BFAIR and UCP of Western Mass Announce Merger Progress

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts announced a milestone in their ongoing merger exploration, including a leadership transition that will position the combined organization for continued growth and impact in serving individuals with disabilities and their families across the region.

Following a joint agreement by the Boards of Directors of both BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts, Randy Kinnas has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of both organizations. This appointment marks a step in the unification process, establishing a single, unified executive leadership structure to guide the merged entity through its next chapter.

"We are proud to move forward together under unified leadership," said Randy Kinnas, CEO of BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts. "This merger represents a shared commitment to expanding the quality and reach of services for the individuals and families we are privileged to serve. Together, we are stronger."

Both Boards also recognize the retirement of Ethel Altiery, who served as Interim CEO with distinction. Her steady, compassionate leadership during a critical period of transition has been invaluable to both organizations. Altiery’s guidance helped lay the foundation for the unified future that BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts now pursue.

"Ethel’s leadership during this transition has been a true gift to both organizations and to the people we serve," said Randy Kinnas. "We are deeply grateful for her dedication, her wisdom, and her heart. We wish her all the best in a well-deserved retirement."

The merger of BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts brings together two longstanding organizations with a shared mission: to support individuals with disabilities in living full, meaningful, and self-directed lives. By combining resources, expertise, and community relationships, the merged organization will be better equipped to expand services, strengthen programs, and advocate for those who depend on them.

Both Boards of Directors have approved this leadership structure as part of the broader integration plan, reflecting their confidence in a unified future that honors the legacy of both organizations while embracing new opportunities for impact. 


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NAFD/NAPD Advances to Finals of Women's Softball League

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires.com Sports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Anna Dix Thursday went 3-for-4 with a double and a pair of runs batted in to lead North Adams Fire Department/North Adams Police Department to a 14-9 win over Alternative Living Centers and a berth in the North Adams Women’s Softball League Championship Game.
 
Abby Lear was 3-for-5 with a double for the first responders, who survived the losers bracket in the double-elimination tournament and will face Belle Ame Lashes on Monday at 6 p.m. at DiSanti Field in the first game of the title round.
 
A win for NAFD/NAPD on Monday will force a winner-take-all game; Lashes is just one win from the championship.
 
On Thursday, NAFD/NAPD jumped on top early with an eight-run top of the first and never looked back.
 
Kalley Vanuni singled up the middle, and Lear doubled to left to bring home the game’s first run.
 
Heather Morris and Carrie Brassard each singled to keep the rally going, and Dix and Kenzie Dobbert delivered two-out hits before each scored on an outfield error to make it 8-0.
 
ALC managed just one run against Dobbert in the circle through the first three innings.
 
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