Page 42 - BusinessWest September 30, 2024

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE (CONT’D) >>
designer and intern for firms in India and most recently as a graduate assistant in the Architecture Department at NYIT.
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The Home Builders and Remodelers Assoc. of
Western Massachusetts announced the appoint- ment of Zach Kushner as its new president. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to
the role, having founded First Peak Construction. Kushner is a graduate of UMass Amherst, where
he earned a degree in building and construction technology. He then embarked on a successful career with Gilbane Building Co., one of the nation’s largest commercial construction firms. During his tenure at Gilbane, he was integral to the construc- tion-management teams responsible for delivering numerous high-profile projects spanning various sectors, including healthcare, K-12 education, high- er education, and underground infrastructure. In his professional journey, Kushner has excelled in mul- tiple roles, from project engineer to project man- ager to now running a successful commercial gen- eral contracting firm. This diverse experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both project management and field operations. As a commercial property owner, he recognizes
the importance of communication, organization, and transparency with clients, and is dedicated to overseeing every phase of the construction project life cycle, ensuring attention to detail from the ini- tial concept to the final issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
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Elms College announced that two regional leaders have joined the college’s board of trustees. Lydia Martinez-Alvarez is the former assistant superinten- dent for the Springfield Public Schools system, and was the first person of Hispanic descent to hold this position. Her career in public education spanned more than 25 years and began in the mid-1990s as a substi- tute teacher at Samuel Bowles Elementary School. In 2003,
she became superintendent of Springfield High School of Sci- ence and Technology, and in 2012, she began her tenure as
the city’s assistant superintendent. Martinez-Alvarez holds a bachelor’s degree in business manage- ment from Westfield State University and a master’s degree in teaching from Elms College. In 2019,
she was named a Women of Impact by Business- West. Pedro Sanchez Jr. is the president of BlueX Solutions, a consulting firm in Springfield special- izing in leadership coaching. A bilingual speaker and entrepreneur, he empowers individuals and business leaders by deconstructing preconceived beliefs, identifying opportunities for growth, and nurturing their process of self-discovery. His client base includes companies from several industries, including manufacturing, event and studio produc- tion, nonprofit, and mental health. Sanchez holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from the Assemblies
of God Theological Spanish Seminary in Springfield.
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Community Bank recently wel- comed Darcy Tarte as regional
Retail Banking manager. In her new role, Tarte will lead, over- see, and manage the Retail
Banking team and retail banking relationships across the bank’s New England footprint in Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Tarte has 30 years of experience in the banking industry. Prior
to joining Community Bank, she served as regional market manager at TD Bank and as market manager at People’s United Bank. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and banking from the New England College of Business and Finance. She serves on the board of the Addison County Economic Development Corp. in Middlebury, Vt.
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Country Bank President and CEO Mary McGovern
announced the promotion of Julie Sanders Yi to chief financial officer. Having joined Country Bank in 2012 as first vice president and controller, she has made significant contributions to the Finance department. Her exceptional performance led to her promotion in 2021 to senior vice president, where she demonstrated her ability to drive results in the Operations department as well. She brings a wealth of experience to her new role, with 23 years in various roles in finance. She graduated from
the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a bach- elor’s degree in accounting and is a certified public accountant. As chief financial officer, Sanders Yi will oversee all financial operations of Country Bank, including financial planning and analysis, budget- ing, and financial reporting. She will drive the bank’s financial strategy and ensure long-term financial stability.
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MGM Springfield recently announced the return of Andres Gomez in his new role as executive director
of Hospitality. Gomez was part of the initial team that helped launch the MGM Springfield brand in Massachusetts in 2018, serving as director of Res- taurants and Nightlife Operations. His tactical direc- tion and leadership helped set hospitality standards that remain in place today. He was promoted within the MGM family to director of Food & Beverage at MGM Grand Detroit in late 2020. In 2022, he moved to MGM National Harbor just outside of Washing- ton, D.C., where he assumed the role of director
of Food & Beverage. As executive director of Hos- pitality, Gomez will continue to develop and over- see the plan and vision for MGM Springfield that
is consistent with the objectives of MGM Resorts International, overseeing all aspects of the prop- erty’s hospitality operations. Originally from Puerto Rico, Gomez moved to Springfield as a preteen
and carved out his early career working in the local restaurant industry. Local diners may recognize him from his years at Agawam’s iconic Federal Restau- rant & Bar, where he served as general manager. He grew his career with that group from host to busi- ness partner of some of its fast-casual concepts. He attended Springfield International Charter School and attended UMass Amherst, where he studied business and corporate communications.
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Governors America Corp. (GAC), a veteran-owned, Massachusetts-based, global manufacturer of innovative engine-control products, recently welcomed James Brown as its new Business Development lead. His respon- sibilities include researching
and building relationships with potential clients, growing Department of Defense contracts within the Hawkeye Innovation division and identifying new business opportunities for growth by analyzing market trends, the competitive landscape, and cus-
tomer needs. Brown received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and his MBA in healthcare management from Fitchburg State Uni- versity. He rose to the rank of chief master sergeant (E-9) in the U.S. Air Force over a career spanning 25 years served.
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Country Bank announced that Jodie Gerulaitis,
vice president of Community Relations, has been honored as a Community Hero by the Worcester Red Sox, recognizing her commitment and dedica- tion to serving the local community. Gerulaitis’s passionate advocacy for educators and local non- profit leaders through Country Bank’s partnership with WooSox Foundation programs has had a pro- found impact on the community. Her support in recognizing leaders and educators throughout the region is evident through the Most Valuable Teacher program and the WooStars initiative. The Most Valu- able Teacher program celebrates the achievements of nine exceptional teachers at their schools and the park. Similarly, the WooStars program recognizes the outstanding work of nine local nonprofit lead- ers. These programs, championed by Gerulaitis, exemplify her passion, dedication, and desire to make a meaningful difference in the community.
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The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke
announced that its 58th Citizenship Award winner is the Rev. Fr. Robert Gentile Jr. The Citizenship Award is presented annually to a person or orga- nization that may be of non-Irish descent and has made substantial contributions to the parade and/ or the parade committee. Gentile has been a long- time friend to the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holy- oke, both providing spiritual guidance to the com- mittee and being a long-time supporter for parade weekend. Gentile served as interim chaplain to the St. Patrick’s Committee, and to this day, although he now serves as pastor of Ste. Rose de Lima Par- ish in Chicopee, he continues to provide spiritual guidance and friendship to the committee. In 2003, Gentile was ordained to priesthood in the Diocese of Springfield. After ordination, his first assignment was at St. Thomas in the Apostle Church in West Springfield as the parochial vicar, where he served for 33 months. That assignment concluded when he was asked to become the new pastor of Blessed Sacrament in Holyoke. He served that parish from May 2006 until March 2024, when he began his assignment at Ste. Rose de Lima.
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Berkshire Bank announced that Jason Niles has
been promoted to senior vice president, MyBanker team leader, overseeing the MyBanker service that provides free financial counseling to help con- sumer, business, and nonprofit customers navigate the next stage in their financial life. Niles has been with Berkshire Bank for more than 15 years, most recently as first vice president, relationship manager, MyBanker team leader. Prior to that, he held roles
as vice president, relationship manger and branch manager. Niles is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was recognized as part of the Forty Under 40 class of 2018 by BusinessWest. He is active in the com- munity, serving on the boards of Revitalize CDC in Springfield and the Massachusetts Veterans Cham- ber of Commerce. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from the University of Phoenix.
LYDIA MARTINEZ-ALVAREZ
PEDRO SANCHEZ JR.
JAMES BROWN
DARCY TARTE
42 SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
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