Nichols to Lead Business Banking at Berkshire Bank

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Rob Nichols
BOSTON — Berkshire Bank has promoted Rob Nichols, a senior leader with more than 30 years in commercial banking experience, to lead its business banking team as managing director.
 
In his new role, Nichols will oversee an industry-leading team of business banking professionals serving the needs of smaller to mid-sized businesses across Berkshire's five-state market, including Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont and Rhode Island.
 
Nichols' career includes a range of corporate and commercial banking leadership positions, including overseeing Business Banking teams at Citizens Financial Group Inc. and First Niagara Bank and as chief credit officer at a community bank in the Capital Region of New York. He joined Berkshire in September 2023 as senior vice president and business banking team leader.
 
"Rob is a seasoned, results-driven leader whose sharp focus on both the client experience and empowering his team will help grow our business banking franchise and deliver best-in-class solutions for our clients," said Sean Gray, Berkshire's president and chief operating officer.
 
A resident of the Capital Region in New York, Nichols is active in the community, serving as treasurer and a member of the Executive Committee for the Capital District YMCA and on the board of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce, and has taught entrepreneurship finance at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y.

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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