Samantha Sawyer
Mackenzie Coburn
Samantha Sawyer has started a full-time venture as brand creative coordinator at Eastern States Exposition (ESE). In this role, she will serve as the primary graphic designer for ESE and support the digital content manager by creating photos, videos, and multimedia assets for social media, digital ads, and websites. Sawyer was an accomplished student during her undergraduate career, earning a spot on the dean’s list and a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Columbia College in Chicago. Subsequently, she worked for Bezz Training Club as a social media manager and graphic designer, then took on the same positions and later a promotion as marketing and brand manager at Matthews Fan Co. She brings experience in Adobe Suite, production, editing, and brand strategizing to her new role. As brand creative coordinator, Sawyer will produce and edit short-form video content for a variety of programs, from agriculture to entertainment to community involvement. In other ESE news, the International Assoc. of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) announced that Mackenzie Coburn, Sponsorship Sales manager at Eastern States Exposition, was designated a certified fair executive (CFE) during the 2026 IAFE Management Conference. The CFE designation is the highest level of professional certification offered by the IAFE. The program encourages ongoing professional development in fair management, recognizes individuals who meet established standards of excellence, and elevates the professional status of leaders across the industry. It also honors those who have demonstrated long-term commitment to their fairs, communities, and the IAFE. To earn the CFE designation, Coburn completed a rigorous certification process, including documenting professional experience and achievements and undergoing a comprehensive review by the IAFE certification committee. In addition, she is a graduate of the Institute of Fair Management, a requirement for certification.
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Nayroby Rosa
OneHolyoke Community Development Corp. (OneHolyoke CDC) announced the promotion of Nayroby Rosa to chief operating officer, effective retroactively to March 9. Executive Director Michael Moriarty and the OneHolyoke board made the announcement. Rosa, who has been at OneHolyoke since 2019, previously served as director of Community Engagement and Resident Services. In that position, she played a critical role in advancing initiatives focused on affordable housing, neighborhood leadership, youth and family support, and community-centered development throughout Holyoke. A longtime community leader and advocate, Rosa brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and organizational development. In her new role as COO, she will oversee daily operations, strategic implementation, and organizational systems, strengthening internal capacity while continuing to deepen community partnerships. Her promotion reflects OneHolyoke CDC’s commitment to developing strong internal leadership and investing in leaders who are deeply rooted in the community. Rosa has long been recognized for her leadership across Holyoke’s civic and nonprofit sectors, serving on numerous boards and advisory committees and working to strengthen partnerships between residents, institutions, and local government.
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Historic Deerfield announced that President and CEO John Davis will retire this fall after five years of leadership. During his tenure, he completed a substantial number of transformative initiatives. He led the development and implementation of the institution’s strategic plan, “Deerfield Unbound: Unleashing the Power of Storytelling at Historic Deerfield,” which has helped shape a more dynamic and inclusive approach to interpretation and engagement. Under his leadership, Historic Deerfield revitalized its exhibition program, introducing two to three new exhibitions annually, and the collection grew substantially. Davis also played a key role in reopening several historic buildings to the public, including the Barnard Tavern, the Allen House, and the Wilson Printing Office, restoring access to important elements of Deerfield’s architectural and cultural heritage. His commitment to preservation extended to the launch of the comprehensive restoration of the Stebbins House and the successful renovation of the Deerfield Community Center, an early 19th-century church. An advocate for stewardship and sustainability, he secured the permanent agricultural conservation of 50 acres of museum-owned land in Old Deerfield’s North and South Meadows. He also strengthened the institution’s financial foundation, growing the endowment by nearly 40% — an increase of approximately $21 million — and leading a successful $3 million endowment campaign for the Historic Deerfield Summer Fellowship Program. Davis oversaw the installation of 36 witness stones to honor the enslaved individuals who lived in Deerfield in the 17th and 18th centuries and the launch of the Encountering Pocumtuck Walking Tour app. Additionally, he increased staffing across key museum departments and established new roles, including musician-in-residence and printer-in-residence. He also moved Historic Deerfield to an open access policy, ensuring that its collection of 32,000 objects is available free and without restrictions across the globe.
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Nick Darrow
Sarah Bloom
MountainOne announced the appointment of Nick Darrow as assistant vice president, Human Resources officer, based in the company’s North Adams corporate office. In his role, Darrow leads recruitment and onboarding initiatives while supporting professional development, employee engagement, and recognition efforts across the organization. He also contributes to a wide range of HR programs and operations, helping to strengthen the overall employee experience. Darrow holds a professional in human resources certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute. Prior to joining MountainOne, he served as a Human Resources generalist at Greylock Federal Credit Union. He serves on the executive board of the Berkshire County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. MountainOne also announced the promotion of Sarah Bloom to officer, operations manager. In this elevated role, Bloom is responsible for developing and maintaining operational workflows, supporting the implementation of new service and product offerings, and contributing to initiatives that enhance internal operational processes across the organization. Bloom joined MountainOne Bank in January 2021 as an e-services and operations specialist II. She was promoted to junior operations analyst in 2024 and advanced again in 2025 to operations analyst. Prior to joining MountainOne, she served as a senior loan systems specialist at Berkshire Bank. A graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) with an MBA, Bloom is an active member of the MountainOne communications committee, serves on the North Adams Planning Board, and is a member of the MCLA alumni board of directors.
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Westfield State University President Linda Thompson has appointed Robert Ziomek as vice president for Institutional Advancement. A seasoned higher education leader, Ziomek brings more than three decades of experience in fundraising, alumni engagement, and mission-driven philanthropy. Throughout his career, he has helped institutions strengthen financial sustainability, expand access to education, and advance strategic growth initiatives aligned with institutional priorities. Ziomek has held advancement leadership roles at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), Western New England University, and Johnson & Wales University. He previously served as assistant vice president of Advancement and University Relations at Westfield State from 2000 to 2010, where he helped strengthen alumni engagement and philanthropic support during a period of institutional growth. A graduate of Holyoke Community College and MCLA, Ziomek brings regional ties and a longstanding commitment to public higher education. He will oversee fundraising, alumni relations, and external engagement efforts to enhance and build philanthropic partnerships that expand opportunities for current and future students.
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Jimmy Rosario
Greenfield/Northampton Cooperative Bank announced the addition of Jimmy Rosario as assistant branch manager of its South Hadley branch, located at 487 Newton St. Rosario brings nine years of banking experience to the role, along with a strong commitment to customer service and community engagement. He holds a degree in criminal justice from Springfield Technical Community College and has built meaningful connections throughout the Springfield metropolitan area. In his new position, he looks forward to developing relationships with customers in South Hadley and supporting their financial goals. Like many members of the local community, Rosario is bilingual in Spanish.
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Monson Savings Bank announced that Stacee Duda has joined the bank as assistant branch manager in Wilbraham, bringing extensive banking leadership experience and a strong commitment to community engagement. Duda brings more than 30 years of experience in retail banking, branch operations, and customer-focused leadership. In her role, she supports daily service operations of the Wilbraham branch, provides employee development support to the branch team, and works closely with customers to provide tailored financial solutions. Prior to joining Monson Savings Bank, she served as branch sales manager at Arrha Credit Union in West Springfield, where she led branch performance by building trusted relationships with members and strengthening the institution’s visibility through community outreach and local engagement efforts. She previously held roles as senior banker at PeoplesBank and assistant branch manager at United Bank, where she developed strong expertise in branch leadership, consumer lending, regulatory compliance, and staff mentoring. She holds federal NMLS registration and is a notary public in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Duda regularly participates in local chamber and community events and previously served for three years as treasurer of the Suffield Chamber of Commerce, supporting local businesses and economic development initiatives.
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Jeffry Pierce
bankESB announced the appointment of Jeffry Pierce as senior vice president of SBA Lending. In this role, he will be based out of the bank’s Elm Street, Millbury office and lead efforts to expand and enhance the bank’s Small Business Administration (SBA) lending programs. Pierce has more than 40 years of banking experience, with deep expertise in SBA and commercial lending. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong ability to build high-performing teams and deliver tailored financing solutions that support small business growth. Prior to joining bankESB, he served as regional vice president and SBA commercial market leader at HarborOne Bank. He also held the position of senior vice president, regional sales manager for SBA lending at TD Bank, where he was instrumental in driving regional lending strategies and business development initiatives. Pierce has also been actively involved in community service, including serving on the board of the Middlesex (Conn.) United Way. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Central Connecticut State University.
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David Biancamano will join the senior leadership team at Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH) as chief advancement officer beginning May 1. Biancamano will lead the school’s advancement and marketing and communications teams, shaping its vision for fundraising and engagement and building the infrastructure and culture necessary to achieve its priorities and fulfill its aspirations for its future. He will serve as a strategic partner to the head of school and the NMH board of trustees, guiding the design and execution of advancement goals that support the school’s mission, strategic plan, and financial sustainability. He brings to the role nearly 25 years of educational experience, including leading comprehensive fundraising programs and developing campaign strategy, major and principal gift programs, and donor engagement models that strengthen institutional culture and long-term sustainability. He comes to NMH from the UMass Amherst Foundation, where he serves as an assistant vice president, overseeing fundraising and advancement efforts for a diverse portfolio of university colleges and schools. His previous roles include deputy athletic director for development at UMass Amherst, senior associate athletic director at James Madison University, and director of development for athletics at Rice University. He received his bachelor’s degree in communication from Central Connecticut State University and his master’s degree in sports administration from the University of Miami. Biancamano will assume the chief advancement officer position from Trish Jackson, who will retire on June 30 after serving in the role since 2022. Jackson led the successful $275 million “This Place, This Moment: the Campaign for Northfield Mount Hermon,” positioning the school for long-term sustainability and growth as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2029 and beyond.
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Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) alumna Annie Pecor, assistant superintendent of North Adams Public Schools, has been selected to receive the Massachusetts State Universities Educator Alumni Award alongside eight other educators from across the state’s public university system. The award, presented by the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents, recognizes graduates of Massachusetts state universities who have made outstanding contributions to the field of education. A Berkshire County educator for more than 15 years, Pecor began her career as a middle school English language arts teacher before rising through the ranks of educational leadership. This year, she was recognized by the MCLA Alumni Assoc. with the Outstanding Educator Award. She earned both a master’s degree in education and a certificate of advanced graduate study from MCLA, and is a graduate of the MCLA Leadership Academy. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from Siena College and earned her doctorate in education from the University of New England in 2024. As a North Adams middle school teacher, she launched a peer mentoring program and a seventh-grade student council to cultivate student leadership. She later served as vice principal and then principal of Craneville Elementary School in Dalton, where she championed restorative practices, reduced behavior referrals, and guided the school community through the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, as director of Northern Berkshire Adult Education and 21st Century Programming, Pecor led the program to exceed enrollment targets, launched a thriving English speakers of other languages program, added tutoring services, secured local transportation funding, and forged a partnership with McCann Technical High School for an adult culinary arts program. Beyond her professional work, Pecor volunteers as vice chair of the Berkshire Leadership Program and serves on the boards of Berkshire County Suicide Prevention, the Berkshire Food Project, and the Northern Berkshire United Way.
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Kevin Sylvester
Pioneer Valley Financial Group announced that Kevin Sylvester earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, becoming the firm’s second CFP professional. He joined the PV team in 2019 and has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to professional growth and client service. His dedication to advancing his knowledge and expertise reflects both his personal drive and PV’s culture of continuous development. Before entering the financial services industry, Sylvester made a career change in 2011 and returned to school while balancing the demands of work and family. He attended UMass Amherst, graduating in 2018 with a degree in mathematics and a concentration in actuarial science. Shortly after, he began his career in wealth management, where he discovered a passion for helping clients achieve long-term financial success. He continued to build on his expertise by earning both his Accredited Investment Fiduciary and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor designations, further strengthening his ability to serve clients with integrity and insight. The CFP certification is one of the most respected credentials in the financial planning industry. To earn the designation, candidates must complete rigorous education requirements, pass a comprehensive six-hour examination, gain relevant professional experience, and commit to upholding strict ethical standards.
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Nicole Blais, CEO of Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start, has been named the 2026 Leader of the Year by the Massachusetts Head Start Assoc. (MHSA). This recognition honors her decades of leadership, commitment, and impact on children, families, and the broader Head Start community. Blais began her professional journey with HCS Head Start in 1996 as a parent education and support specialist. In this role, she focused on strengthening family engagement and ensuring program standards were upheld. Over the years, she expanded her impact by developing family-focused initiatives, leading teams, and representing Head Start programs across Massachusetts and at national conferences. In 2012, she stepped into the role of director of Community Engagement, where she spent a decade building partnerships with community organizations, media, and public leaders. Her work strengthened connections between Head Start and the communities it serves, helping to expand awareness and access to critical early childhood services. In 2021, Blais was named CEO following the retirement of longtime leader Janis Santos. Since then, she has continued to guide the organization with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to children and families across Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield. She also serves on the New England Head Start Assoc. board of directors, and prior to that appointment, Blais also served multiple terms on the MHSA board of directors, advocating for policies and practices that strengthen Head Start programs statewide. Blais also serves the community as a Springfield Regional Chamber ambassador and Holyoke Rotary Club member. She attended the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and conducted her graduate studies in nonprofit management & philanthropy at Bay Path University.
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Glenmeadow announced that Nick Testa, director of Food and Beverage, has been named the 2026 Director of Dining Services of the Year by the Senior Dining Assoc. Testa joined Glenmeadow in 2023 and quickly distinguished himself as a collaborative, innovative leader. Just months into his role, he successfully guided dining operations through a 16-month construction project that impacted two major venues, ensuring exceptional service was maintained throughout holidays, events, and daily dining. He also led the opening of Glenmeadow’s new Doorstop Lounge and the implementation of its CCRC liquor license, enhancing the overall resident experience. This national recognition from the Senior Dining Assoc. honors Testa’s leadership, positivity, and commitment to excellence in senior living dining. He was formally recognized last month at the SYNERGY 2026 Conference in Charlotte, N.C.
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Beacon Financial Corporation, the holding company for Beacon Bank, announced the appointment of Gary Levante as chief Marketing officer. 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. Most recently, Levante served as chief Communication & Sustainability officer of Berkshire Bank, which he joined in 2010. In the community, Levante is chairman of 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 Pittsfield’s Community Development Board.
