Page 40 - BusinessWest April 15, 2024

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE>>
Springfield Symphony Orches- tra (SSO) announced that inter- nationally acclaimed conductor Mei-Ann Chen, who was guest conductor for the SSO’s 2023- 24 opening-night performance, is joining the SSO in the newly created position of artistic advi- sor, effective for the 2024-25
season. Chen will serve as the orchestra’s artistic face, curating programs, selecting guest soloists, and facilitating other artistic needs. She will also conduct a minimum of two symphonic concerts per season. At the same time, the SSO will con- tinue to engage guest conductors in performances of the symphony. An acclaimed, innovative leader both on and off the podium, Chen has served as music director of Chicago Sinfonietta since 2011. Chief conductor of Austria’s Recreation – Grosses Orchester Graz at Styriarte, she also serves as an artistic partner with ROCO in Texas and Northwest Sinfonietta in Washington. A sought-after guest conductor, she has appeared with distinguished orchestras throughout the Americas, Europe, Tai- wan, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia (more than 150 orchestras to date). Named one of Musical America’s 2015 Top 30 Influencers, Chen is a recipi- ent of a League of American Orchestras Helen M. Thompson Award, a Taki Concordia fellowship, and several ASCAP awards, and is the only woman in the history of the Malko Competition to have been named First Prize Winner.
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Elms College announced that three prominent leaders in the region have joined the college’s board of trustees. B. John (Jack) Dill is the president and princi- pal of Colebrook Realty Services and has been negotiating real- estate transactions on behalf
of his clients — buyers, sellers, property owners, and tenants
— for more than three decades. He holds the counselors of real estate designation, along with other professional designations and licenses in the fields of real estate, finance, and construc- tion, and is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Sur- veyors. Dill has been an active supporter of more than 20 local nonprofits, including Elms Col- lege, and is currently vice chair- man of the Fallon Community Health Plan board of directors and a member of the Massa- chusetts Housing Investment
Corp. He earned his bachelor of arts degree cum laude from Williams College. Ashley Vanesse is the president of the Elms College Alumni Assoc. and has been a member of the association since graduating from the Elms in 2011. She is currently office man- ager for Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home and also held various positions in the Elms College Admission Office. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Elms College and her master’s degree in psy- chology and school counseling from Westfield State University. Lisa Wills is a partner at Whittlesey, one of the largest regional CPA and IT consulting firms in New England. She has worked primarily with nonprofits over her 25-year career and is an expert in complex audits. She is a licensed certified public accountant with the state of Connecticut and an
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active member of the American Institute of Certi- fied Public Accountants, as well as the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA).
In addition, she is a recognized industry leader and frequent speaker on topics such as FASB changes and female leadership. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration from Elms College in 1988.
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The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
announced that its executive committee has con- cluded its search for the chamber’s new execu-
tive director and selected Jacob Robinson, who brings more than 15 years of experience in building coalitions, fostering partnerships, and promoting business-driven leadership for sustainable impact. In his most recent role as the West Roxbury Main Streets program director, Robinson concentrated on local economic development, offering technical assistance to small businesses, facilitating pandemic recovery efforts, leading community events, and championing inclusive commercial planning efforts. His commitment has extended to serving on munic- ipal planning committees and nonprofit boards and contributing to Belchertown’s Climate Resilience and Sustainable Growth Plan. His past work includes building regional and national networks of business leaders working together to develop and share best practices in energy management and strategy. He is also a skilled researcher and educator on the topics of corporate environmental, social, and governance leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environ- mental management from Indiana University.
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Country Bank announced
the appointment of Thomas Dufault as senior vice president of the Retail Lending depart- ment. With 35 years in the mortgage industry and an entre- preneurial and construction background, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to
his new role. Dufault has gained extensive experi- ence in construction standards, business acumen, and process improvements throughout his career. His diverse background, including as a former busi- ness owner, makes him an ideal candidate to lead Country Bank’s Retail Lending team. In addition to his professional achievements, Dufault is also com- mitted to community service. He has served on the board of Habitat for Humanity North Central Mas- sachusetts for 10 years, the past four years as the board president. He supports various charitable ini- tiatives, including the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, the American Cancer Society, Heifer Project International, and the Alzheimer’s Assoc. He has also served on various committees and boards in the town of Rutland, where he lived for 26 years.
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Tech Foundry, the regional leader in IT workforce
development and training, announced the hiring of four new staff members as well as promotions of existing staff to support the organization’s grow- ing operations. Phillip Borras, Tech Foundry’s Career Readiness and Recruitment coordinator, was recently promoted to Coaching manager. A professional speaker, comedian, and life coach, he now leads a team of three coaches who mentor student members throughout the organization’s IT support training program and after graduation. This work complements Tech Foundry’s professional- development training, including résumé writing, interviewing, networking, and other professional- development skills. Jessica Cogoli has been pro-
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moted to instructor. A Tech Foundry alum, she has been working closely with the organization since she graduated, as a volunteer, assistant instruc-
tor, and technical lead for the IT support training program. She recently graduated from Holyoke Community College with an associate degree in computer science and is now working toward her bachelor’s degree at Southern New Hampshire Uni- versity. Eric Maldonado, a 20-year veteran of the human-services field, joins the Tech Foundry team as a coach. His previous work focused on youth and homeless adults, including experience as a career coach with MassHire in Springfield. He is also an entrepreneur and has been running two successful businesses for the past five years. William Medina, a former instructor at Tech Foundry, returned to the organization as the new Tech Hub director at the end of February. He is a technology enthusiast who helped build the organization during its early years. In his new role, he is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Tech Hub, a Holyoke-based center which provides digital-literacy classes, tech- nical support, and device distribution throughout Western Mass. As director, he manages daily opera- tions, curriculum development, community rela- tions, the digital fellows program, and professional development. Hilda Santa, a recent graduate of Tech Foundry, joins the team as the new adminis- trative assistant and coach. She is a retired 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air National Guard and brings more than 15 years of administrative experience to the organization. In her role as a part-time coach, she will mentor the next generation of student- members. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health studies from UMass Amherst. Pattie Carulli-Hauser brings her passion for coaching and mentoring to the Tech Foundry team as one of the organization’s new coaches. In her role, she will provide ongoing mentoring and support for Tech Foundry’s student members. She has spent most of her career in research and development leadership roles in the consumer-goods industry.
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Franklin Community Co-op recently welcomed Caitlin von Schmidt as its new Outreach and Communications manager, effective March 19. “Caitlin’s time as coordinator of the Greenfield Business Associa- tion and in the Mayor’s Office at the city of Greenfield sets her
up beautifully to succeed in her new position, and we’re excited to have her on board,” co-op General Manager John Williams said. “We’re happy to have her as the newest member of our successful team.” Williams also thanked Amy Britt for her time in the position as she moves on to other opportunities. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Franklin Community Co-op family,” von Schmidt said. “The co-op is a beloved establishment, and its role as an anchor business and vital community member can’t be overstated. In addition, I’m thrilled to be involved at such an important time, with the expansion into the Wilson’s building on the horizon.”
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Duc-Pac Corp. announced that its president, Greg- ory Merchant, has been voted to serve as president
of Air Distribution Institute (ADI), the national alliance of steel HVAC pipe and fittings manufactur- ers focused on research and working with industry
MEI-ANN CHEN
JACK DILL
THOMAS DUFAULT
ASHLEY VANESSE
CAITLIN VON SCHMIDT
LISA WILLS
People
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