Incoming BCC President Joins College July 1

02:26PM / Tuesday, June 30, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the arrival of Dr. Hara D. Charlier as president of BCC on July 1, 2026.

Charlier, who served as president of Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minnesota since 2016, brings deep leadership experience rooted in expanding higher education access and opportunity in rural communities.

"As I make the transition from rural Minnesota to Berkshire Community College and the amazing Berkshires community, I could not be more excited to begin this next chapter," Charlier said. "As soon as I learned about the mission of BCC, which focuses on access for all, I knew this was the place for me. I look forward to getting to know the faculty, the staff, and most importantly, the students who make BCC the special place it is."

Under her leadership, Central Lakes College transformed the student experience to advance equitable success, growing enrollment, modernizing facilities and the launch of more than 20 new academic programs. Her philosophy centers on voice, relationships, belonging, and student success. She holds a BS in Animal Science from Cornell University, an MS in Microbiology from Miami University, and a PhD in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University.

Current President Ellen Kennedy is assuming a one-year position of interim president of Cape Cod Community College on July 1, delaying her plan to retire.

In honor of President Kennedy's 14 years of extraordinary leadership, the College held a community-wide celebration in early June. The celebration welcomed students, alumni, employees, retirees, partners, donors and community members, who came together to celebrate BCC, reflect on shared memories and recognize President Kennedy's leadership and lasting impact.

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Allendale Pines North Affordable Manufactured Homes Sell Fast

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:17PM / Saturday, August 22, 2026

Developer Teton Management cut the ribbon on the first six hopes in the manufactured housing community earlier this year.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Just a few months after Allendale Pines North cut the ribbon on its first six homes in the new manufactured home community, units in the planned development are selling fast with both first and second phases all but sold out.

For several years, Teton Management Corp. has been planning to expand its existing Allendale Pines Mobile Community with the development of 22 planned manufactured housing units. The new development has its own entrance at 395 Cheshire Road.

The need for attainable housing has never been higher, Teton President George Whaling said.

"And where we sought the opportunity to help with that demand is, we can get folks into a home at Allendale Pines North for essentially a couple of $100 less than what it would cost for someone to rent a three-bedroom of the same quality," he said.

The corporation took over Allendale Pines, now referred to as Allendale Pines South, about 6 1/2 years ago, Whaling said.

Since then, the corporation has invested $1,000,001 in infrastructure improvements, including replacing all water and sewer lines, paving the community and installing the infrastructure needed for 10 additional units, he said.

Additionally, it has been working to clean up and improve the community, which was lacking during previous ownership, said Jason Nocher, owner of Nocher Realty, which has been hired to help sell the units.

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