Page 79 - BusinessWest April 27, 2026

In this role, he will provide enterprise-level leader-
ship across deposit growth, member retention,
direct lending support, and experience optimization.
Before moving back to Massachusetts, Robertson
served as executive vice president and chief retail
officer at Kitsap Bank in Port Orchard, Wash., where
he directed the operations for the 15-branch, $1.7
billion community bank. In this role, he spearheaded
the sales and service program and was responsible
for executing multiple strategic initiatives including
retail, mortgage, consumer lending, wealth man-
agement, business development, leading the learn-
ing and development team, and overseeing branch
modernization and remodels. He is a graduate of
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and Pacific Coast
Banking School at the University of Washington.
•••••
Belt Technologies, a manu-
facturer of PureSteel custom
metal belt conveyor solutions,
announced the retirement of
President Alan Wosky after
more than three decades of
leadership. A Navy veteran who
ALAN WOSKY
served as a machinist mate 1st
class qualified in naval nuclear
power plants, Wosky has been central to the com-
pany’s growth, innovation, and engineering excel-
lence. He guided Belt through major advancements
in precision metal belt systems, expansion into
global markets, and the development of a strong
technical culture that continues to define the
company today. Following his retirement, Wosky’s
responsibilities have been assumed by the Belt man-
agement team, with oversight from Rich Lunden,
director of Engineering.
•••••
Whittlesey announced that members of its Tech-
nology and Cybersecurity team have earned key
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
credentials, strengthening the firm’s ability to sup-
port government contractors and subcontractors
across the defense industrial base. As Department
of Defense cybersecurity requirements continue to
evolve, these certifications position Whittlesey to
help organizations navigate CMMC readiness with
clarity and confidence. The following Whittlesey
professionals have earned CMMC credentials: Mark
Torello, certified CMMC professional (CCP); and
Hadas Boyles and Carlos Ortega, CMMC registered
practitioners (RP). In addition, Whittlesey’s Technol-
ogy team holds a broad range of industry-recog-
nized certifications, including CISA, CRISC, CISSP,
and CEH, reflecting deep expertise in cybersecurity,
risk management, and IT controls.
•••••
Rush Insurance Group
announced the addition of
Rachael Cavanaugh to its team
as an employee benefits associ-
ate. In this role, she will support
the agency’s growing employee
benefits practice, working
RACHAEL CAVANAUGH
alongside clients to deliver
thoughtful, attentive service
in the life and health insurance space. Cavanaugh
brings a strong foundation in the insurance industry,
having launched her career at Safety Insurance fol-
lowing her graduation from the Isenberg School of
Management at UMass Amherst, where she earned a
bachelor of business administration degree in oper-
ations & information management with a certificate
in business data analytics. During her time at Safety
Insurance, she gained hands-on experience across
personal and commercial underwriting, the service
Business W est JOHN WILLIAMS
JACOB JOHNSON
center, and customer representative operations,
most recently serving as a personal lines analyst.
Cavanaugh is currently pursuing her life and health
insurance licensure and is committed to building the
expertise needed to serve as a trusted resource for
Rush’s clients.
•••••
Monson Savings Bank
announced the promotion of
John Williams to branch man-
ager of the Wilbraham branch.
Williams, who previously served
as assistant branch manager at
the bank’s East Longmeadow
location, brings more than 11
years of banking and financial
services experience, strong
leadership abilities, and a deep
commitment to exceptional
customer service.
In his new role, he will oversee
the daytoday operations of
the Wilbraham branch, guide
and develop branch staff, and
advance branch growth through
new deposit account relationships. He will also
continue strengthening local community connec-
tions through volunteer efforts and outreach initia-
tives. Before joining Monson Savings Bank, Williams
worked at Fifth Third Bank in Sarasota, Fla., where
he served as a personal banker assisting custom-
ers with new accounts, lending, maintenance, and
retirement planning. His career also includes expe-
rience with additional financial institutions, con-
tributing to his strong operational foundation and
relationshipbuilding skills. He is active in the com-
munity as a member of the Western Mass Referral
Exchange (BNI Group) and regularly volunteers to
support local initiatives. Monson Savings Bank also
announced that Jacob Johnson has joined the
bank as assistant branch manager of the Hampden
branch. Johnson brings a strong background in
customer-focused relationship management and
financial services to Monson Savings Bank. In his
role, he supports the day-to-day operations of the
Hampden branch, assists with staff development,
and works directly with customers to provide a
full range of personal and business banking solu-
tions. He is focused on delivering personalized,
attentive service that fosters trusted, long-term
customer relationships. Prior to joining Monson
Savings Bank, Johnson spent six years locally with
Balise Ford of Wilbraham, most recently serving as
a Finance and Insurance manager. In that role, he
developed extensive experience assisting custom-
ers with financing options, financial products, and
relationship-based service. He holds a bachelor’s
degree from Westfield State University. In the com-
munity, he and his family support the YMCA of
Greater Springfield, where his children participate
in youth programs, and he is a dedicated supporter
of Empty Arms Bereavement Support, participating
annually in the organization’s Syrup Stampede 5K to
raise awareness and funds for families experiencing
pregnancy and infant loss.
•••••
Laura Townes, an Edward Jones financial advisor
in Northampton, recently received the firm’s exclu-
sive Spirit of Caring Award, designed to recognize
financial advisors who exemplify the values, culture,
and spirit of giving back. Townes has demonstrated
unyielding dedication to giving back, which has
positively impacted her clients, colleagues, and
community. The award is given to only one finan-
cial advisor in each of the firm’s 334 regions and is
<< DEPARTMENTS >>
determined by a vote of their peers. “Edward Jones
is a partnership. That structure is not just financial;
it’s a philosophy,” Townes said. “We work together,
help each other, and all share in the rewards of
working with long-term individual investors. That
brings out the best in everyone. I am humbled to be
this year’s recipient of the Spirit of Caring Award.”
Townes was presented with the award at her
Edward Jones regional meeting in Hampden.
•••••
Market Mentors LLC, a full-
service marketing, advertising,
and public relations agency,
announced the promotion
of Sarah Murphy to director
of Operations. Having begun
her career at the agency as an
SARAH MURPHY
intern, Murphy has advanced
through roles including account
coordinator, traffic manager, and director of
Resource Management. Throughout her tenure,
she has played a key role in managing workflow,
aligning resources, and strengthening project man-
agement processes across the agency. In her new
role, Murphy will oversee day-to-day operations
and provide senior oversight to ensure the agency is
delivering at the highest level across the board. She
will focus on strengthening teams, building struc-
ture and accountability, and supporting continued
growth. Murphy was named to BusinessWest’s 40
Under Forty class of 2021, recognizing her profes-
sional achievements and community involvement.
She serves as vice president of the board of the
Foundation for TJO Animals, supporting fundraising
and outreach efforts for local animal welfare initia-
tives. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing
from Lasell University.
•••••
The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP)
announced that Rachel Heller has officially begun
her role as executive director, marking an exciting
new chapter in the organization’s impact on afford-
able housing in Massachusetts. With a track record
of success and a deep and personal commitment to
housing affordability across the state, Heller brings
a wealth of expertise, vision, and leadership to MHP.
As executive director of MHP, Heller will play a piv-
otal role in creating more housing opportunities,
making a direct and tangible difference in the lives
of thousands of families across Massachusetts. This
includes leading implementation of MHP’s strategic
plan. MHP is a public, nonprofit organization that
expands access to affordable housing and promotes
housing equity in communities across the Com-
monwealth. In September, after 40 years of leader-
ship, Executive Director Clark Ziegler announced his
retirement, effective at the end of March.
•••••
Wellpoint recently recognized Steve Athas as an
honoree in its Hometown Heroes program during
a celebration held at Picknelly Field. In partnership
with 98.5 the Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network, this
initiative celebrates the contributions of individu-
als in public service across Massachusetts, shining a
spotlight on everyday acts of dedication and kind-
ness. For more than 50 years, including 48 years at
Greenleaf Community Center in Springfield, Athas
has dedicated himself to supporting youth through
sports, recreation, and mentorship. In addition to
his work with the Springfield Parks Department, he
spent 35 years in Springfield Public Schools as a
teacher and assistant principal. His lasting impact
has earned him recognition in the Western Massa-
chusetts Baseball Hall of Fame, and in 2024, the city
of Springfield named a street after him.
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