Co-Op Bank Welcomes New Senior Commercial Team Leader

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-Op Bank) announced the addition of Mark McKenna as Senior Vice President, Senior Commercial Lending Team Leader. 
 
A native and long-time resident of the Berkshires, McKenna joins the bank's senior management team with an understanding of the local business landscape and a passion for helping others, stated a press release.
 
McKenna brings over 35 years of experience in commercial lending, business development, and relationship banking. In this new role, he will lead strategic efforts to support local businesses, expand lending services, and guide a team of lenders.
 
"Bringing McKenna on board is a natural fit," said Co-Op Bank President Gregg Levante. "Not only does he bring a surplus of industry knowledge, but also a genuine commitment to supporting the people and businesses that make our community so strong."
 
McKenna expressed excitement about joining the leadership team.
 
"This is more than a new role," he said. "I'm honored to contribute to a bank that invests in its people and empowers growth."
 
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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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