Yvette Frisby

The Urban League of Springfield’s board of directors announced the appointment of Yvette Frisby as the organization’s new president and CEO. The seasoned senior executive is the first woman to lead the organization in its 111-year history. Frisby has been a key figure in the Springfield Urban League for 40 years, having risen through the ranks to serve as senior vice president of Operations & Administrative Services over the past decade. Over the past year, she has served as interim president and CEO before being officially appointed to the role. In addition to her new position, she will also act as executive director of the historic Camp Atwater, the oldest African-American camp in the U.S. Since arriving at the Urban League in 1984, Frisby has held various positions, including office manager, executive assistant to the president’s office, Youth & Education director, Camp Atwater administrator, and Operations & Administration director. She stepped into a senior leadership role in 2003. Frisby holds a master’s degree in organizational management and leadership and a bachelor’s degree in human services from Springfield College. She serves as president of the Greater Springfield Chapter of the Links Inc. and is an adjunct professor at Bay Path University. Additionally, she is a member of the Massachusetts Governor’s Advisory Council for the Advancement of Representation in Education, a commissioner of the Springfield Cultural Council, and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Xi Xi Omega Chapter.

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William Dávila

Michael Knapik

Anthony Moore Jr

The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) board of trustees welcomed three new members appointed by Gov. Maura Healey. Joining the board are William Dávila, Michael Knapik, and Anthony Moore Jr. A former STCC student, Dávila is vice president of Diversion, Shelter and Housing for the Center for Human Development. He has decades of experience at nonprofit agencies as a practitioner, manager, and senior-level executive administrator. He has served on the boards of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, New England Public Media, and the Massachusetts Council on Gaming & Health, and was also recently appointed to the board of directors for Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services. Knapik is vice president of Government and Community Relations at Baystate Health. He will serve as board chair. He is well-known for his public service, including two terms as a state representative for the 4th Hampden District and 18 years as state senator for the 2nd Hampden-Hampshire District. Knapik was also director of the Office of the Governor for the Western Massachusetts Regional Office and executive director of Advancement, Alumni and University Relations for Westfield State University. Moore, director of Membership Programs for the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, is an STCC graduate. He previously worked for Dunbar Community Center in Springfield, the Urban League of Springfield, as well as the city of Springfield. He has also served as a MassDevelopment Transformative District innovation fellow.

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Kristen Canedy

Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced the promotion of Kristen Canedy to branch manager of its Northfield branch. In this role, she will oversee all branch operations, including customer service and team management. Canedy joined Greenfield Co-op in 2020 as a teller and quickly advanced to the position of head teller. Her strong leadership skills, dedication to exceptional customer service, and in-depth knowledge of the community makes her an ideal fit for this role.

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CoStar Group Inc., a leading provider of commercial real-estate information, analytics, and online marketplaces, announced the CoStar Power Broker Quarterly Deals winners for the second quarter of 2024. William Low Jr. of L&P Commercial came out on top in the list of winners in the Hartford market. The CoStar Power Broker Quarterly Deals winners are determined by the top deals executed every quarter, based on price and square footage. Low has more than 35 years of experience in all areas of commercial real estate, 30 of those helping run a large, nationally affiliated brokerage firm. He founded L&P Commercial five years ago. In addition to the 31,821-square-foot office lease for this award, Low completed a 8,600-square-foot office lease in Westfield as well as the sale of several office and industrial properties in the Springfield area.

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Julia Marko

Berkshire Museum has appointed Julia Marko as chief Finance officer. She brings a wealth of experience, having most recently served as director of Finance and Operations at BART Charter Public School in Adams since July 2020. Prior to that, she was the business manager at the same institution from January 2017 to July 2020 and worked for several years in the Business Office of Pittsfield Public Schools. She joins the senior leadership team at Berkshire Museum during a pivotal time in its history as the museum prepares for a major renovation project later this year. Her extensive background in managing financial operations and strategic planning will be invaluable as the museum embarks on this transformative journey. Marko’s role will involve leading and managing the museum’s finance and operations functions, including financial accounting, internal controls, facility operations, guest services, the gift shop, HR, IT, and overall operations. Her commitment to the museum’s goals as an inclusive, accessible and diverse institution will be vital in fostering a successful and equitable organization.

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Laramie Coffey

Laramie Coffey of Stillwater, Okla. has joined Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) Agriculture department as the organization’s livestock program coordinator. She is responsible for coordinating all competitive livestock events during the Big E and year-round shows; developing and maintaining strong working relationships with breed representatives, regional and national associations, and other agricultural fairs; as well as supporting livestock show facilitation, initiatives, and educational programming. Coffey obtained a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences and natural resources from Oklahoma State University this past May. She graduated with a major in agricultural communications and minor in agribusiness. She has held livestock internship positions with several agricultural organizations, including Oklahoma Youth Expo, Cattlemen’s Congress, and the New Mexico State Fair. In addition to those experiences, she was a youth activities intern at the American Hereford Assoc., where she assisted the youth department in planning and executing summer activities for more than 800 junior members. Prior to joining the ESE’s full-time staff, Coffey initially came on board as livestock program assistant in a contractor role following her graduation. She most recently worked with the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation as a communications student worker, preparing correspondence mailings, designing social-media graphics tailored to the foundation, creating digital content, and assisting in creating and printing various marketing materials.

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Jason Ortiz

Jason Ortiz recently joined the Royal Law Firm team. He is a business litigation attorney with several years of trial experience, having tried many cases to verdict. Ortiz specializes in commercial litigation, including matters involving construction disputes, eviction matters, insurance defense, and employment matters, as well as other civil disputes. He is a graduate of Utica College (now Utica University) and Western New England University School of Law.

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John and Sandy Maybury have been named co-chairs of Baystate Health’s 2024-25 Rays of Hope. Sandy, a breast-cancer survivor who was recently treated at the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care, and her husband John, former president and now chairperson of Maybury Material Handling in East Longmeadow, have been longtime supporters of Baystate Health and the Rays of Hope. She first started walking 24 years ago to support her best friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the couple has continued their support and dedication through walking, sponsorship, and donating proceeds to Rays of Hope from their annual Maybury Material Handling Car Show. John also supports Baystate as a member of the Baystate Health Foundation board of trustees, which he chaired from 2012 to 2014, helping guide important fundraising initiatives at Baystate Health, including Rays of Hope. He also served on the Baystate Health board of trustees, for which he also held the position of chair from 2019 to 2021. The Mayburys were also honored by Baystate with the Baystate Health Foundation Impact Award at the President’s Evening of Gratitude in 2022. The Impact Award honors individuals who have made an impact on the philanthropic efforts to support Baystate Health.

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Sonia Dinnall

Sonia Dinnall, the new superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, has been appointed to the Holyoke Community College (HCC) board of trustees by Gov. Maura Healey. Dinnall’s term will run until March 1, 2027. She was named superintendent of Springfield Public Schools in May and is the first woman to hold that position. She previously served as the principal of the Springfield High School of Commerce, executive director of College and Career Readiness for Hartford (Conn.) Public Schools, and supervisor of student support services for Springfield Public Schools. She started her career in education as an eighth-grade science teacher in Forest Park Middle School. Dinnall holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Lesley University, a master’s degree in psychology from Westfield State University, a master’s degree in education from the University of Massachusetts, and a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from Westfield State.

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The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke announced that its 72nd grand marshal is James Lavelle. The grand marshal is the highest local honor given to a person who has distinguished themselves as a loyal person to their career, their family, and their Irish ancestry. He is the general manager of Holyoke Gas and Electric (HG&E), which provides gas, electric, and telecommunications services to its customers. Through his leadership, HG&E has implemented innovative projects, such as the acquisition of the Holyoke dam and canal system and the development of solar and energy storage, which not only benefit customers and the environment, but have also been recognized through several achievements, including the 2021 and 2023 Utility Transformation Leaderboard by the Smart Electric Power Alliance. Lavelle is a graduate of Holyoke High School and UMass, where he received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration. He serves on the boards of several professional associations, including the Municipal Electric Assoc. of Massachusetts, the Northeast Public Power Assoc., PeoplesBank, the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, as director of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Co., and as director and president of the Holyoke Solar Cooperative and Massachusetts Clean Energy Cooperative. He also enjoys giving back to his community, having served as a trustee for Holyoke Community College, on the finance committee of St. Jerome Parish, on the board for the Greater Holyoke YMCA, and as coach for Holyoke Youth Football and Holyoke YMCA Basketball.

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Denise Clark

Robyn Michaud

bankESB recently promoted two employees to senior assistant branch manager. Denise Clark has nearly 13 years of banking experience. She joined bankESB in 2011 as a teller and was most recently assistant branch manager of its 85 Broad St., Westfield office. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Westfield State University and currently volunteers for Westfield on Weekends and the Kiwanis Club of Westfield. Robyn Michaud has six years of banking experience and joined bankESB in 2018 as a teller. She was previously assistant branch manager of its 605 Granby Road, South Hadley office. She earned a certificate in branch management from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. Michaud currently volunteers for Westfield on Weekends and Veterans in the Park, and enjoys attending local chamber events.

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Country Bank’s board of directors announced the appointment of Ted Noonan as vice chair of its board of directors. At its June meeting, the board recognized Noonan’s extensive experience and leadership qualities, which are expected to significantly contribute to the bank’s continued success. Noonan, elected to the board in 2018, is president of Noonan Energy, a 135-year-old energy company based in Springfield. With his proven track record, Noonan has demonstrated his ability to navigate complex challenges and drive growth. His appointment as vice chair reflects the bank’s commitment to fostering strong leadership and strategic decision making. In addition to his role as vice chair, Noonan also serves on the board of investment, where he brings his expertise in financial management and investment strategies. Furthermore, he holds the chair of the board risk committee, highlighting his dedication to ensuring the bank’s stability and security. He also serves on the boards of YMCA of Greater Springfield, the Massachusetts Energy Marketers Assoc., the National Energy and Fuels Institute, and the National Oil Heat Research Alliance.

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Sara Vincent

American International College (AIC) announced the appointment of Sara Vincent as assistant vice president for Admissions and Financial Aid. She brings more than a decade of experience in higher education and a proven track record in fundraising, alumni engagement, legislative relations, and enrollment management. Before joining AIC, Vincent most recently served as regional director of Recruitment, Community Outreach, and Admissions at Connecticut State Community College. Before that, she was director of Strategic Enrollment Management at Manchester Community College in Connecticut. She earned her doctor of education degree in educational leadership with a focus on student affairs from Central Connecticut State University, where she also obtained a master’s degree in communication. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Connecticut.

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Scott Foulis

American International College (AIC) named Scott Foulis interim Athletics director for the 2024-25 academic year. Foulis joined AIC in August 2022 as assistant athletic director for compliance. In this role, he ensured that the college’s athletic teams adhered to the rules of NCAA membership and met the requirements of the conferences to which AIC belongs, with a primary focus on the Northeast-10 Conference. He was also responsible for managing certifications for student-athletes and overseeing all other aspects of compliance. Additionally, he served as the sport oversight for several of AIC’s teams and worked on projects to support student-athletes academically. Before joining AIC, Foulis spent more than two decades coaching women’s basketball at the NCAA Division I and III levels. He served as an assistant coach with the women’s basketball team at Amherst College during the 2021-22 season, helping the team reach the 2022 NCAA Division III Final Four. Prior to Amherst, he was the associate head women’s basketball coach at Brandeis University from 2007 to 2021, where, in addition to his coaching duties, he taught classes in the Physical Education department. Foulis also held coaching positions at Springfield College, Bucknell University, UMass, and the University of Rhode Island. While at Springfield, he served as a graduate assistant in athletic administration and worked in the Athletics department at Western New England College. He holds an undergraduate degree in sport management from UMass Amherst and a master’s degree in athletic administration from Springfield College.

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Dean Sanpei

Baystate Health announced that Dean Sanpei has joined the organization as senior vice president and chief strategy officer. With more than 20 years of experience, Sanpei is an experienced leader in healthcare strategy and business development, with strong legislative acumen as a former state representative in Utah. Most recently, he served as chief strategy officer at Centura Health, a network of 25 hospitals, 5,000 physicians, and ambulatory-care settings in Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. At Centura, he led enterprise strategic planning and implementation, service-line development, revenue growth, and the crafting and passage of state public policy that significantly expanded health-insurance coverage in the state. Prior to Centura, Sanpei spent almost two decades working in strategy for Intermountain Health, nationally renowned for integrated delivery-system development, value- and risk-based care, and clinical outcomes. While at Intermountain, he was also a Utah state representative, serving his constituents by leading the appropriations process, including transitioning the Medicaid program to accountable care and population health. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii and a master of public administration degree from Brigham Young University.

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Robbie Captain

Governors America Corp. (GAC), a veteran-owned, Massachusetts-based, global manufacturer of innovative engine-control products, recently welcomed Robbie Captain as its new manager, National and International Sales and Distribution. With two decades of experience in the industrial engine marketspace, he will be responsible for managing the sales aspect of GAC’s distribution network both nationally and internationally. Captain joins GAC from Enovation Controls, where he spent the past five years in sales, with two years as a sales team manager. He brings extensive experience in engine and machine controls, monitoring systems, and harnessing, with expertise spanning from mechanical engines to the latest electronic stage-V diesel engines. He is a 2005 graduate of Spartan College of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Okla. with a bachelor’s degree in aviation technology management.

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Edward Jones Financial Advisor Laura Townes announced that a new financial advisor, Jennifer Ewers, has joined her office at 6 Market St. in Northampton. “I’m looking forward to working with Laura Townes and Joanne Saraiva and meeting investors in this area,” Ewers said. “I admire their commitment to doing what’s right for clients, and I believe working with them will make me a better financial advisor.”

Catherine O’Connell

Katrina Arona

Taylor Bahn

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. announced three new hires: Catherine O’Connell as A&A (Audit and Assurance) associate, Katrina Arona as Marketing and Recruiting associate, and Taylor Bahn as A&A associate. O’Connell first joined the firm as an A&A intern and has been promoted to associate in the firm’s A&A department. Her professional focus includes assurance services, with industry concentrations in not-for-profit sectors. She received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Westfield State University and is a member of CPAmerica and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants. Arona joins MBK with five years of experience in administrative and project management. She received her bachelor’s degre from Springfield College and is a member of CPAmerica, the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Assoc. for Accounting Marketers. Bahn was promoted to associate after initially joining the firm as an intern. He holds a bachelor of business administration degree, and his master’s degree in accounting is slated for completion this summer from UMass Amherst. He is also a member of CPAmerica, the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Assoc. for Accounting Marketers.

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Shelly Hall Malo

Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced the return of Shelly Hall Malo as a senior mortgage originator. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry to the role and will be instrumental in helping local residents achieve their homeownership dreams. Hall Malo previously worked at Greenfield Co-op for eight years in the early 2000s. She has a proven track record of success in originating mortgages, with a deep understanding of the local market and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service.

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Tighe & Bond announced that Wayne Bates has been appointed as the firm’s director of Climate Resiliency and Sustainability Services. In this role, he will lead the growth and development of Tighe & Bond’s services in the areas of mitigation and adaptation, sustainable design, and renewable-energy infrastructure. He brings more than 35 years of experience in environmental engineering, with a focus on designing and implementing operational improvements for clients seeking to meet their sustainability goals. Bates has demonstrated a commitment to advancing sustainability practices in both academia and engineering as an adjunct professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and UMass Dartmouth. He formerly chaired the sustainability committee for the New England Water Environment Assoc. (NEWEA), and currently serves as the traveling mentor for the UMass Amherst Engineers Without Borders Ghana project team. He was recently recognized for his contributions to the water industry by NEWEA through his induction into the New England Chapter of the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers.

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William Reyes-Cubides

Holyoke Community College (HCC) recently named William Reyes-Cubides as assistant vice president of Academic Affairs and Student Success. In this new position, Reyes-Cubides will serve as a bridge between both sides of the Academic and Student Affairs division to ensure that students receive the support they need to achieve academic success. At San Jose, Reyes-Cubides’ experience included curriculum development, resource allocation, personnel supervision, community relations and outreach, and student success initiatives. He previously worked as the dean of Arts and Humanities at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical School and an academic specialist of Curriculum Development and coordinator of Language Instruction at Michigan State University. At HCC, he will oversee student support programs, including El Centro (for Latinx students), ALANA (for men of color), TRIO (for first-generation, low-income students), the Office for Students with Disabilities and Deaf Services, the Center for Academic Program Supports (tutoring centers), academic English as a Second Language, and SAMP, HCC’s Student Ambassador Mentorship Program. The son of a teacher, Reyes-Cubides was born and raised in Colombia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education, Spanish, and English studies from the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional de Colombia in Bogotá, and a master’s degree in Romance languages and Hispanic studies from Boston College. He is pursuing his doctorate in education in leadership for equity in higher education from the University of Colorado-Denver.

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Dani Garber-Letitia

Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced that Dani Garber-Letitia, AIA has been promoted to the position of senior architect. Garber-Letitia joined the firm in 2021, bringing her unique experience in working as both an architect and an owner’s project manager. She manages medium to large-size construction projects, specializing in renovation and modernization for multi-family housing clients. She also manages the firm’s Cambridge office, serves as a mentor for junior staff, and has taken the lead on organizing in-house educational and training opportunities. Along with her regular work duties, Garber-Letitia is currently pursuing additional education to become a certified passive house consultant to increase the firm’s knowledge and capabilities for energy-efficient design.

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Cesar Ruiz

Bernard  Spirito

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) announced that local businessman and community activist Cesar Ruiz and Bernard (“Bernie”) Spirito, who recently retired as the Springfield Museums’ chief financial officer, have joined the organization’s board of directors. Ruiz, president and CEO of Golden Years Homecare, is a prominent figure in the Hispanic community as a businessman, community activist, and entrepreneur. At age 25, he was the first Hispanic in Springfield elected to the School Committee, serving until 1986. He is also spearheading a new, state-of-the-art sports complex in Holyoke, also set to become the new home for the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. Ruiz was the community leader sponsor for the SSO’s first-ever Latin-themed concert, Havana Nights, during the 2022-23 season. His partnership and connections within the community paved the way for the SSO to connect musically with the Latin community, attracting new audiences to Symphony Hall. Through his sponsorship, hundreds of middle- and high-school students from Springfield Public Schools and Holyoke Public Schools attended Havana Nights, and several local Hispanic organizations were also represented in the audience. Spirito recently retired from the Springfield Museums, having served as the organization’s chief financial officer since 2014. During his time at the museums, he helped guide the organization from break-even status to eight years of profitability, and successfully produced 10 years of accurate budgets and year-end closings. Prior to the Museums, he served as vice president and controller at Bassette Co. LLC for nearly 30 years. He has also worked at Smith & Wesson in various capacities, including manager of Financial Analysis and manager of Planning and Investment Analysis. He has also been very involved with the Springfield Rotary Club since 1991, currently serving as assistant treasurer, and is a past president of the organization. Spirito is a Paul Harris Award recipient and was named Rotarian of the Year in 2012. He has also served as past chairman of Consolidated Finance Group of Springfield and past president of the Springfield chapter of Financial Executives.

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Interim Finance Director Stella Chan will now serve full-time as the finance director for the City of Greenfield. Chan holds an MBA from the Simmons Graduate School of Management and has worked in corporate and nonprofit sectors. Over the past 20 years, as principal of SMC Consulting Group, she provided fiscal management advice and accounting support to area nonprofit organizations, including United Way of Berkshire County, Holyoke Visting Nurse Assoc. & Hospice Life Care, VNA & Hospice of Cooley Dickinson, Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce. and United Way of Hampshire County.

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MountainOne announced the promotion of Matthew Lauro to senior vice president, Western Massachusetts commercial team leader. In this elevated role, Lauro has assumed responsibility for the oversight, management, and growth of MountainOne’s commercial banking activities in Western Mass. In addition to having the Western Mass. commercial lenders reporting to him, he is responsible for working closely with the bank’s credit administration and commercial portfolio management staff to ensure the integrity and quality of the loan portfolio. Lauro joined MountainOne Bank in May 2022 as senior vice president of Commercial Lending. Previously, he served as vice president of Emerging Markets at State Street Bank and Trust in Boston, amassing a wealth of experience for his current role. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he is deeply involved in his community, serving as a director of the Pittsfield Affordable Housing Trust and Berkshire Education and Correction. He is also a national council member of Avon Old Farms School and an active supporter of Grit & Gratitude Wrestling Academy in Longmeadow.

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Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) announced the promotion of Rachel Dionne to vice president, credit risk officer. She has been with the credit union since 2017, most recently serving as assisant vice president, credit risk officer. Dionne brings more than two decades of experience in financial analysis and credit risk management. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing the credit risk-management strategies and ensuring the credit union’s continued financial stability and growth. Her promotion is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and significant contributions to the organization. She holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management and a bachelor’s degree in accounting, both from American International College in Springfield. Her career in finance spans more than two decades, including significant roles at Mont Marie Health Care Center as director of Finance and at Dielectrics Inc. as accounting supervisor. At Mont Marie, she led the accounting team, prepared annual budgets and financial reports, and presented the financial status to board members. Her tenure at Dielectrics involved preparing financial reports, cost accounting, and maintaining audit papers. Beyond her professional achievements, Dionne has been an active member of the community, serving on the board of directors for Pioneer Valley Performing Arts in South Hadley and holding positions as both board member and treasurer. In addition, she recently joined the board of directors for Providence Ministries, a nonprofit organization serving the Greater Holyoke region.

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Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announced that Gov. Maura Healey has appointed three new members to its board of trustees: Darlene Rodowicz, Yvonne Spicer, and Buffy Lord (’98), who was voted to represent the MCLA Alumni Assoc. All three trustees begin their terms of service this summer. Rodowicz, president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems, joined BHS in 1984 and has served on the system’s executive leadership team since 2005. She has played a crucial role in the evolution of BHS through her various leadership positions, including ensuring the financial strength of the organization during her 15 years as chief financial officer. A longtime educator, Spicer is currently the executive director of Life Science Cares Boston and an adjunct lecturer at UMass Boston. A highly sought-after speaker on the topics of leadership, STEM, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, she was also the first mayor of Framingham, serving from 2018 to 2022. A practicing attorney with the North Adams-based law firm Donovan O’Connor & Dodig, LLP since 2005, Lord’s main practice area is civil litigation, but her work with the firm encompasses multiple practice areas, including personal injury and workers’ compensation, domestic relations, municipal law, and appellate work.