PITTSFIELD — Berkshire United Way (BUW) has awarded $51,630 to 15 local organizations to strengthen food distribution efforts in response to rising food insecurity and recent disruptions in federal assistance programs such as SNAP.

Following a thorough application and review process, BUW provided funding to Berkshire Bounty, Berkshire Community College Foundation, Berkshire Dream Center, Berkshire Grown, the Christian Center, Community Health Programs (CHP), First United Methodist Church, Friends of the Pittsfield Senior Center, Great Barrington Farmers Market, the People’s Pantry, Pittsfield Community Food Pantry, seeing rainbows, Sonrisas, Village Food Box, and Westside Legends.

“We will absolutely put these funds to good use. Your efforts to raise funds and distribute them so quickly are incredible,” said Bethany Kieley, CEO of CHP.

“This aid is exceptionally meaningful for our community at this time and is deeply appreciated,” added maayan nuri héd, executive director of seeing rainbows.

The funding combines local donations with support from the United Response Fund, which enabled all 13 United Ways in Massachusetts to expand and stabilize food access through increased pantry capacity, direct financial relief, and culturally appropriate food options.

“None of our Berkshire neighbors should face hunger,” said Katherine von Haefen, BUW president and CEO. “The quick and collaborative work of our local food organizations and the generosity of our community is a powerful reminder that, when we come together, we can create lasting change.”

Support BUW and food and emergency relief at www.berkshireunitedway.org/donate.

Katherine von Haefen

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire United Way (BUW) board of directors has officially approved Katherine von Haefen as president and CEO, effective immediately. She previously served as interim while continuing her role as director of Community Impact.

“Katherine has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to our mission,” said Krystle Blake, BUW board chair. “Her deep understanding of community needs and her ability to bring people together to create meaningful change make her the ideal leader for this next chapter. We are thrilled to have her at the helm.”

Von Haefen joined BUW in October 2021 and has led region-wide initiatives focused on early childhood education, food security, and nonprofit investment. She also spearheaded BUW’s $1 million annual investment strategy and played a key role in shaping the organization’s strategic plan.

“I’m honored to officially step into this role and continue the work we’ve started,” von Haefen said. “Berkshire United Way has a long legacy of impact, and I’m excited to build on that foundation with our board, staff, and community partners. Together, we’ll keep pushing for solutions that help every member of our community thrive.”

Von Haefen brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, including her tenure at United Way of Greater Houston, where she led major initiatives in early childhood development and public policy advocacy. She will continue to serve on the city of Pittsfield’s Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative leadership committee, the Massachusetts Early Childhood Funder Collaborative steering committee, and the board of Berkshire Area Health Education Center.

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire United Way (BUW) recently welcomed three community leaders — Stephanie Ham, Bethany Kieley, and Jennifer Kerwood — to its board of directors.

“At a time when our neighbors are facing growing challenges and uncertainty, the mission of Berkshire United Way is more important than ever,” said Katherine von Haefen, BUW’s interim president. “The leadership, experience, and commitment that Stephanie, Jennifer, and Bethany each bring to the table will be invaluable in ensuring that everyone in our community has an opportunity to thrive.”

Ham is an assistant branch manager and digital banking guru for Adams Community Bank. She has nearly two decades of experience in retail banking. As a member of the bank’s culture committee and ACB impact committee, she has led the annual snack drive for Morris Elementary School as well as efforts to support POPCares, the AYJ Fund, and the Alzheimer’s Assoc.

“I have a passion for giving back and volunteering in the Berkshire community,” Ham said. “BUW’s and ACB’s approach to supporting our community are very much aligned, and I look forward to representing both organizations. I hope to inspire others to get involved and make a meaningful impact in Berkshire County.”

Kieley is CEO of Community Health Programs and has nearly two decades of leadership experience in the healthcare field. She once served as a table captain for a United Way Women United’s Power of the Purse event and has volunteered with a food pantry in Connecticut and Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut.

“Serving on the Berkshire United Way board is a perfect extension of the community impact we have at CHP Berkshires,” Kieley said. “I’m inspired and motivated by BUW’s work providing financial support to critical community resources and bringing together organizations, volunteers, and other community members to tackle some of our biggest problems.”

Kerwood is director of Philanthropy at Miss Hall’s School. She has almost 30 years of experience advancing the missions and fundraising for local organizations, including Berkshire Community College and Berkshire United Way. Prior to her development career, she worked in Massachusetts government and politics, mostly campaigning with Jane Swift, the first woman to serve as governor of the Commonwealth. She is an appointed member of the Board of Registrars of Voters in Pittsfield and formerly served as a director and treasurer on the board for Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School in Adams.

“I love my community, and I am honored to join this team as we work to help more of our neighbors thrive,” Kerwood said.

The board also includes Krystle Blake (chair), Melissa Orazio (vice chair), Jaime Campbell (treasurer), David Reinhart (clerk), Dr. William DeMarco, Laurie Gallagher, David Harrington, Rachel Melendez Mabee, Arthur Milano, Chris Montferret, Tiffany Moreno, Michael Obasohan, Timothy O’Donnell, Kristin Pedrotti, Stephanie Storie, and Daltrey Turner.

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire United Way (BUW) recently welcomed seven new members to the board of directors.

Arthur Milano is principal consultant at Milano HR Consulting. He served on the BUW board from 2012 to 2018, as well as on several committees, and in his consulting role, he assisted BUW with the president and CEO search in 2018 and 2021.

Beth Mitchell is senior director of Integration at General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS). She is a former member of the BUW community impact committee, was a member of the Face the Facts: Reduce Teen Pregnancy initiative workgroup, and, in 2021, joined the Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education.

Tiffany Moreno is instructional program manager for Health and Social Assistance at Berkshire Community College. She volunteers with Latinas413 as a mentor to connect with younger Latinas in the community.

As chief Diversity officer for the city of Pittsfield, Michael Obasohan pioneered the integration and development of the city’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department. He also serves on the boards and commissions of Multicultural BRIDGE, Roots Teen Center, MASSMoCA Commission, and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Timothy O’Donnell is head of Distribution Sales Compensation Administration for the Individual Markets division at Guardian Life. He served twice as BUW’s employee campaign coordinator for Guardian Life’s giving campaign and previously served on the Downtown Pittsfield Inc. board.

Kristin Pedrotti is senior vice president and controller at Berkshire Bank and a certified public accountant. She has participated in Xtraordinary Day, the bank’s annual day of service.

Stephanie Storie is a library associate at Lenox Library and previously held engineering positions at GDMS. She is a 2018 graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program and currently serves on the Pittsfield Conservation Commission.

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire United Way (BUW) announced renewal funding of $1,029,500 for 40 programs across 24 community partner organizations, providing a much-needed additional year of support.

This funding will be for a one-year period, from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, and will continue to stabilize BUW’s three main community-impact areas: early childhood development, positive youth development, and economic prosperity. Visit www.berkshireunitedway.org/our-impact to learn more about the 40 programs.

“Through BUW’s relationships with currently funded partners, we understand how critical the timing of this funding is as the ripple effect of the pandemic still lingers. I am proud of our commitment to these organizations who have endured many challenges and continue to serve our community in innovative and creative ways,” said Laurie Gallagher, board member and chair of the community impact committee.

BUW’s investments in these programs support family well-being and address gaps in services in the community. Programs generate a whole-family, integrated approach focusing on educational advancement and economic mobility. This assistance helps to fund programs such as Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity’s Community Navigator Program, which is designed to assist marginalized residents with connections to resources that will enable them to remain economically resilient.

“The funds support staffing for the Community Navigator Program. We appreciate that Berkshire United Way values the impact of the Community Navigator model,” said Carolyn Valli, CEO of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity.

A new round of funding requests will be announced in early 2023. To donate to BUW’s fundraising campaign, visit www.berkshireunitedway.org/donate.

PITTSFIELD — Tom Bernard, who just wrapped up his last term as mayor of North Adams, has been selected to lead Berkshire United Way (BUW) as the new president and CEO starting Jan. 24.

“I’m thrilled to begin the next chapter of my career as part of the Berkshire United Way team,” Bernard said. “The organization’s mission is clear and critical, and the board, staff, partner agencies, and individuals we serve are laser-focused on building a stronger and more resilient community throughout the Berkshires. Our work has been a cornerstone of supporting individuals and strengthening families for nearly a century, and our role will continue to evolve and our impact magnify as we work together to address the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.”

Bernard earned his bachelor’s degree from Williams College and later his master of public administration degree from Westfield State University. After a decade working in Boston and then as a freelance writer, he began a long career in the nonprofit sector. Bernard first served as development officer at Mass MoCA, followed by nearly 10 years at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts as director of Corporate, Foundation, and Government Relations, then executive assistant to the president, and eventually director of Business Affairs. He was the director of Special Projects at Smith College before becoming mayor in 2018.

“Tom’s proven leadership experience and dedication to the community will serve him well as head of Berkshire United Way,” said Michael Stoddard, chairman of the BUW board. “He has worked with multiple stakeholders, is familiar with federal and state granting agencies and processes, and has experience in community and economic development and strategic planning. His leadership and response to the needs of his constituents during COVID-19 also shows his ability to quickly adapt and address emerging and critical needs. His passion for public service, commitment to being an advocate and voice for change, and willingness to collaborate with others to build a stronger community align with Berkshire United Way’s mission and vision. The staff and board look forward to having him join the team.”