People on the Move
George Timmons
Holyoke Community College (HCC) President George Timmons was honored on Sept. 12 as one of 100 Men of Color during a black-tie gala at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, Conn. The 100 Men of Color awards ceremony, sponsored by the Archer Foundation, recognizes the contributions of men of color in education, business, government, entertainment, and other industries, and the impact they have made on the lives of people in Connecticut and Western Mass. Timmons was chosen to speak on behalf of all 100 honorees as the 2025 class ‘valedictorian.’ Timmons, HCC’s president since July 2023, holds a bachelor’s degree in financial management from Norfolk State University, a master’s degree in higher education from Old Dominion University, and a PhD in higher education from Bowling Green State University. He is the first African-American man to serve as HCC president. A portion of the proceeds from the annual gala support mentorship programs and scholarships for young men of color who graduate from high school and plan to attend college.
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Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) announced that its board of directors has selected Michael Sugrue, current executive vice president, as the next president, effective Sept. 17. Following the retirement of current President and CEO James Kelly on May 31, 2026, Sugrue will assume the CEO title. Kelly’s 20-year tenure as president and CEO has driven significant growth in membership and assets, introduced innovative financial services, and strengthened community ties. Sugrue brings nearly 30 years of banking experience to his new role. Since joining PNCU in 2016 as executive vice president and chief lending officer, he has driven strategic growth and member engagement initiatives. His prior roles include positions in risk oversight, audit, compliance, community reinvestment, and as a financial institution examiner for regulatory authorities at both the state and federal levels. Sugrue holds an MBA from UMass Amherst and a graduate degree in executive banking from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking. His community involvement includes serving on the Holyoke Medical Center board, the Holyoke Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Effective Sept. 17, PNCU also announced the promotion of Charlotte Hansen to executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO). Hansen brings more than 30 years of financial services experience and has been with PNCU for more than seven years, most recently serving as senior vice president and CFO. She now oversees finance and accounting, financial services, and marketing, with responsibility for financial reporting, budgeting, investments, treasury, and asset liability management. Prior to joining PNCU, Hansen was CFO and senior vice president at Bankers’ Bank Northeast and began her career in public accounting with Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C., focusing on audit and tax services for financial institutions. A certified public accountant, she holds an associate degree in accounting from Manchester Community College and a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting from the University of Hartford. She also serves on several local boards. Kirk Burnham, promoted to executive vice president of Operations/Technology, has more than 30 years of experience in financial services. Since joining PNCU in 2013 as senior vice president of Operations, he has overseen daily operations, including security, facilities, vendor management, data processing, electronic delivery systems, and the contact center, while driving technology objectives and policies. Previously, he served as vice president of Operations and chief Technology officer. Burnham holds a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting and attended the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. School for Financial Studies and the National School of Banking. He serves on local education boards and supports financial literacy programs. David Fernandes, promoted to senior vice president of Retail, and Sherri LaPlante, promoted to Human Resource director, further bolster PNCU’s leadership with their expertise in member services and workplace culture.
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Westfield Bank announced the promotion of Kelly Pignatare to first vice president, manager of Retail Banking and Business & Government Deposit Services. Pignatare has more than two decades of banking experience, in both retail and business capacities. In her new role, she aims to drive deposit and loan growth, as well as customer service excellence, across all Westfield Bank branch locations, as well as the bank’s Business & Government Deposit Services Department, responsible for providing deposit and cash management services to commercial and municipal customers. Pignatare has served in many roles at Westfield Bank, most recently as a vice president and regional manager. In 2023, she graduated from the New England School for Financial Studies, completing an intensive two-year program for banking professionals. She is also deeply involved with the community and serves as a board member for the Pathlight advisory board and the Pioneer Valley Conference for Women, where she was chosen as a panelist for the 2025 conference held earlier this year.
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Janice Ward
Berkshire Bank, a division of Beacon Bank & Trust, announced the appointment of Janice Ward as senior vice president and head of Fiduciary Services to lead the bank’s fiduciary activities, including its trust business. Before rejoining the bank, Ward was first vice president and trust officer at Greenfield Savings Bank, where she was a member of the bank’s senior leadership team, overseeing all fiduciary activities. Ward’s other prior experience includes serving as senior fiduciary officer in Berkshire Bank’s Wealth Management department based out of Lenox, and chief wealth management officer at Citizens & Northern Bank in Wellsboro, Pa. Ward earned a law degree from Western New England University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She is co-founder and former president of the Estate Planning Council of the Berkshires.
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Thomas Osuch
MountainOne announced the appointment of Thomas Osuch as vice president, commercial loan officer. Osuch joins MountainOne Bank with more than 18 years of experience in commercial banking. His primary focus will be to manage a growing loan portfolio, generate new business opportunities, and remain actively engaged in community and charitable organizations. Osuch is a board member of both the Weymouth Chamber of Commerce and the Hanover Chamber of Commerce. He is actively involved in Weymouth youth sports programs, currently serving as coach for Cal Ripken baseball, youth basketball, soccer, and flag football. He most recently served as vice president, commercial loan officer with Rockland Trust. A graduate of Trinity College with a degree in economics, he continued his education by earning an MBA from UMass Dartmouth.
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Jonathan Denmark
MountainOne announced that Jonathan Denmark, president and chief operating officer of MountainOne Insurance Agency and executive vice president of MountainOne Bank, has been named to Berkshire Magazine’s prestigious Berkshire 25 list. Now in its 12th year, the annual honor celebrates 25 individuals who have made a significant impact on the Berkshire region in Massachusetts. Denmark, president and COO of MountainOne Insurance and executive vice president of MountainOne Bank, has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and evolution. Under his leadership, MountainOne Insurance has expanded from four offices to nine in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley. His strategic vision and commitment to community engagement have helped strengthen MountainOne’s presence and impact throughout the region. In addition to his leadership roles within MountainOne, Denmark serves as board chair of the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority; on the mayor’s economic development council, the finance committee of the Berkshire Innovation Center, and 1Berkshire; and as vice president of administration at Congregation Knesset Israel in Pittsfield. He also a member of the Housie Shakers, a band that performs at local venues and charitable events.
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Kristen Smidy
The Healey-Driscoll administration announced that Gov. Maura Healey has appointed Kristen Smidy as the newest member of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Smidy is a former teacher, principal, and superintendent with nearly 20 years of experience as an educator in Massachusetts. She currently serves as associate director for Accreditation and School Improvement on the New England Assoc. of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on Public Schools. Smidy joined NEASC in the fall of 2025 after almost five years as superintendent for the Gateway Regional School District in Huntington. She previously served as principal of Hampshire Regional High School and began her career as a sixth- and seventh-grade social studies teacher at Duggan Middle School in Springfield. She has served on the legislative committee for Massachusetts School Superintendents, the Connecticut Valley Superintendent Roundtable executive board, and the Massachusetts Inclusive Higher Education task force. She is a graduate of UMass Amherst and Boston University.
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The Springfield Thunderbirds announced a hire and several promotions to its business staff heading into the new season. Sophia Mackin has been hired as coordinator of Digital & Social Media, Frank Grimaldi has been promoted to director of Ticket Operations & Retention, and Steve Brousseau has been promoted to senior account executive. Mackin joins the Thunderbirds after serving as a Social & Digital Media intern with the team for the previous two seasons. She graduated from UMass Amherst in May. Grimaldi is an original staff member of the Thunderbirds front office, having been with the club since the team’s inception in 2016. He served as an account executive from 2016 to 2018 before transitioning to Ticket Operations & Retention before the 2018-19 season. He is an alumnus of Western New England University. Brousseau joined the Thunderbirds front office full-time during the 2021-22 season after spending two seasons as a game-day intern with the team. He has been recognized for his excellence, having been named a finalist for the Howdy Award this past April for outstanding customer service in the hospitality industry. He is an alumnus of Springfield College. In addition, the Thunderbirds have also appointed Andrew “Guam” McCormic as Retail Office coordinator and Ethan Vattaso as Gameday Operations assistant. McCormic served as Gameday Operations assistant last season before transitioning into his new role, where he will assist in gameday merchandise and retail sales. He is a 2025 graduate of Springfield College and will be entering his fourth season with the T-Birds organization. Vattaso, a current undergraduate at Springfield College, is entering his third season as part of the Thunderbirds’ gameday staff. He will manage the staff and oversee live entertainment elements throughout home game nights at the MassMutual Center this season.
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Donna Bishop
MountainOne Insurance Agency announced the promotion of Donna Bishop to senior vice president, Commercial Lines Operations manager. Bishop is recognized as a leading authority in commercial lines insurance and holds the prestigious certified risk manager designation. Her knowledge of insurance carriers, coverage solutions, and operational strategy has been instrumental in strengthening the agency’s commercial infrastructure. She has played a vital role in launching the small business unit and has led process improvements, including key workflow optimizations. Bishop’s leadership continues to shape the agency’s success through strategic carrier negotiations, regulatory oversight, and long-term planning.
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Julianne Fruscio
Chikmedia, a boutique firm specializing in marketing, public relations, branding, and design, announced the addition of Julianne Fruscio to its growing creative team as a content producer. With more than a decade of expertise in marketing strategy, social media, and brand development, she brings a proven ability to craft impactful content that drives engagement, strengthens brand presence, and fuels growth. Fruscio is a seasoned marketing director, social media influencer, and expert in content creation, with extensive experience developing innovative campaigns for major brands, including her work with Amazon and Comfrt. She specializes in brand positioning, storytelling, and creative direction, consistently producing results-driven content that captivates audiences and boosts conversions. In addition to her corporate achievements, Fruscio has built a thriving body positivity community, showcasing her talent for fostering authentic engagement and inspiring audiences. Her strengths in trend analysis, content planning, and visual production ensure that the brands she works with achieve consistent growth and lasting impact. She holds a bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications. Prior to joining Chikmedia, she served as director of Marketing, Retention, and Field Services at Dominion Dealer Solutions, as well as Business Development and Marketing specialist at Excelsior Integrated.
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Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a labor and employment law firm serving employers in the Greater Springfield and Worcester areas, announced that one of its partners, Timothy Murphy, has been recognized once again by his peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America list for 2026. He is listed in three fields: employment law – management, labor law – management, and litigation – labor and employment. Focusing his practice on labor relations, union avoidance, collective bargaining and arbitration, employment litigation, and employment counseling, Murphy has been included in Best Lawyers in America every year since 2013 and was Lawyer of the Year in 2015, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2025. Murphy is very active within the local community, sitting on boards of directors for several area organizations, such as the Human Service Forum and Community Legal Aid. He also is a member of the World Affairs Council.
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Caroline Morrissey
West Springfield native Caroline Morrissey has been named the first executive director of the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England (ICCWNE), bringing with her a wealth of global experience and a deep passion for Irish heritage. Morrissey, a Colby College alumna, earned her master’s degree in international administration with a policy focus from the University of Denver. She spent nearly a decade working in post-conflict zones across Africa, most recently serving with President Carter’s the Carter Center in Liberia, before returning to Western Mass. just before the pandemic. Since returning, she has been an active member of the ICCWNE’s events committee, where she founded the new book club — a now-thriving literary group that she continues to moderate monthly. In summer 2024, she took on a larger leadership role by joining the board of directors. The newly established executive director position is made possible in part through the support of the government of Ireland. Serving as the ICCWNE’s chief administrator, Morrissey will oversee daily operations, guide the implementation of the strategic plan, and expand cultural programming and community reach.
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Zeno Temple
Zeno Temple recently joined the Royal Law Firm as a legal assistant. He manages attorney calendars and deadlines; assists with litigation management, including drafting pleadings, discovery, and motions; and helps organize federal and state case files, pretrial documents, and exhibits. Temple is completing his juris doctorate at Western New England University School of Law in the evening division. He has experience as a paralegal, supporting litigation in family law and civil matters, as well as externships in state and federal agencies where he assisted with legal research, drafting, and case management. Outside the office, he is active in community service and mentoring programs.
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MountainOne Insurance Agency announced the promotion of Jennifer Smith to Senior Personal Lines account manager, a new, leadership-level role that recognizes team members who bring exceptional experience, knowledge, and client service to the agency. Smith delivers a thoughtful and client-focused approach to every interaction and has a reputation for explaining complex insurance details clearly and confidently, making her a trusted advisor to both clients and colleagues. She is also deeply committed to her community and actively supports the National Alliance on Mental Illness and mental health advocacy efforts.
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Jon Berthiaume
Dr. Natasha McKay
Dr. Mark Keroack
The Springfield Museums elected new members to its board of trustees at its annual meeting of corporators, held Sept. 24. The newly elected trustees are Jon Berthiaume and Dr. Natasha McKay, with Dr. Mark Keroack named board chair. Kate Kane was also named to the trustees emeriti and two new corporators were elected as well, bringing the total number of Springfield Museums corporators to 325. Former CEO of Baystate Health, Keroack has served on several local boards focused on improving the quality of life in Springfield and across Western Mass., as well as several state and national boards. During his time at Baystate Health, he expanded the reach and variety of its clinical services by overseeing the implementation of two new community hospitals, as well as growing its outpatient practices. He also provides strategic oversight for philanthropic and community benefits activities in support of the health system. Berthiaume has served in executive brand marketing leadership roles at MassMutual and eBay. In his positions, Jon has stewarded brands including American Express, Deloitte, and Walmart to focus on portfolio and architecture strategy and new brand introductions, and he has led global go-to-market activations. He is currently a board member for the Spirit of Springfield Inc. and was banquet co-chair for the 2020 National Conference for Community and Justice. He is a member of the Springfield Museums’ marketing, communications and community relations and Mi Museo committees. Since relocating to the Springfield area from New York City in 2005 to join Mercy Medical Center as a neurosurgeon, McKay has held positions such as serving on the board of directors of the Colony Club and is currently completing her second term on the board of the YWCA, where she served four years as chair of governance and two as vice president. She also serves on the board of directors of Mercy Medical Center. She has been a long-time member of the Society of William Rice, joined the subcommittee, and serves on the collections committee. Kane, a wealth management advisor for Northwestern Mutual and board chair at Elms College, has been a long-time supporter of the Springfield Museums in many different capacities. She is a former trustee, committee member, volunteer, and Society of William Rice member. She also helped organize the Museums’ ad hoc inclusion task force when she was chair, as well as helped the Museums pivot its strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among many regional awards, she was honored as a Difference Maker by BusinessWest in the inaugural class of 2009.
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BFAIR (Berkshire Family and Individual Resources) announced the promotion of Macayla Flanigan to the position of director of Learning and Employee Development. Flanigan began her journey with BFAIR as a part-time administrative assistant and has since demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and a strong commitment to excellence. Most recently serving as lead administrative assistant, she played a key role in advancing several agency initiatives, including chairing the wellness committee, co-chairing the IT development committee, and actively serving on the employee engagement and entertainment committees. In her new role, she will lead BFAIR’s initiatives to enhance staff training, foster professional growth, and strengthen employee engagement across the agency. A graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Flanigan has also worked as a business support specialist, guiding clients in areas such as social media and podcast production, CRM management, e-marketing operations, and administrative support.
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Barney Garcia
Barney Garcia was elected as a student trustee for Westfield State University’s board of trustees for the 2025-26 academic year. Garcia is a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration in public administration and brings a record of public service and campus leadership to the board. He recently served as a Senate fellow for Massachusetts state Sen. Adam Gomez. In 2023, he also completed a Local Commonwealth Municipal Finance Fellowship through the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services. Before transferring to Westfield, Garcia served a one-year term as the student trustee on Holyoke Community College’s board of trustees (2023-24), where he also completed an associate degree in business administration. Garcia is the co-founder and president of the Queer Straight Alliance at Westfield State. In addition, he is a commuter representative on the Student Government Assoc. and previously served on the Commuter Council.
