and as market manager at People’s United Bank. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and banking from the New England College of Business and Finance. She serves on the board of the Addison County Economic Development Corp. in Middlebury, Vt.
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Country Bank President and CEO Mary McGovern announced the promotion of Julie Sanders Yi to chief financial officer. Having joined Country Bank in 2012 as first vice president and controller, she has made significant contributions to the Finance department. Her exceptional performance led to her promotion in 2021 to senior vice president, where she demonstrated her ability to drive results in the Operations department as well. She brings a wealth of experience to her new role, with 23 years in various roles in finance. She graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is a certified public accountant. As chief financial officer, Sanders Yi will oversee all financial operations of Country Bank, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and financial reporting. She will drive the bank’s financial strategy and ensure long-term financial stability.
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MGM Springfield recently announced the return of Andres Gomez in his new role as executive director of Hospitality. Gomez was part of the initial team that helped launch the MGM Springfield brand in Massachusetts in 2018, serving as director of Restaurants and Nightlife Operations. His tactical direction and leadership helped set hospitality standards that remain in place today. He was promoted within the MGM family to director of Food & Beverage at MGM Grand Detroit in late 2020. In 2022, he moved to MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C., where he assumed the role of director of Food & Beverage. As executive director of Hospitality, Gomez will continue to develop and oversee the plan and vision for MGM Springfield that is consistent with the objectives of MGM Resorts International, overseeing all aspects of the property’s hospitality operations. Originally from Puerto Rico, Gomez moved to Springfield as a preteen and carved out his early career working in the local restaurant industry. Local diners may recognize him from his years at Agawam’s iconic Federal Restaurant & Bar, where he served as general manager. He grew his career with that group from host to business partner of some of its fast-casual concepts. He attended Springfield International Charter School and attended UMass Amherst, where he studied business and corporate communications.
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James Brown
Governors America Corp. (GAC), a veteran-owned, Massachusetts-based, global manufacturer of innovative engine-control products, recently welcomed James Brown as its new Business Development lead. His responsibilities include researching and building relationships with potential clients, growing Department of Defense contracts within the Hawkeye Innovation division and identifying new business opportunities for growth by analyzing market trends, the competitive landscape, and customer needs. Brown received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and his MBA in healthcare management from Fitchburg State University. He rose to the rank of chief master sergeant (E-9) in the U.S. Air Force over a career spanning 25 years served.
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Country Bank announced that Jodie Gerulaitis, vice president of Community Relations, has been honored as a Community Hero by the Worcester Red Sox, recognizing her commitment and dedication to serving the local community. Gerulaitis’s passionate advocacy for educators and local nonprofit leaders through Country Bank’s partnership with WooSox Foundation programs has had a profound impact on the community. Her support in recognizing leaders and educators throughout the region is evident through the Most Valuable Teacher program and the WooStars initiative. The Most Valuable Teacher program celebrates the achievements of nine exceptional teachers at their schools and the park. Similarly, the WooStars program recognizes the outstanding work of nine local nonprofit leaders. These programs, championed by Gerulaitis, exemplify her passion, dedication, and desire to make a meaningful difference in the community.
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The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke announced that its 58th Citizenship Award winner is the Rev. Fr. Robert Gentile Jr. The Citizenship Award is presented annually to a person or organization that may be of non-Irish descent and has made substantial contributions to the parade and/or the parade committee. Gentile has been a long-time friend to the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke, both providing spiritual guidance to the committee and being a long-time supporter for parade weekend. Gentile served as interim chaplain to the St. Patrick’s Committee, and to this day, although he now serves as pastor of Ste. Rose de Lima Parish in Chicopee, he continues to provide spiritual guidance and friendship to the committee. In 2003, Gentile was ordained to priesthood in the Diocese of Springfield. After ordination, his first assignment was at St. Thomas in the Apostle Church in West Springfield as the parochial vicar, where he served for 33 months. That assignment concluded when he was asked to become the new pastor of Blessed Sacrament in Holyoke. He served that parish from May 2006 until March 2024, when he began his assignment at Ste. Rose de Lima.
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Berkshire Bank announced that Jason Niles has been promoted to senior vice president, MyBanker team leader, overseeing the MyBanker service that provides free financial counseling to help consumer, business, and nonprofit customers navigate the next stage in their financial life. Niles has been with Berkshire Bank for more than 15 years, most recently as first vice president, relationship manager, MyBanker team leader. Prior to that, he held roles as vice president, relationship manger and branch manager. Niles is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was recognized as part of the Forty Under 40 class of 2018 by BusinessWest. He is active in the community, serving on the boards of Revitalize CDC in Springfield and the Massachusetts Veterans Chamber of Commerce. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from the University of Phoenix.
