NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire United Way announced that Deborah Foss, professor emerita of psychology at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Annie Pecor, assistant superintendent of the North Adams Public Schools, have joined its Board of Directors.

 

Foss brings decades of experience and leadership to the board. Originally from New Bedford, she was professor of psychology at MCLA from 1987 to 2021 and was the founding associate dean of the Center for Student Success and Engagement.

 

An advocate for students, she was honored twice with the Senior Class Faculty Appreciation Award and received both the Faculty Association's Junior and Senior Faculty Awards.

 

Her commitment to community service is longstanding, having contributed to Northern Berkshire United Way since her first semester at MCLA, thanks to the encouragement of Steve Green and Jerry Desmarais. Foss has played an active role in the organization, serving on and chairing allocation panels for many years.

 

Beyond her professional and community achievements, Foss is the mother of two adult children and four grandchildren.

 

Northern Berkshire United Way welcomes Foss to its Board of Directors and looks forward to her continued dedication and leadership in supporting the organization's mission to strengthen the local community.

 

Pecor brings over 15 years of educational leadership and community service to the board. A native of Berkshire County, she began her career as a middle school English language arts teacher and transitioned into school administration as principal of Craneville Elementary School in Dalton. Pecor attended North Adams Public Schools and earned her master's degree, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, and is a graduate of the MCLA Leadership Academy. She later received her educational doctorate from the University of New England.

 

In 2021, Pecor joined NAPS as director of Northern Berkshire Adult Education and 21st Century programming, where she demonstrated her commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement. As assistant superintendent, she continues to champion educational excellence and equity for students throughout the region.

 

Pecor is also actively involved in local initiatives, serving as vice chair of the Berkshire Leadership Program and as a board member of the Berkshire Food Project.

 

The Northern Berkshire United Way welcomes Pecor to its Board of Directors and looks forward to her dedication, leadership, and passion for strengthening the local community.