People on the Move
Ella Nathanael Alkiewicz
Michael Brown
Cheyenne Burnham
Jeffrey Hoess-Brooks
Catherine Reed
Mark Tajima
Isaac Weiner
The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) welcomed seven new members to its board of directors during its first meeting of 2026. Ella Nathanael Alkiewicz is founder and owner of Ella Alk Inuk LLC in Northampton. A commissioned artist, published author, and Main Street business owner, she holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Salem State University, a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a certificate in Native American studies from UMass Amherst, and a master of fine arts degree in creative writing (nonfiction) from Lesley University. Michael Brown is a financial planner with the Davis Financial Group in Hadley. He brings extensive board and nonprofit leadership experience, strong financial expertise, and long-standing involvement with chambers of commerce. He holds a PhD in English from Indiana University, a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish from Southern Methodist University, and a financial planning certificate from Boston University. Cheyenne Burnham is Public Engagement manager for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in Chicopee. With a background in food security and hands-on expertise in fundraising, event coordination, budgeting, and volunteer management, Burnham is particularly interested in economic development initiatives that strengthen community impact and resilience. She holds a Bachelor of Science from James Madison University. Jeffrey Hoess-Brooks, owner and Realtor at HB Real Estate, with offices in Northampton, Chicopee, and Wilbraham, joins the board with deep experience in marketing, finance, customer relations, tourism, and hospitality, along with vast knowledge of the regional real estate market. He is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, where he studied culinary arts. Catherine Reed is executive director of Operations at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, where she has overseen major operational initiatives, including clinical systems integration, urgent care expansion, and critical COVID-19 response programs. A member of the GNCC finance committee, Reed holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from SUNY Fredonia. Mark Tajima is owner and partner at B. Alpha Construction LLC in Chicopee. With a strong background in construction and entrepreneurial management, his expertise includes sales and marketing, strategic planning, fundraising, and product development and expansion. Tajima studied Asian studies and French literature at Connecticut College and received a master’s degree in elementary education and conflict resolution from Lesley University. Isaac Weiner is co-owner/operator of Familiars Coffee and Tea in Northampton and Florence Pie Bar. Known for his visionary leadership and collaborative spirit, Weiner enhances GNCC’s capacity to foster coalitions and gain alignment on community-centered business development, downtown activation, and economic growth. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn.
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Mayhew Steel Products Inc. announced that Lucy Hawkins has been named strategic account manager. With more than a decade of experience supporting manufacturing and distribution teams across customer service, operations, and sales, Hawkins will lead growth for Mayhew’s cable ties product line and help strengthen partnerships with distributors and customers. Before joining Mayhew Tools, Hawkins served as an account executive at Oliver Inc., where she was a trusted advisor to key accounts and led design projects from concept to completion. Her background also includes a role as assistant Operations manager at GDU LLC, managing supply chain operations, procurement, and vendor sourcing. Additionally, as an inside sales technical manager for Azelis Americas, she managed a sales team, drove process improvements, and contributed to significant business growth. Her extensive experience in building strategic relationships and executing projects will be invaluable to Mayhew’s cable tie business.
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Peter Pan Bus Lines announced key leadership promotions as the company looks ahead to 2026. Lauryn Picknelly-DuBois was promoted to vice president, Finance, while Peter B. Picknelly was promoted to vice president. These promotions signify the continued legacy of the Picknelly family and mark the addition of the fourth generation of family executives to lead the company. Founded in 1933 by Peter Carmine Picknelly, Peter Pan Bus Lines began as a small transportation company rooted in service and community. From those humble beginnings, the company has grown into one of the nation’s largest family-owned and -operated inter-city bus companies, delivering safe, reliable transportation across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. For nearly a century, Peter Pan Bus Lines has remained family-owned, with each generation building upon the vision, values, and resilience established by the founder.
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The WooSox Foundation recognized Jodie Gerulaitis, first vice president of Community Relations at Country Bank, during its recent fourth annual WooSox Foundation Honors Gala. She was honored for her outstanding contributions to the community, particularly in advancing education across Central and Western Mass. Gerulaitis leads Country Bank’s community relations and financial literacy initiatives, delivering education programs that empower children with essential money management skills. She also spearheads the bank’s partnership with the WooSox Foundation Most Valuable Teacher program, an initiative that celebrates and elevates educators who make a meaningful difference in students’ lives throughout the region.
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Jennifer Baril
Berkshire United Way (BUW) announced that Jennifer Baril has been named its new director of Development. Baril has more than 25 years of fundraising experience designing and implementing results-driven programs for community service, education, and healthcare organizations. Previous positions include director of Fund Development for Health Equity Solutions, senior director of Fundraising for the Center for Human Development, senior Major Gifts officer at Western New England University, Philanthropy officer at Baystate Health, director of Development for Girls Inc. of Holyoke, and, at Smith College, assistant director of the Alumnae Fund followed by Major Gifts officer. She currently serves as board president of Holyoke’s only free after-school program, Homework House, and previously served with Volunteers in Service to America in Los Angeles. Baril earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMass Amherst and a master’s degree from UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management.
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Advantage Truck Group (ATG) has named its 2025 Pete DePina Legacy Award winners, recognizing one individual at each of its eight dealerships across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont for making an impact on their fellow employees, customers, and the company. Nick McIntire, warranty administrator, received the legacy award for ATG’s Westfield facility. The highest recognition an ATG team member can receive, this award is given annually to one team member at each of ATG’s eight locations who most embodies the values and qualities employee Napoleon “Pete” DePina was known for, including integrity and a quiet leadership grounded in humility, generosity, and selfless service to others. ATG team members were nominated by their peers for the award. Winners were presented with a monetary award that they will continue to receive as part of their profit sharing bonus each year throughout their employment with the company.
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The Applied Mortgage Team of HMA Mortgage announced that Jessica LaMothe, loan partner and member of the Applied Mortgage Team, was honored with the Rising Star Award by the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Assoc. at its Award Breakfast on Jan. 21. This prestigious recognition celebrates emerging leaders in the mortgage industry who demonstrate exceptional performance, dedication, and promise for continued success. The Rising Star Award was created to recognize exceptional up-and-coming association member professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, dedication to their profession, and a strong commitment to excellence. Lamothe began her professional journey working alongside Nicole Laurie, Applied Mortgage Team Operations lead, in the retail industry before being recruited into the mortgage business in 2016. In her current role, Lamothe works closely with the loan origination team to guide each homebuyer from preapproval to closing and beyond. She serves as a key point of communication among all parties involved, including homebuyers and homeowners, Realtors, attorneys, and insurance agents to ensure every transaction is seamless and exceeds expectations.
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The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) announced that Ken Comia, director of the Land Use and Environment Department, has been officially elected president of the American Planning Assoc. – Massachusetts Chapter (APA-MA). Comia previously served as vice president for four years and brings extensive experience in regional planning, sustainability, and community engagement to this leadership role. “I am honored to serve as APA-MA president,” Comia said. “Over the past four years as vice president, I’ve seen firsthand the talent and dedication of planners across Massachusetts. I look forward to working with colleagues statewide to strengthen communities, foster equity, and advance innovative planning solutions.”
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Meghan Boone
Tony Trinchini
MP CPAs recently announced two promotions. Meghan Boone has been promoted to Audit manager with the firm. She manages audits, reviews, and compilations for small to medium-sized businesses. She also manages audits of Massachusetts charter schools (governmental entities), nonprofit organizations, and employee benefit plans. Boone, who joined the firm in 2020, holds both a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in accounting from Westfield State University. She is a certified public accountant and a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she is active in the community by participating in various fundraising and networking events. Tony Trinchini has been promoted to tax manager with the firm. He provides consulting and tax solutions to a diverse group of clients, including individuals, estates, trusts, partnerships, and corporations. He specializes in working with high-net-worth clients and family offices. Trinchini, who joined the firm in 2020, holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Western New England University and a master’s degree in accounting from UMass Amherst. He remains involved in recruiting and mentorship efforts with his alma maters.
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The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England (ICCWNE) announced several recent appointments to its executive committee and board of directors. President Sean Cahillane, Vice Presidents Ed Sullivan and Kevin O’Connor, Treasurer Stephanie Joyce, and Secretary Lynn McCarthy have been formally approved as the ICCWNE’s executive committee and voted in by the full board of directors. The executive committee serves as the ICCWNE’s core leadership team, helping guide major decisions, support organizational planning, and ensure smooth and effective operation. It works closely with the executive director in day-to-day operations and ensures that key decisions are made efficiently and responsibly. The ICCWNE has also elected new members to its board of directors. Hilary Sullivan and Brendan Fitzgerald recently joined the board and are committed to helping the ICCWNE grow as a center of Irish culture and community in Western New England.
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Dakin Humane Society has named Dr. Katie Spaulding medical director of its organization, according to Executive Director Meg Talbert. Recently, Spaulding worked as an infection preventionist for the Hawaii State Department of Health and served as a One Health Subcommittee member for the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists’ Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Task Force. While living in Hawaii, she spent six years working with various animal welfare organizations across the islands to provide accessible veterinary care and perform surgical sterilization for the free-roaming cat population there. She also worked as a marine animal stranding volunteer veterinarian with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources, and was hired as a veterinarian for the Marine Mammal Center’s Ke Kai Ola Hawaiian monk seal hospital. Spaulding began practicing shelter medicine at Dakin Humane Society in 2010 as the Adoption Center Veterinarian, and is particularly interested in infectious disease prevention and control, as well as antimicrobial resistance. She also has a special interest in alternative sterilization methods to traditional spay/neuter for the management of free-roaming cat populations. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology and ecology from UMass Amherst and holds a dual doctor of veterinary medicine/master of public health degree from Iowa State University/University of Iowa.
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North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) announced the retirement of Donna Boulanger from the bank’s board of directors, effective Jan. 12. Boulanger’s retirement marks the end of an era of leadership, growth, and community impact that has defined her remarkable career. Boulanger has been a driving force in the bank’s success over the years, most notably during her role as president and CEO from 2008 to 2022, as the first woman to lead the bank since it was founded. Her leadership steered the bank through a transformative period of growth and strategic expansion. Under her guidance as president and CEO, the bank’s asset size more than doubled, significantly strengthening its financial standing and enhancing its ability to serve customers throughout the community. During her tenure, Boulanger led the acquisition of Family First Bank, a strategic move that expanded the bank’s footprint, enhanced service offerings, and strengthened its commitment to maintaining local banking relationships. Upon retirement from the bank, Boulanger served as chair of the NBSB board of directors. She also served on the boards of the Depositors Insurance Fund, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, and the Federal Reserve of Boston.
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Michael Fenton
Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., a regional law firm with offices in Springfield and Northampton, announced that Shareholder Michael Fenton has been named a 2025 Go To Lawyer in the field of commercial real estate by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The annual list recognizes fewer than 40 top-tier attorneys who demonstrate excellence in their practice area and are regarded as leaders by their peers. Fenton is the only lawyer from Western Mass. to be selected for this prestigious list. Fenton, who has practiced law for more than a decade, was recognized for his extensive work in commercial real estate and finance, including tax-exempt bond financing and business planning. His passion for the field began early in his career. Fenton’s legal practice is marked by a deep understanding of title work, financing, permitting, and development — skills that make him an invaluable resource for both clients and colleagues. In addition to his legal work, he has served as a member of the Springfield City Council for more than 16 years. He currently serves as an adjunct professor of Corporate Finance at Western New England University School of Law and is actively involved in civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Conservation Law Foundation’s Legal Services Food Hub.
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The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced the addition of two community members, Dr. Elizabeth Eagleson and Ariana Williams, to its board of directors. Both bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity in the region. Other changes to the board include the appointments of Omar Irizarry as president, Stephen Speelman as vice president, and Mary McGovern as treasurer. Shannon Wilson remains as clerk. Eagleson is a board-certified internist and assistant professor of Medicine affiliated with Baystate Medical Center and Baystate Brightwood Health Center in Springfield. She provides comprehensive adult internal medicine care and sees patients at Baystate’s Brightwood location. Williams is a visionary public health strategist, nonprofit leader, grant writer, and consultant dedicated to advancing health equity through systems-level innovation. As chief of Public Health Strategy & Innovation at Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, she designs and implements bold, measurable initiatives that address systemic health disparities, integrate cross-sector partnerships, and strengthen community resilience. She is also the founder and CEO of Catalyst for Equity Consulting, where she helps nonprofits bridge the gap between the public health and nonprofit sectors, aligning with funding priorities, developing evidence-based programs, and driving systemic change.
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Local nonprofit community behavioral health agency Clinical & Support Options (CSO) announced the appointment of Yaw Gyebi Jr. as the agency’s internal general counsel. Gyebi is a graduate of Connecticut College and Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. He has more than 20 years of experience as an attorney and executive leader across state and federal agencies. Most recently, he served as district director at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, overseeing complex investigations, litigation decisions, and large, multi-disciplinary teams. His background also includes senior leadership and general counsel roles in Massachusetts regulatory and enforcement agencies, with deep expertise in compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution.
