Ferry Joins Pittsfield Co-op as Commercial Banking Leader

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced that Michael Ferry has come out of retirement to join the bank as its new SVP, Commercial Banking. 
 
With more than 40 years of experience in the local banking industry, including 34 years with Berkshire Bank, Mr. Ferry brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.
 
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Ferry served as Senior Vice President and Commercial Regional President for Berkshire County and Vermont markets at Berkshire Bank. In this capacity, he led commercial lending, relationship management and related services, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering economic growth within the regions. Additionally, he previously held the position of President of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. Ferry currently serves as a Director of The Feigenbaum Foundation further exemplifying his dedication to community development.
 
Beyond his professional achievements, Ferry has been an active participant in various community organizations. He has served as a board member and treasurer for Berkshire County Arc for 16 years and was elected as the organization's Chairman of the Board in July 2020.
 
In his new role at Co-op Bank, Ferry will oversee the commercial banking division, focusing on expanding services and strengthening relationships with local businesses. His leadership is expected to enhance the bank's ability to provide tailored financial solutions that meet the unique needs of the community as well as mentor a growing commercial team that recently won Banker & Tradesman’s 50 Fastest Growing Commercial Lenders.
 
Michael P. Daly, CEO of Co-op Bank, expressed enthusiasm about Ferry's appointment.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Mike Ferry to our team. His extensive experience and deep-rooted commitment to the Berkshires align perfectly with our mission to support local businesses and contribute to the economic vitality of the region," Daly said.
 
Ferry shared his excitement about joining the bank, stating, 
 
"I am excited to join Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and look forward to working with the team to deliver exceptional service to our commercial customers," Ferry said. "Together, we will continue to support the growth and success of businesses in our community."
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Berkshire Museum Explores Ancient Egypt With ‘Soulful Creatures’

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Following its multimillion-dollar renovation, the Berkshire Museum is welcoming an exhibition unlike any it has been able to host before.
 
Marking the museum's first major exhibition since its renovation, "Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt," opening Saturday, Oct. 10, thins the veil between the ever-evolving history of Egyptian culture and society and modern day people. 
 
"The most important thing about history is recognizing people from the past as actual people. Ancient Egyptians are no different than us," said William Dore, the museum's chief curator. "They have different cultures and beliefs and different viewpoints, but you can say the same thing about people today."
 
When audiences experience the exhibit, they will see the humanity in the people of the past, which in turn helps them connect with different views and perspectives around the world today, he said. 
 
Combining archeology with modern scientific imaging, Brooklyn (N.Y.) Museum curators Yekaterina Barbash and Edward Bleiberg designed an exhibit that works to uncover the mysteries behind these objects and the beliefs and rituals that surround them. 
 
"I think something that people kind of misunderstand about history is none of it's ever settled. ... History is a science that is constantly questioned,” Dore said. "It only works if everyone's constantly rethinking things, learning new things ... which is for me super exciting because as much as we know a lot about the ancient Egyptians, there's a lot we don't know.”
 
The installation features dozens of artifacts on loan from the Brooklyn Museum that explores the practice of animal mummification and the role animals played in ancient Egyptian religion. 
 
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