New England Public Media Names Senior Director of Development

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Tracy Trial
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — With more than 20 years of experience working in public service in Western Massachusetts, Tracy Trial joins New England Public Media as senior director of development. 
 
She brings a high level of expertise in major gifts, planned giving, and strategic development to NEPM.
 
"The common thread through Tracy's career has been service," said NEPM President Matt Abramovitz. "Whether working as a fundraiser or a teacher, she has demonstrated a lifelong passion for making our community stronger. I am thrilled to have her bring her smarts, vision, and commitment to NEPM."
 
Trial is a collaborative-minded leader who has served in fundraising and community relations roles for a number of organizations. She comes to NEPM from United Way of Pioneer Valley, where she was senior director of development. Before that, she was director of community and donor relations at Goodwill Industries of Springfield and Hartford.
 
In addition to her extensive work in fundraising, her background also includes instructional and administrative positions in secondary and higher education through Holyoke Public Schools and Bay Path University, where she was director of experiential education. 
 
She has given back to the community through volunteer work at Girls Inc. of the Valley, Treehouse Foundation, and other organizations. 
 
A Western Massachusetts native, Trial attended Smith College, where she received a bachelor's degree in philosophy. She went on to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to earn a master's degree in education. She now lives in Wilbraham with her family and is an avid gardener and baker.
 
"NEPM has been a steady and dependable resource to me and my family for as long as I can remember," said Trial. "I am proud to join this team at such an important time for local media, and I'm eager to partner with supporters to ensure the continued vibrancy of this trusted organization."

Tags: NEPM,   public radio,   

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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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