PITTSFIELD — 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.

Founded more than two decades ago, the Berkshire County Development Alliance is an informal group of more than 150 development professionals who represent Berkshire area nonprofit organizations in a fundraising capacity. Members gather up to six times per year to share information and engage in dialogue about advancement issues affecting the industry. There are no fees to join, and the group is open to all interested parties.

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire County Development Alliance (BCDA) will host a roundtable on stewardship best practices on Tuesday, April 14 from 4:45 to 6 p.m. at Ventfort Hall, 104 Walker St., Lenox.

This informal session will focus on practical, real-world approaches to donor stewardship. Attendees are invited to bring their favorite tips, tools, and tricks and participate in an open discussion to share resources, strategies, and ideas with fellow development professionals and volunteers from across Berkshire County.

“Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser, newer to development work, or simply interested in strengthening relationships with supporters, this roundtable is a chance to learn from peers, exchange ideas, and build community in a relaxed, collegial setting,” BCDA stated.

The event is free to attend, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. RSVP by April 10 at [email protected].

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire County Development Alliance (BCDA) will host an informal networking mixer on Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Hot Plate Brewing Co., located at 1 School St., Pittsfield.

All are invited to drop by after work, grab a drink, and connect with fellow development professionals, volunteers, and community members from across Berkshire County. This get-together is a relaxed way to meet new people, share ideas, make connections, and learn about what others are working on in the area — no pitches or presentations required.

“Whether you’re a veteran in the nonprofit sector, just getting started, or simply want to meet some new faces and learn more about what’s happening locally, we’d love to see you,” the BCDA stated. “Feel free to bring a friend or colleague.”

The event is free to attend. Light snacks and drinks are available for purchase from Hot Plate. RSVP is requested by Dec. 5 at [email protected], but walk-ins are welcome. Visit bit.ly/4cDsUjA to learn more.