BCC Names Two to Board of Trustees

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the election of two members to its Board of Trustees. 
 
The board is composed of area residents appointed by the governor of Massachusetts.
 
Julie Fallon Hughes of Dalton is president and chief executive officer of Adams Community Bank, a role she assumed in August 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Hughes has held senior leadership positions at First Indiana Bank, M&I Bank, BMO Harris Bank, Fifth Third Bank, and most recently at Northwest Bank. She is widely recognized for her strategic leadership and her ability to guide teams through complex organizational change. Her approach reflects the bank’s long-standing mission of supporting the people and communities of the Berkshires through exceptional service and charitable giving. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Hughes is deeply committed to community engagement. She has held leadership roles with organizations such as Allies for Children, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and Imani Christian Academy, focusing on education, child advocacy, and regional development.
 
Victor X. Reyes of Pittsfield, a liberal arts student at Berkshire Community College, is actively engaged in leadership roles including student trustee, parliamentarian, and student leader within the Student Government Association (SGA). They participate in various volunteer activities such as operating at Pittsfield Carousel, environmental efforts with the Green Team, beekeeping, and advocacy through MASSPIRG. Work experience includes roles as a student engagement intern, library work-study, front desk at Paterson Field House, shift lead at Burger King, and Amazon Flex driver, demonstrating a blend of leadership, communication, and customer service skills.

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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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