PITTSFIELD — Beacon Bank has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s best regional banks for 2026, receiving the highest possible rating of five stars.

Beacon Bank was selected from more than 8,800 banks and credit unions across the country that are committed to powering local economies by supporting businesses, financing community projects, and providing reliable access to everyday banking services. Results were based on a comprehensive research study that combined, among other metrics, financial benchmarking, a large-scale independent customer survey, and millions of digital reviews.

“We are honored to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Regional Banks,” said Gary Levante, Beacon Bank’s chief marketing officer. “This distinction reflects the trust our clients place in us, strength of our capabilities, and our commitment to delivering expert guidance, personalized support, and local decision making that help our clients be ready for tomorrow, today. We remain focused every day on being a strong, reliable partner that provides clear guidance, personalized support, and decisions made close to home, so our clients can move forward with confidence.”

SPRINGFIELD — Beacon Bank, in partnership with Pawtucket Central Falls (PCF) Development, will host a free virtual workshop for first-time homebuyers on Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30 p.m. to commemorate National Homeownership Month.

The live Zoom workshop, “Introduction to Homeownership & Financial Wellness,” will cover the following homeownership topics: education about the process, financial readiness, credit readiness, mortgage readiness, and preparing for the ongoing responsibilities of a homeowner. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. Click here to register.

First-time homebuyers, renters exploring your options, or anyone simply interested in building long-term financial confidence are encouraged to reserve a spot. Workshop participants will gain valuable insights from HUD-certified Housing Counselor Dianny Melusky from PCF Development, as well as Mortgage Specialists Stephanie Silva and Kathy Galipeau from Beacon Bank.

“PCF Development’s partnership with Beacon Bank reflects a shared commitment to empowering consumers and creating stronger, more financially resilient communities,” said Linda Weisinger, CEO of PCF Development. “We believe education is a critical pillar of sustainable homeownership, and this workshop serves an important need in our community by equipping individuals with practical financial knowledge for long-term success.”

BOSTON — On the eve of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Beacon Bank announced free access at all branches to an on-demand service that connects visually impaired users to live, real-time guides who provide assistance through an app using the camera and microphone on the user’s mobile phone.

The Aira Explorer service is available at the bank’s 145 branches, as well as for those who require additional assistance to access visual information in online banking and the bank’s mobile app. Among other things, it provides support navigating branches, reading statements, using ATMs, making transactions, and accessing online and mobile banking.

Every call is picked up by a professional visual interpreter who signs a confidentiality agreement and has rigorous training in privacy and security. Aira Explorer offers a number of minutes-based subscription plans, but the service is available at no cost for anyone with a free or paid account while visiting any Beacon Bank branch or using the bank’s online or mobile banking.

“We’re committed to providing welcoming, accessible banking services for all members of our community,” said Ian Perrault, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specialist and liaison at Beacon Bank. “By offering Aira Explorer online and at all of our locations, we are helping ensure clients who need additional support can bank with greater confidence, independence, and ease.”

Everette Bacon, Aira’s chief of Blindness Initiatives, added that “banking is a high-detail, everyday task that can present barriers when visual information isn’t available. That’s why we’re especially pleased to work with Aira Explorer Access Partners like Beacon Bank that provide visitors with secure, high-quality visual interpreting so that they can bank with confidence.”

PITTSFIELD — Beacon Bank and the bank’s foundation invested nearly $600,000 in its communities through charitable giving and sponsorships involving more than 130 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont from January to March.

“When we invest locally, we see the impact firsthand,” said James Morris IV, president of the bank’s Berkshire & Capital region. “Our charitable giving supports the organizations that are making a meaningful difference right here in the communities where our clients and colleagues live.”

Examples of nonprofits that received funding in the first quarter include Berkshire Community College Foundation, Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation, Community Access to the Arts Inc., Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center Inc., and Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires Inc.

Beacon Bank invests in the success and vibrancy of its local communities by supporting programs and organizations that focus on one of three areas: neighborhood revitalization and preservation, education, and critical services.

Gary Levante

BOSTON — Beacon Financial Corporation, the holding company for Beacon Bank, announced the appointment of Gary Levante as chief Marketing officer.

As a member of the executive management committee, Levante reports to President and CEO Paul Perrault and leads all aspects of the brand strategy, marketing, communications, and public affairs for the company.

In this role, he is responsible for advancing the company’s strategic goals by establishing Beacon’s new brand, deepening client engagement, and delivering integrated marketing and communications programs. He will work closely with other members of the leadership team and board to strengthen the brand and deepen Beacon’s connection to its employees, clients and broader communities. Most recently, Levante served as chief Communication & Sustainability officer of Berkshire Bank, which he joined in 2010.

“Gary’s extensive subject matter expertise; ability to drive business growth, navigate complex topics, and build high-performing teams; and deep understanding of our business, clients, and communities make him the ideal choice for this critical executive role,” Perrault said.

Levante is committed to giving back to his communities, including as chairperson for the national nonprofit America’s Charities, a member of the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. state legislative & regulatory affairs committee, trustee with the bank’s foundation, board member of Berkshire Omega, and vice chair of the city of Pittsfield’s Community Development Board.

“I’m honored to lead the creation and rollout of the new Beacon Bank brand at this pivotal moment in our company’s journey,” Levante said. “We have a differentiated value proposition built on a foundation of strength and trust nearly 200 years in the making. I look forward to partnering with the management committee, board, and all my Beacon colleagues to establish the brand, strengthen client experience, support disciplined growth across our business, and enhance long-term value for our clients and stockholders.”

PITTSFIELD — Beacon Bank and the bank’s foundation invested more than $2.6 million in its communities in 2025 through grants to more than 650 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

“When we support our communities close to home, the impact is personal,” said James Morris IV, president of the bank’s Berkshire & Capital Region. “Our charitable giving reflects our belief that lasting change starts locally, where it can make the greatest difference.”

Beacon Bank invests in the success and vibrancy of its local communities by supporting programs and organizations that focus on one of three areas: neighborhood revitalization and preservation, education, and critical services.

“We believe thriving communities are built through collaboration and care,” said Lori Kiely, director of the bank’s foundation and charitable giving. “Supporting local nonprofits is important to us because it helps expand opportunity, strengthen connections, and create lasting, positive change in the communities that Beacon Bank serves.”

PITTSFIELD — Beacon Bank, in partnership with Pawtucket Central Falls Development, will host a free, virtual workshop for first-time homebuyers on Wednesday, April 8 at 5:30 p.m. to commemorate national Financial Literacy Month.

The live Zoom workshop, “Financial Skills Every Successful Homebuyer Should Know,” will cover topics such as understanding one’s credit, specifics of the homebuying process, and important money skills for homeownership, and will be followed by a Q&A session. To register, participants can click here to sign up online or email Dianny Melusky from Pawtucket Central Falls Development at [email protected].

Participants will hear from Beacon Bank Mortgage Specialists Stephanie Silva and Kathy Galipeau, as well as Melusky. First-time homebuyers, renters considering homeownership, and anyone simply interested in building financial confidence for the future are encouraged to reserve a spot. For more information, contact Melusky at [email protected] or (413) 726-1173, ext. 12.