BCC's New President Gets Higher Ed Board OK

07:17PM / Tuesday, April 07, 2026Print Story | Email Story

Hara Charlier

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education on Tuesday formally voted to approve the appointment of Hara Charlier as Berkshire Community College's next president.

The vote follows the recent unanimous recommendation by the BCC Board of Trustees and marks the final step in the college's presidential search process. Charlier will officially assume the role on July 1, 2026.

She is currently president of Central Lakes College in Minnesota and was selected following a comprehensive national search process guided by campus and community input.

Charlier replaces Ellen Kennedy, who will retire after 14 years as president of college at the end of the academic year.

With state approval now secured, BCC looks forward to welcoming Charlier as its next leader and continuing its commitment to student success, workforce development, and service to the Berkshires, according to a statement from the college.

Tags: BCC, college president, higher education,

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New Trial Denied for Caius Veiovis

Staff Reports01:11PM / Tuesday, October 27, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Caius Veiovis' request for a new trial was denied.

Veiovis, now 46, was one of three men convicted in the murder of David Glasser, Edward Frampton, and Robert Chadwell in 2011. He is also known as Roy Gutfinski.

In 2014, he was sentenced to three consecutive life terms for the alleged kidnapping, killing, and dismembering of the Pittsfield men. They were last seen at a city apartment shared by Glasser and Frampton on Aug. 28, 2011; their dismembered bodies were found in Becket that September.

According to AP News, Veiovis told the jury, "I'll see you in hell" after the conviction.

On Tuesday, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office reported that following a final hearing held on June 26, 2026, Justice Michael D. Ricciuti issued an order on Oct. 23, 2026, denying Veiovis's motion for post-conviction relief.

The motion had requested a new trial based chiefly on claims of ineffective assistance by his trial attorney and newly discovered evidence.

Post-conviction relief is a legal process that allows a convicted person to challenge a criminal conviction or sentence in the trial court after direct appeals have ended or were not filed.

"District Attorney Capeless' unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring it is maintained in this case has been truly remarkable," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said.

"His efforts in handling this difficult and complex criminal matter have helped make Berkshire County a safer place."

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