BRPC Votes in New Director, Bids Farewell to Matuszko

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The BRPC board voted Thursday to make Laura Brennan its next executive director.

Brennan is the economic development program manager for the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. She has been in the role since July 2023 but has been with BRPC since 2017, first serving as the senior planner of economic development. 

She earned her bachelor's degree from Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania and earned a graduate-level certificate in local government leadership and management from Suffolk University.

Brennan was the preferred candidate the Executive Search Committee, which voted last week to present her and candidate Jason Zogg to the full committee. Zogg withdrew his application on Wednesday.

Board members congratulated Brennan, who was in attendance, with Chair Douglas McNally saying they have her back.

The commission voted to create a three-person negotiation subcommittee with executive committee members Malcolm Fick, Buck Donovan, and Sam Haupt. They will negotiate benefits, compensation, and terms of employment.

Brennan will be taking over for retiring Executive Director Thomas Matuszko. Matuszko was appointed as executive director in 2018, having previously been a principal planner from 1997 to 2000 and then assistant director from 2001. The new director will be the fourth in nearly 60 years.

Matuszko gave his last executive director report, amending the bylaws and changing the wordage to be more inclusive among other notes.

McNally said he was grateful that he made sure to do that before his leave.

Since it was Matuszko's last meeting those in attendance thanked him for his time at the BRPC.

"I had to just say you have had a huge positive impact on the Berkshires and thank you," said McNally.

"Thanks for my internship, Tom, 20-plus years ago, and everything you've done for Berkshire County," said Sarif and Matuszko said he was happy to still see her here after this long.

"I think Laura has learned a lot from you, and so she'll just be able to carry on. And so tonight is a great night for Berkshire County," said Christine Rasmussen.

"It's really, it's been a great ride, and I've enjoyed it almost all the time," said Matuszko. "There have been only very few times that hasn't been extremely enjoyable and satisfying. So I mostly appreciate the support that you all have given me and delegates and alternates over the years have given me and provide our staff."

He urged them to have the same relationship with Brennan, and provide her the help and support to be successful. 

"Thank you for all you've provided me with an opportunity, a great opportunity. I couldn't have asked for a better career."

State Issues Project Update After Flooding at Pittsfield's Bel Air Dam

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
11:05AM / Friday, March 20, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The state says recent flooding near the Bel Air Dam is being managed, and was caused by a release of water from Pontoosuc Lake. 

The City of Pittsfield shared an update from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation on Tuesday, having received inquiries this week about flooding near the almost 200-year-old, abandoned dam that is scheduled to be removed. 

DCR and the contractor, SumCo, said they are aware that there was flooding on the site last week, and that it was because of a release of water from Pontoosuc Lake. 

Water levels appear to be decreasing in the new week. River flows and water levels will continue to be monitored, and the state has enacted a couple of preventative measures. 

Removal of the dam structure began this month. 

"As of Monday March 16, we have not observed any large sediment plumes discharging from Bel Air Dam, or substantial sediment in the water discharging through the cut in the dam," DCR reported on Monday. 

"Two preparations were made in advance of construction activities that are now helping to manage water levels and reduce sediment movement: 1) an intentional cut in the Bel Air dam allows a controlled release of water, and 2) two turbidity curtains installed downstream of the dam are minimizing the transport of sediments and are being monitored and maintained as needed." 

Water levels have decreased from the high levels observed last week, and SumCo is setting up large pumps to try to maintain or lower the current water level in the Bel Air impoundment throughout Monday and Tuesday's rain.