Berkshire Region Sees Significant Strides: Promotions, Growth, and Community Investment Highlight Latest News
Berkshire— The Berkshire region is buzzing with announcements this week, featuring key promotions at the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, impressive enrollment growth at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), substantial funding for child care initiatives, accolades for local financial institutions, and a significant rebranding for a vital community development organization.
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Celebrates Key Promotions
The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) has announced the well-deserved promotions of six dedicated individuals, bolstering its capacity across various critical programs. These advancements reflect BRPC’s commitment to internal talent development and its ongoing efforts to serve Berkshire County effectively.
Krystal Bartley has been promoted to Human Resources Administrator. Joining BRPC in 2022, Bartley brings a wealth of experience from retail management and holds an aPHR certification, alongside a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. Her recent SHRM-CP certification in 2024 further strengthens her comprehensive approach to HR functions, from payroll to recruitment.
In the Environmental and Energy Program, Britney Daniels rises to Senior Planner. Since 2022, Daniels has been instrumental in climate resilience projects, notably leading the Berkshire Clean Air Project. Her expertise is backed by a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science and Policy from Smith College and FEMA hazard mitigation certification, with ongoing pursuit of a Wetland Certificate.
Noé González Ortiz now serves as Senior Planner in the Public Health Planning Program. He manages crucial youth substance use prevention grants and facilitates mental health curricula, engaging community partners through coalitions like SPARK and BE3C. González Ortiz holds a B.B.A. in Computer Information Systems, a Data Analytics Certification, and is a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
Within the Administration department, Alecia Herrick steps into the role of Finance Administrator. Her promotion follows seven years as Assistant Accountant for the Town of Dalton and her joining BRPC in 2021. Herrick holds an Associate of Science in Business Administration and certifications in Accounting and Management, ensuring robust financial oversight.
Jocelyn Latvalla is promoted to Planner in the Economic Development Planning program. Her work at BRPC has concentrated on Digital Access Planning and Implementation, along with supporting Shared Economic Development Planning. Latvalla holds a BS in Sustainable Food and Farming with a minor in Sustainable Community Development from UMass Amherst.
Finally, Andrew McKeever is elevated to Senior Planner in the Community Planning program. Joining in 2023, McKeever assists Berkshire County communities with Comprehensive Plans, Open Space and Recreation Plans, zoning bylaws, and ADA accessibility. McKeever, who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications, brings valuable experience from previous roles as director of communications at the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office and as a journalist.
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MCLA Experiences Significant Enrollment Surge
North Adams— Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is celebrating its most robust enrollment growth in five years, with deposits for the incoming class up 20 percent over last year. This marks the second consecutive year of growth, a remarkable achievement given the national decline in the college-age population and falling high school graduation rates in Berkshire County.
The college’s strategic shift in recruitment, focusing on authentic, student-centric digital engagement, has been key. MCLA revamped its website with accessible language and unscripted student testimonials, while its social media now prioritizes daily campus life content over formal announcements. Notably, deposits from the Berkshire region increased by 29 percent this cycle, totaling 94 students.
Program-specific demand is also a significant driver, with Nursing deposits more than doubling from 13 to 30, and Psychology increasing by 50 percent from 12 to 18. These trends reflect a growing student interest in health and human services careers.
“I’m proud of the progress MCLA has made, and these enrollment numbers reflect the hard work of our faculty and staff to put students first,” stated James F. Birge, MCLA President, who will conclude his tenure this summer. “I’m confident the college is well positioned for continued success in the years ahead.”
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Berkshire United Way Secures $400,000 for Child Care Innovation
Pittsfield— The Berkshire United Way has been awarded $400,000 through the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Employer Child Care Innovation Fund (ECCIF) pilot. This significant funding aims to enhance access to affordable child care by fostering partnerships between employers, child care providers, and local organizations.
The pilot will enable the implementation of employer-supported child care models tailored to the needs of Greylock Federal Credit Union and the hospitality industry. This includes initiatives such as expanded child-care, coverage for non-traditional business hours, and direct employer-funded child care assistance.
Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier lauded the initiative, stating, “A workplace that uplifts parents drives economic opportunity not just for that family but for the whole community. This award is a result of many months of thoughtful collaboration and hard work between Berkshire United Way, local childcare providers, and our extraordinary local employer partners.”
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Beacon Bank and MountainOne Earn Top Honors
Pittsfield— Beacon Bank has been distinguished by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Regional Banks for 2026, achieving the highest possible five-star rating. This recognition positions Beacon Bank among the elite of over 8,800 banks and credit unions nationwide, based on comprehensive research including financial benchmarking, customer surveys, and digital reviews.
Gary Levante, Beacon Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, expressed pride in the achievement: “This distinction reflects the trust our clients place in us, strength of our capabilities and our commitment to delivering expert guidance, personalized support and local decision making that help our clients be ready for tomorrow, today.”
North Adams— MountainOne has been recognized by the Boston Business Journal as #17 in the Medium Company category (100-249 employees) on its 2026 “Best Places to Work” list. This marks MountainOne’s second consecutive year on the list, improving from its #21 ranking in 2025.
The “Best Places to Work” awards are determined by confidential employee surveys, evaluating workplace satisfaction, leadership, professional development, and overall engagement. Employees Peter Barrow, Kevin Carpenter, Ethan Coe, Erin Galvin, Erik Ray, and Devon Stone accepted the award on behalf of MountainOne at the June 11th awards celebration in Boston.
Beth Petropulos, SVP, Senior Human Resources and SAFE Act Officer at MountainOne, highlighted the company’s commitment to employee development: “Moving up in the rankings reinforces what we’ve long believed: when employees are supported, connected, and empowered to succeed, our organization, customers, and communities all benefit.”
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BHS Hospitals Receive High Marks from CMS
Pittsfield— Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) proudly announced that all three of its hospitals—Berkshire Medical Center (BMC), Fairview Hospital, and North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH)—have received high ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) in their annual star ratings, a crucial indicator of hospital quality, safety, and patient experience.
For the second consecutive year, BMC achieved a four-star overall quality rating, performing at or above the national average in mortality, safety, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely care across 48 of 52 quality areas. BMC is one of only four acute care hospitals within a 50-mile radius to earn at least four stars.
Fairview Hospital received a five-star overall quality rating, excelling in timely and effective emergency department care and quality measures for unplanned hospital visits. Fairview’s rating is based on strong performance in 33 of 52 quality areas. Additionally, Fairview earned a five-star inpatient survey rating from 152 patient participants.
NARH also achieved a five-star inpatient survey rating from 126 participants, evaluating doctor/nurse communication and post-recovery preparation. As a critical access hospital opened just over two years ago, NARH has not yet qualified for an overall star rating due to insufficient patient data.
Darlene Rodowicz, President & CEO of BHS, commented: “These CMS ratings are a validation that BHS’s care and services, right here in Berkshire County, not only meet, but exceed national standards. Residents and visitors alike can feel reassured that their closest and most convenient hospitals also provide top quality care.”
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CDCSB Rebrands to Impact South County
Great Barrington— After more than four decades of dedicated service, the Community Development Corporation South Berkshire (CDCSB) has unveiled its new name: Impact South County. This rebranding signifies the organization’s evolving scope while reinforcing its core mission.
While affordable housing remains central, Impact South County’s work now encompasses small business support, community partnerships, and strategic investments aimed at long-term regional vitality. The organization’s mission, staff, and commitment to the community remain unchanged.
The community is invited to celebrate this new chapter at Impact South County’s annual End of Summer Block Party on Sunday, August 30th, featuring live music, local food, and children’s activities. Jim Harwood, Interim Executive Director, noted, “We have really begun to move the needle on affordability in the Berkshires. Our mission includes much more than building homes – it’s about creating opportunities for people to live, work, and thrive.”
