BMC Names COO

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has announced that Tejas Gandhi has been named Chief Operating Officer of Berkshire Medical Center. 
 
Gandhi will begin his new leadership role at BMC on Nov. 18.  
 
"As the region's community teaching hospital and center for higher level clinical care, Berkshire Medical Center is a key contributor to the health and wellbeing of our community." said Darlene Rodowicz, president and CEO of BHS. "Tejas was the ideal candidate for this role, as he brings with him not only a depth of healthcare leadership experience and a forward-thinking approach, but also the deep commitment to building relationships – which is crucial in this role of leading our valued and entrusted community hospital." 
 
For the past three years, Gandhi has served as CEO of Ocus Health, and previously was Chief Operating Officer for Baystate Medical Center from 2016-2021. He has also previously served as Senior VP and Chief Administrative Officer for Navicent Health in Georgia, Assistant VP, Health Delivery Integration with Virtua Health, and other key roles. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Mumbai, a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Binghamton University and a Doctorate in Health Administration (DHA) from the Medical University of South Carolina. 
 
"I am thrilled to join Berkshire Medical Center in a few short weeks," said Gandhi. "It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead such a dedicated team such as the one at BMC. I look forward to collaborating with BMC's teams to ultimately advance health and wellness for everyone in our Berkshire community and continue to serve as the trusted healthcare providers that our neighbors turn to in their times of need."  

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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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