People on the Move
Mary Lee Walsh
Mary Lee Walsh has started a full-time venture as executive assistant to the president and CEO of Eastern States Exposition (ESE). In this role, she will provide high-level administrative, operational, and strategic support to the CEO and Executive Office, ensuring seamless daily operations, proactive coordination, and clean communication across the organization. Walsh earned her bachelor’s degree in social science from Providence College. She also spent time studying abroad in London, England, through Richmond American University. Prior to joining ESE, Walsh’s career history prepared her to be a partner to senior executives, supporting them across complex, high-visibility industries. As associate director of Philanthropy at Shriner’s Children’s New England in Springfield, she managed a portfolio of donors, oversaw confidential records, and built relationships to advance the organization’s mission. She gained experience in major event management, taking responsibility for guest registration, logistics, and leadership briefings for the organization’s 100th anniversary gala. At Bay Path University, Walsh was assistant director of Alumni Relations and Engagement. During this time, she drafted executive communications, planned and executive more than 30 alumni events annually, and collaborated with the president’s office, university leadership, and the alumni community to cultivate strategic partnerships on behalf of the institution. Other roles that have prepared Walsh well for ESE include associate operations manager at Cap & Hitch of New England, executive assistant to the president and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts, director of Constituent Services for the office of state Sen. Eric Lesser, and director’s assistant for Everybody Hates Chris (2005-09) in Hollywood, Calif. Walsh is known for her philanthropic efforts outside of the workplace; she has served on the boards of directors for Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts and the Assoc. of Fundraising Professionals of Western Massachusetts. She has volunteered her time with Special Olympics Massachusetts, read-aloud programs through Springfield Public Schools, and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
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Claudia Quintero
On June 2, Central West Justice Center Director Claudia Quintero received the Legal Services Award from the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Quintero was honored as a champion of the clients she serves in her role as director of Central West Justice Center (CWJC), where she oversees a team of lawyers, paralegals, and staff who assist low-income and elderly clients with immigration, housing, and employment benefits in the five counties of Central and Western Mass. (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester). Since 2021, Quintero has also led the Fairness for Farmworkers Coalition, a group engaged in legislative advocacy to support a law that would entitle farm workers to a minimum wage and overtime pay. She has also taught students at Western New England University School of Law in Springfield since 2022.
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A new children’s book designed to inspire confidence, self-belief, and purpose in young readers is now available. Emilio and the Spirit Tunnel, written by Danielle Delgado, a local educator and school administrator in Springfield, tells the story of a young student who discovers the strength, resilience, and potential that have been within him all along. Set within a vibrant school community, the book follows Emilio as he navigates challenges, builds meaningful relationships, and learns to believe in himself. More than just a story, Emilio and the Spirit Tunnel highlights the important role that schools, families, and communities play in helping children develop confidence and a strong sense of identity. The book reflects Delgado’s real-life work as a principal, where she uses ‘spirit tunnels’ to harness the positive energy and enthusiasm of students and staff to build a sense of community. Her school’s spirit tunnels were inspired by and featured on The Jennifer Hudson Show. In addition to inspiring young readers, proceeds from Emilio and the Spirit Tunnel will support future generations through a scholarship fund that will help students pursue their educational goals and dreams.
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Gabriella Ofcarcik
Daniel McKellick II
Patricia Santana-Garcia
Monnea Slade
Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that Gabriella Ofcarcik, Daniel McKellick II, Patricia Santana-Garcia, and Monnea Slade have been accepted into the firm’s law clerk program for the 2026-27 school year. Ofcarcik joined Bacon Wilson in August 2025 as a law clerk in the firm’s Commercial Law department. She is currently pursuing her juris doctorate at Western New England University School of Law and is expected to graduate in May 2027. She earned her bachelor’s degree in legal studies from UMass Amherst in 2024. McKellick has spent much of his legal career with Bacon Wilson, beginning in June 2021 as an office assistant in the firm’s Westfield office. Throughout his tenure, he has gained experience in a wide range of legal matters, including drafting conveyance, mortgage, and corporate formation documents, while serving as a key point of contact for clients throughout the legal process. He is currently pursuing his juris doctorate at Western New England University School of Law and is expected to graduate in May 2027. Santana-Garcia joined Bacon Wilson in May 2026. She is currently a juris doctor candidate at Western New England University School of Law and is expected to graduate in May 2027. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in law and human rights, from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City in 2022. Slade joined Bacon Wilson in May 2026. She is currently pursuing her juris doctorate at Western New England University School of Law and is expected to graduate in May 2027. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, Md. in 2023.
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New Valley Bank & Trust announced the appointment of Aaron Goodman as chief lending officer. In his new role, Goodman will oversee and manage all lending activity for the bank, leading efforts to provide responsive, relationship-focused financial solutions to businesses and individuals throughout the region. He will work closely with the lending team to advance New Valley Bank & Trust’s lending objectives while maintaining the high standards of integrity, service, and local decision making that define the organization. Goodman brings a combination of banking expertise and real-world business experience to the position. As one of the original founders of New Valley Bank & Trust, he served on the bank’s board of directors and director’s loan committee from 2019 to 2022, helping guide the institution during its formative years. Throughout his career, he has successfully developed and managed a recycling business, a self-storage facility, and various real estate investments. His firsthand understanding of entrepreneurship and business operations provides valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing local business owners. As chief lending officer, Goodman will be responsible for overseeing commercial and consumer lending activities, supporting portfolio growth, and ensuring customers receive timely, personalized service tailored to their financial goals. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut.
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Stephanie Vincelette
bankESB announced the promotion of Stephanie Vincelette to vice president, Human Resources Operations, based at the bank’s 36 Main St. office in Easthampton. Vincelette joined the bank in 2012 as a part-time payroll specialist and has steadily advanced throughout her tenure, demonstrating a strong commitment to operational excellence and employee support. She has held several key roles in the Human Resources department, including payroll manager and human resources operations officer. Most recently, she served as assistant vice president, Human Resources Operations. In this expanded leadership role, Vincelette oversees the operations side of Human Resources, including payroll, benefits, compensation strategy, compliance, HRIS, and overall HR administration. The Human Resources Operations team serves as a shared services function across Hometown Financial Group, the parent company of bankESB, bankHometown, TruNorth Bank, and Hometown Mortgage, and has grown into a team of five under her leadership. Vincelette holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University and is certified as a senior professional in human resources (SPHR). Her career progression reflects both her adaptability and her leadership throughout a period of organizational growth, including multiple mergers and acquisitions that expanded the scope of her responsibilities. She has played an integral role in scaling HR operations to meet evolving business needs.
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Country Bank announced the recent promotions of seven employees across its commercial banking, retail banking, lending, and marketing divisions, recognizing their leadership, commitment to customers, and contributions to the bank’s continued growth and positive community impact. Angela Barahona was promoted to first vice president, Cash Management team lead. With a combined 24 years at the bank and extensive cash management experience, she has played an instrumental role in strengthening municipal and commercial banking relationships while helping advance the bank’s cash management strategy. Jennifer Bujnevicie was promoted to first vice president, Retail Banking regional manager. With more than 21 years of banking experience, she has driven significant consumer loan and deposit growth in the bank’s East Region and played a key role in opening several new banking centers. Cristina Consalvo was promoted to vice president, Marketing. Since joining the bank last year, she has leveraged her 14 years of marketing experience to lead strategic initiatives, including implementing and optimizing marketing automation systems to enhance lead generation, analytics, and overall marketing effectiveness. Sarah Yurkunas was promoted to vice president, commercial lender. A nearly 20-year veteran of the bank, she manages a substantial commercial lending portfolio, including complex construction and commercial relationships, while remaining actively involved in community initiatives throughout the region. Kimberly Eaton was promoted to assistant vice president, Retail Banking officer. Over the past four years, she has demonstrated strong leadership and sales performance, contributing to growth in the bank’s Worcester market. She is also deeply committed to community involvement, regularly volunteering at local events and organizations. Kelly Kemp was promoted to assistant vice president, Retail Lending officer. With more than 20 years of experience at Country Bank, she consistently delivers exceptional service and is highly regarded for her expertise in supporting homebuyers. She is also recognized for her strong commitment to community involvement. Janelle Soucia was promoted to assistant vice president, Retail Lending officer. Throughout her 19-year tenure with the bank, she has earned a reputation for outstanding customer service, strong sales performance, and active engagement in financial education and community outreach initiatives.
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Luis Márquez
UMass Amherst recently announced the appointment of Luis Márquez as the next director of the UMass Amherst Cranberry Station, an 11-acre working farm, research, and outreach facility located in East Wareham. Márquez brings more than two decades of experience spanning academia and agricultural biotechnology, with deep expertise in applied plant biology, soil health, plant-microbe interactions, and field-based research. Most recently, he served as chief technology officer at CryoBio, a startup incubated at Cornell’s Boyce Thompson Institute, and previously held leadership roles at Robigo, Joyn Bio/Ginkgo Bioworks, and Indigo Agriculture — organizations rooted in the Greater Boston and Northeast biotechnology ecosystem. His career has been marked by translating cutting-edge science into practical, grower-relevant solutions through large-scale field trials and collaborative research programs. Márquez succeeds Hilary Sandler, who retired in 2024.
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Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) announced the appointment of two new members to its board of directors: Chrissy Lynch, president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, and Michelle Schutt, president of Greenfield Community College. Together, they bring expertise and leadership experience in workforce development, labor, and higher education to the state’s clean energy and climatetech economic development agency. Lynch has served as president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO since October 2023. She previously served as the organization’s secretary-treasurer and chief of staff, and oversaw its political and legislative departments. Prior to AFL-CIO, she spent time as director of Operations for the Greater Boston Building Trades Unions, where she helped lead programs that advanced equity, inclusion, and community standards in the construction industry. She is a current member of LiUNA Local 22 and former member and steward of OPEIU Local 6. Schutt has served as president of Greenfield Community College since 2022. She has more than two decades of experience supporting students, staff, and faculty through her work in higher education leadership. Prior to leading Greenfield Community College, Schutt served as vice president of Learner and Community Services at the College of Southern Idaho, the state’s first Hispanic-serving institution.
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Berkshire County Development Alliance announced a new leadership team for the 2026-27 program year. Hannah Kogut and Kara Matthews will oversee group programming and operations. They succeed outgoing chairs Kate Gigliotti, Jackie Kelly-Olson, and Miranda Meyers. Kogut is a skilled, Berkshires-based arts and nonprofit professional with nearly a decade of experience spanning development, digital communications, and marketing. She currently serves as Membership and Stewardship coordinator at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, a regional performing arts organization with a multi-state donor base. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Clark University in film/video production and European history and a postgraduate certificate in museology from Tufts University. She is a Fulbright Summer Institute scholar and a graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program. Matthews is an experienced development professional with more than a decade of experience leading advancement efforts for arts, cultural, and social sector organizations. She currently serves as director of Institutional Giving at MASS MoCA. She holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from the New School and is based in North Adams.
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Soniha Nuzrat
Alvana Abedini
Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced that Design Associate Soniha Nuzrat has earned the credential of LEED accredited professional with a building design and construction specialty (LEED AP BD+C) through the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability in the built environment. The LEED AP BD+C designation denotes proficiency in current sustainable design, construction, and operations standards, and signifies expertise in green building and a LEED rating system. In order to achieve LEED certification, she completed a rigorous, multi-part exam to prove her knowledge on the subject. Nuzrat joined Dietz & Company Architects in 2023 after completing her master of architecture degree at Miami University in Ohio. Her current focus is on projects for multi-family housing, higher education, and municipalities. Dietz & Company Architects also announced that Alvana Abedini has joined the firm as a design associate. In this role, she will support project teams throughout all phases of design, bringing an approach rooted in creating spaces that focus on the connections between architecture, culture, community, and place. Abedini recently earned her master of architecture degree from the University of Hartford, where her thesis explored cultural preservation through hands-on learning, traditional crafts, storytelling, and intergenerational exchange, culminating in the design of a Center for Craftsmanship and Learning in Albania. During her academic career, she gained professional experience through internships with architectural firms in Connecticut, where she contributed to residential and mixed-use projects.
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Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced that five of its attorneys have been recognized on the 2026 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. The four Super Lawyers are Marylou Fabbo, who has been a partner at the firm for more than 30 years and heads the firm’s immigration team; Timothy Murphy, a partner whose practice spans labor relations, union campaigns, collective bargaining and arbitration, and employment litigation; John Gannon, a partner whose practice focuses on employment litigation, personnel policies and practices review, wage and hour compliance, non-compete and trade secrets litigation, and OSHA compliance; and Erica Flores, a partner whose practice involves employment litigation in state and federal courts and agencies; class and collective action wage and hour litigation; discrimination, harassment, and retaliation defense; and counseling employers on day-to-day employment issues. Named a Rising Star is Amelia Holstrom, a partner whose practice covers employment litigation, labor relations, advice and training, litigation avoidance, wage and hour compliance, and MCAD and EEOC proceedings.
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In acknowledgement of his demonstrated excellence in driving business success, Beacon Bank Chief Marketing Officer Gary Levante has been recognized as a finalist in the inaugural BostonCMO ORBIE Awards. The 2026 BostonCMO ORBIE Awards honor chief marketing officers with proven leadership and management effectiveness, business value driven by marketing initiatives, and engagement in industry and community endeavors. Finalists were selected through an independent, peer-adjudicated process led by prior ORBIE recipients in categories based upon the size and scope of their organization and responsibilities. In his role, Levante is responsible for advancing Beacon Bank’s strategic goals by establishing the bank’s brand, deepening client engagement, and delivering integrated marketing and communications programs. He works closely with other members of the leadership team and board to strengthen the brand and deepen the bank’s connection to its employees, clients, and broader communities.
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Annie Connor
Community Legal Aid, a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services annually to more than 9,000 low-income and elderly residents of Central and Western Mass., has named new managing attorneys for its operations in Franklin and Hampshire counties. Annie Connor has been named managing attorney of Community Legal Aid’s Northampton office, which serves Hampshire County residents. Connor joined Community Legal Aid in 2022 as a staff attorney with the CORI & Re-Entry Unit and then became the coordinating attorney for that unit in 2023. She came to Community Legal Aid from the city of Somerville Mayor’s Office, where she served as director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Legislative Liaison under Mayor Joseph Curtatone. Prior to that, Connor spent five years as a public defender at the Committee for Public Counsel Services in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Worcester. A graduate of Northeastern University School of Law, she also holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College. Santina Sciaba-Douglas has been named managing attorney for Community Legal Aid’s Greenfield office, which services Franklin County residents. After graduating from Western New England University School of law, Sciaba-Douglas began her legal career as a law clerk to the judges of the Western Massachusetts Superior Court. She then worked as a special attorney general for the Massachusetts Department of Health’s Lead Program while also representing individuals facing involuntary treatment hearings, monitoring court-approved treatment programs, and serving as guardian ad litem through the Committee for Public Council Services. Sciaba-Douglas also worked at the Center for Public Representation (CPR) for close to 20 years, representing individuals appealing the denial of Social Security benefits at all levels of the administrative appeal process, including in federal court. While at CPR, she also advocated for students with disabilities seeking special education services and challenging school suspension and/or expulsion. Prior to joining Community Legal Aid, she served as deputy executive director and interim executive director for Disability Rights CT. She is a native Spanish speaker. Connor and Sciaba-Douglas are replacing Jennifer Dieringer, who led the Northampton office since 2011 and the Greenfield office since it opened in 2024. Dieringer is leaving Community Legal Aid for a position as a full-time lecturer at UMass Amherst.
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Officials of Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD) announced that Bert Carter will retire at the end of the current school year, effective June 30, ending a 13-year tenure as head of the school. Carter led the school after serving as the top executive at the Austine School for the Deaf in Vermont. He succeeded former WRSD President and CEO Lou Abbate. Carter’s road to a career in deaf education started with an internship at the Boston School for the Deaf while in graduate school at Lesley College in Cambridge. While pursuing a PhD in deafness rehabilitation from New York University, he accepted a position as program director at the Connecticut-based Family Services Woodfield, now known as Lifebridge, as director of Deaf Services. During his tenure there, he grew the program from one full-time employee to 90 employees. He then went on to become president and CEO of Austine School for the Deaf, where he served until his hiring at WRSD in 2013. During Carter’s tenure at WRSD, the school’s outreach program has more than doubled; a more than $2 million renovation of the school’s Longmeadow campus was completed, transforming its Sidney M. Cooley Administration Building; and a partnership with Bay Path University was formed, where the university houses WRSD’s early education programming in renovated former student dorm space to address the needs of a growing early childhood education program.
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The Hampden County Bar Assoc. (HCBA) held its annual meeting, vendor show, and member reception on June 18 at the Springfield Sheraton. Attorney Stephen Holstrom from Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas, LLP was sworn in as HCBA president for the 2026-27 year by retired Superior Court Judge Mary-Lou Rup. Attorney Charles Casartello Jr. of Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. was presented with the Thomas A. Kenefick III Memorial Award for Leadership & Professionalism. The award was presented by his son, attorney Tyler Kenefick.
