2026 Berkshire Nonprofit Awards Honorees Chosen

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, in partnership with The Berkshire Eagle, has announced the names of 7 honorees receiving recognition at the 9th annual Berkshire Nonprofit Awards on May 19.

The Berkshire Nonprofit Awards recognize the accomplishments and dedication of the people who work in the nonprofit sector.

A panel of 22 judges from the business and nonprofit sectors deliberated via Zoom to choose honorees in each of 7 categories from among over 65 nominations. The honorees are: 

Board Leadership: 

Liliana Atanacio/ Latinas413

Executive Leadership: 

Sabrina Allard/ Railroad Street Youth Project

Samya Rose Stumo Youth Leadership: 

Gloria Williams/ R.O.P.E. & Price Memorial AME Zion Church

Rock Star:

Jennifer Golin/ Child Care of the Berkshires

 Unsung Hero:

Kathryn Benson/ Berkshire Food Project

Volunteer:

Lisa Alberti/ Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County

Lifetime Achievement:

Cathy Marchetto, RN/ Berkshire Health Systems

"If there was ever a year that revealed the true impact and necessity of our Berkshire County nonprofits, this was it. From food insecurity and housing shortages to disruptions in healthcare and challenges facing our arts and cultural organizations, so many in our community have felt the strain—and witnessed the unwavering commitment of those working behind the scenes to meet it," said Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires Associate Director McCaela Donovan. "On May 19, with the support of our sponsors, NPC will honor seven of these dedicated and creative leaders who continue to inspire their organizations and strengthen our communities. We hope you’ll join us for an uplifting morning as we come together to express our deep gratitude for the nonprofit sector and all who sustain it."

The 2026 Berkshire Nonprofit Awards are made possible by  sponsors: Adams Community Bank, Acrisure/Toole Insurance, 1Berkshire, Beacon Bank, The Berkshire Eagle, Berkshire Healthcare Systems, Berkshires Tomorrow Inc/Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, BlackRock/Donald C. McGraw Foundation, Doctor Sax House, Feigenbaum Foundation, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Jane & Jack Fitzpatrick Trust, Keiter Construction, Liz Albert Fundraising, Mazzone Hospitality, Mungy Design, NBT Bank, Pryjma Petals, Renaissance Investment Group, Tricia McCormack Photography, Warrior Trading and the Wright Collective. 

The Berkshire Nonprofit Awards breakfast will take place on May 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Country Club of Pittsfield. The celebration will feature breakfast and networking, a performance by hip hop artist Jackson Whalan, and presentation of awards. NPC founder Liana Toscanini will be honored, and incoming Executive Director Samantha Anderson will be introduced.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at npcberkshires.org.

Greenagers Founder Will Conklin Honored as Business Person of the Year

By Breanna Steele12:17PM / Saturday, October 03, 2026

Casey Pease of state Sen. Paul Mark's office presents William Conklin, right, with a state Senate proclamation.

EGREMONT, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce honored a local businessman and nonprofit leader on Sept. 24 at Catamount Mountain Resort.

 

William Conklin was this year's Business Person of the Year, recognizing his work as founder and executive director of Greenagers, a nonprofit that helps youth and children engage in work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, natural resource management, and vocational skills building. 

 

Conklin and his family also run Sky View Farm and he is a managing partner of Konkapot Tree and Timber, a small-scale forest products business.

 

"If you spent any amount of time in Southern Berkshire, chances are you've heard his name, whether you realize the connection at the time or not," said board member Sierra King Watson, who emceed the event. "You might be having a conversation about farming, a new barn or structure that was built, students learning hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, or a family that receives donated firewood to help keep their home warm through a cold Berkshire winter, or maybe you're simply talking about one of those community leaders who somehow manages to show up, support everyone, and seemingly be everywhere all at once.

 

"Well, one name has a way of continuously popping up, and that is Will Conklin."

 

Board President Mark Rulison said the region has more than 1,200 nonprofits. One in four jobs in the county is in the nonprofit sector, which ranks 27th nationally for nonprofit employment. He said the economic impact on the community is huge, thanking those who help.

 

For the event on Thursday, Conklin requested that as much of the food as possible was sourced locally. Most of it came from Greenagers, Sky View Farm, Indian Line Farm and Fancy Feast Supper Club, creative dinner series.