5 hours Ago By Monica Bliss
Berkshire Family and Individual Resources appoints Ethel Altiery as Interim Chief Executive OfficerNorth Adams— Berkshire Family and Individual Resources (BFAIR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ethel Altiery as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective March 28th.Altiery, who has served BFAIR for 25 years, brings extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. She has played a pivotal role in BFAIR’s operations, most recently as Chief Operating Officer.
Her long standing dedication to the organization, along with her comprehensive understanding of BFAIR’s programs and services, makes her an ideal leader to guide the agency through this transition period. “Our Board of Directors is thrilled to appoint Ethel as Interim CEO,” said Pete Mirante, BFAIR Board Chair. “Her unwavering commitment to our mission, staff, and the individuals we serve ensures strong and stable leadership as we continue our search for a permanent CEO.
”For more information or to contact Ethel Altiery directly, you will reach her at 413-664-9382 ext. 128 or [email protected].
***Pittsfield Cooperative Bank promotes Jennifer L. Parsons to Senior Vice PresidentPittsfield— Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) is proud to announce the promotion of Jennifer L. Parsons to Senior Vice President, Human Resources.
Jennifer L. Parsons. Courtesy Pittsfield Cooperative Bank.
In her new elevated role, Parsons will lead all aspects of the Bank’s human resources strategy, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, professional development, and organizational culture. As Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Ms. Parsons will oversee the Bank’s evolving and long-term HR strategy, focusing on recruiting top talent, strengthening the Bank’s workplace culture, enhancing employee development, and ensuring the Bank becomes an employer of choice within the community.
Ms. Parsons brings more than ten years of human resources experience and holds a Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification from HRCI®. She is actively involved in her community and volunteers at the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center and has served on their board of directors since 2023, reflecting her dedication to both her profession and her community.
“Jennifer’s promotion reflects her outstanding contributions to the organization and her unwavering commitment to our employees,” said Michael P. Daly, CEO, of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. “Her leadership and passion are invaluable as we continue to invest in our people — the heart of our organization.
”***Berkshire Health Systems appoints Susan Gazzillo Vice President of QualityPittsfield— Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has announced that Susan Gazzillo, MSN, RN, CRNI, has been named Vice President of Quality for BHS.Susan Gazzillo. Courtesy Berkshire Health Systems.
Gazzillo previously served as Senior Director of Nursing for Specialty Care for the past three years. She was selected after a nationwide search for this system-wide leadership position. As Vice President of Quality, Gazzillo will continue Berkshire Health Systems’ focus on enhancing patient safety and performance improvement, clinical excellence and overall quality of care across all patient care locations.
Prior to her role as Senior Director of Nursing for Specialty Care, Gazzillo served as Administrative Director of Cancer Care and Infusion Services at the Phelps Cancer Center In her 38 years at BHS, she has also held leadership roles in Critical Care, Pharmacy and IV Therapy and Acute Care.“Sue’s extensive experience and outstanding leadership qualities made her the ideal candidate for Vice President of Quality,” said James Lederer, MD, BHS Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer. “Her commitment to excellence in all of the areas she has served within Berkshire Health Systems perfectly aligns with her new role.
”***Berkshire Family and Individual Resources promotes Katrina Cardillo to Senior Director of Marketing and Public RelationsNorth Adams— Berkshire Family & Individual Resources (BFAIR) is pleased to announce the promotion of Katrina Cardillo, MBA, to Senior Director of Marketing and Public Relations.Katrina Cardillo. Courtesy BFAIR.
Katrina Cardillo brings a wealth of experience in marketing, management, and community engagement to her expanded responsibilities. Since joining BFAIR, Cardillo has been instrumental in amplifying the organization’s mission to support individuals with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and autism. Her innovative strategies and leadership have significantly contributed to brand awareness and community outreach.
In her new role, Cardillo will not only continue to lead marketing and PR initiatives but will also play an important role in advancing BFAIR’s fundraising activities.Cardillo’s career began with @utoRevenue, where she quickly ascended to the management team and contributed to the company’s marketing and operational strategies. Following the acquisition by Dominion Enterprises, she transitioned to the corporate marketing team within the Dominion Dealer Solutions automotive division, overseeing marketing initiatives for multiple business units.
After her tenure in the corporate world, Cardillo shifted her focus to the human service sector. Over the past 12 years, she has been dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations in Berkshire County. She holds an MBA and a BS in Business Administration from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
“Katrina’s exceptional dedication, creativity, and strategic vision have made a profound impact on our organization,” said Rich Weisenflue, CEO at BFAIR. “Her expanded role will enhance our fundraising efforts, enabling us to support even more individuals and families in need.”***Lee Bank announces promotions and new team memberLee— Lee Bank is pleased to announce the promotions of SooJa Whalen to Assistant Vice President, Consumer Banking, and Michele Kotek to South County Area Manager, as well as the addition of Emily Davis to the team as Great Barrington Branch Manager.
SooJa Whalen. Courtesy Lee Bank.SooJa Whalen has been promoted to AVP, Consumer Banking with over 25 years of banking experience, including eight years with Lee Bank, where she has previously held positions as Universal Banker, Community Banker, and South County Area Manager.
In her new role, SooJa will focus on staff development, sales and service strategy, and operational efficiencies to further enhance customer experience and banking operations. In addition to her role at Lee Bank, SooJa serves as Treasurer of the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and is a board member of Berkshares.Michele Kotek.
Courtesy Lee Bank.Michele Kotek has earned a promotion to South County Area Manager. With over five years in banking and more than 20 years in hospitality, Michele has built a strong foundation in creating welcoming environments and guiding customers toward their financial goals.
In this new position, Michele will continue to foster strong customer relationships, support financial success for the community, and lead the South County team with her engaging and dynamic approach. She is also an active board member of the Kiwanis Club of Lee.Emily Davis.
Courtesy Lee Bank.Lee Bank also welcomes Emily Davis as Great Barrington Branch Manager. With over 30 years of banking experience, including 22 years at Berkshire Bank and nine years at Pittsfield Cooperative Bank as AVP/Branch Manager, Emily brings a wealth of leadership and customer service expertise.
She will focus on leading the Great Barrington branch, strengthening customer relationships, and developing local connections. Emily is also an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Sheffield, where she has served on the board for nine years and was president for two years. She has also contributed to the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Sheffield Finance Committee.
“We are thrilled to recognize the hard work and dedication of SooJa Whalen and Michele Kotek with these well-deserved promotions, and we are pleased to welcome Emily Davis to our team,” said Chuck Leach, President & CEO of Lee Bank. “At Lee Bank, we believe in fostering career growth from within and supporting local talent. SooJa, Michele, and Emily exemplify our commitment to exceptional service and community engagement.
”***Precision Brows grand opening and ribbon cuttingPittsfield— Precision Brows, located at 644 North Street in Pittsfield, is excited to announce their Grand Opening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, March 19th at 2 p.m. There will be a ribbon cutting at 2 p.
m., followed by a Grand Opening Celebration and tours of the space.Owner Deidre Rosado is a permanent makeup artist offering Threading and Microblading.
Microblading is a precise, semi-permanent solution to enhance and define your eyebrows, giving you a natural, polished look that lasts.Courtesy Precision Brows.Owner of Precision Brows Deidre Rosado said, ”I’m excited to announce that I have successfully completed comprehensive training in permanent makeup, including the Zero to Microblading course with Sara Delaney, followed by a 200-hour hands-on apprenticeship.
This journey has equipped me with the skills and expertise to provide clients with precise, long-lasting results in eyebrow enhancement, and I am thrilled to offer these services to the community.” For more information on Precision Brows, visit www.myprecisionpmu.
com..
