1Berkshire Introduces Newly Elected Board Members and Officers

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire announced its 2025 slate of newly reelected board members and officers, as well as the addition of new board members.
 
These individuals will each help support the work of 1Berkshire as the marketing and economic development organization for the region. All these officers and board members were voted in and welcomed at 1Berkshire's Annual Meeting on Dec. 12, 2024.
 
"I am delighted to welcome such a strong group of new and returning board members, and I'm also very pleased that Lori Gazzillo Kiely will continue to lead the board as our board chair for 2025," said Jonathan Butler, President and CEO of 1Berkshire. "The Board's extensive knowledge and leadership experience will add tremendous value to the organization, and I am excited about the path ahead. I look forward to working with each of them in the coming year."
 
Officers
  • Chair: Lori Gazzillo Kiely - Sr. VP & Director of Berkshire Bank Foundation
  • President: Jonathan Butler - President and CEO of 1Berkshire
  • Vice Chair: Colleen Taylor - Partner, Bay State Hospitality Group
  • Vice Chair: Peter Stasiowski - Director of Communications, Interprint, Inc.
  • Treasurer: Margaret Keller - Executive Director, Community Access to the Arts
  • Clerk: Jesse Cook-Dubin - Partner, Cohen Kinne Valicenti & Cook
 
New Board of Directors Members
  • Jesse Cook-Dubin - Partner, Cohen Kinne Valicenti & Cook
  • Ellen Kennedy - President, Berkshire Community College
  • Harry Monti - President, Berkshire Life Insurance Company (Guardian)
  • Yina Moore - Founder and Artistic Director, Adams Theater LLC
  • Gina Puc - Special Assistant to the President, Williams College
 
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories