Berkshire 25 2025

By Laura Mars

Just when you think you know the people who make the Berkshires an incredibly special place to be—from cultural leaders to environmental stewards, from farmers to elected officials, from folks who mentor our youth to those who support our vulnerable populations—you realize there’s more to learn. Those whose contributions fall under the radar, who shy away from the limelight, or who have been in our community for so long that we take their contributions for granted—those are the individuals we honor this year. It’s likely you’ve been impacted by these folks, as a visitor at MASS MoCA, in the audience at Barrington Stage, satisfying your sweet tooth at Chocolate Springs, or getting your hair done at The Clip Shop. It’s not just about what they do, but who they are. How lucky are we!

This is the 12th year that Berkshire Magazine has been honoring individuals in our community. It all began with nominations—your nominations—submitted online at berkshiremag.com. A special committee made up of past Berkshire 25 honorees reviewed the nominations. This year, that committee included Diane Pearlman, executive director of the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative; former State Representative Smitty Pignatelli; and Laurie Kiely, director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. 

The votes were tallied, and after a final review by Berkshire Magazine’s editorial board, a selection was made. We present to you the 2025 Berkshire 25!

Barbara Alibozek became a hairdresser soon after she started working at The Clip Shop in Williamstown in 1977. Today, she not only manages the salon and day spa’s three locations—Williamstown, Pittsfield, and Bennington, Vermont—she teaches in their training program and generously mentors those wanting a career in cosmetology. Barbara has been known to donate her time doing hair and nails at nursing homes and health care facilities, and travels to housebound clients to brighten their day. She is on the board of cosmetology programs at Taconic and Bennington high schools and McCann Technical School. Every five years, Barbara organizes an event for The Clip Shop “family” and friends to raise money for local charities. Her generosity extends to sharing food that she grows on her farm in her hometown of Adams, with neighbors, employees, and her wider community. “Barbara is one of the most generous, humble, big-hearted leaders I know,” says former State Representative Smitty Pignatelli. “I call her the energizer bunny.” 

Brian Berkel retired from the State Police force in 2021 only to create a second career of giving back. He works part time at Berkshire County Kids' Place as the coordinator of CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) and does community outreach in schools on Internet safety and human trafficking. Brian serves on the board of the Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, and on 1Berkshire Leadership Program’s steering committee. He is coordinator for the volunteer Berkshire LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) Team. Brian is also a parttime outdoor guide at Canyon Ranch. He volunteers as a radio host on WTBR-FM and is the race director of The Josh Billings Runaground. “I don’t know anyone else operating at his level of volunteer and community engagement,” says Liana Toscanini, executive director of the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires. 

Jonathan Denmark, president and COO of MountainOne Insurance Agency and executive vice president of MountainOne Bank, has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and evolution. Under his leadership, the agency has expanded from four offices to eight in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley, and is about to open a ninth in Great Barrington. Deeply invested in the future of the region, Jonathan serves as board chair of the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA), on the Mayor’s Economic Development Council, the Finance Committee of the Berkshire Innovation Center, 1Berkshire, and as VP of administration of Congregation Knesset Israel in Pittsfield. This Pittsfield native is also in a band—The Housie Shakers—singing and playing guitar, most recently at Hancock Shaker Village, Bousquet, and at the finish line at the Josh Billings Runaground. “Jonathan is a visionary leader whose professional success and community involvement have made him a respected and influential figure in the Berkshires,” says Brenda Petell, vice president and community engagement officer at MountainOne.

Kristy Edmunds has been director of MASS MoCA, the largest multi-disciplinary contemporary museum in the U.S., since 2021. Kristy continues to be a strong voice in support of the arts as museums face uncertain futures. Throughout her career, as former executive and artistic director of UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance and Performing Arts, Consulting Artistic Director for the Park Avenue Armory in New York, and many other positions, she has prioritized creating conditions for people to thrive and grow. Kristy serves on Berkshire Arts Cultural Alliance, Massachusetts Cultural Economy Advisory Council, MA250 Executive Committee, YoungArts, United States Artists, and the board of Berklee College of Music. She also participated in the Green Museums Summit in February. “Kristy is on a mission to make MASS MoCA more permeable, more interwoven into its community, and more responsive to art, in all forms, as those forms mutate and evolve right before our eyes,“ says Joe Thompson, founding director of MASS MoCA. 

Maria Encalada is a leader in the Pittsfield community, not only connecting immigrants with vital resources, but supporting seniors and those suffering with debilitating illness by bringing them food and other necessities. She is a vital volunteer with the Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market in Pittsfield, helping Spanish-speaking customers access fresh, local food, and making sure they understand the tiered payment structure, including the free food pantry option. She knows that asking for help can be especially hard when people don’t speak the language. Maria is a former board member of Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds and uses her connections and experience to help others thrive in Pittsfield and Berkshire County. “Without help,” says Maria, “it’s hard to move up.” Margaret Moulton, executive director of Berkshire Grown, says this about her: “Maria so deserves this honor. She quietly works behind the scene but is a true leader.”

Jennifer Glockner has been director of the Office of Cultural Development for the city of Pittsfield since 2014 and an ex-officio board member of Downtown Pittsfield. She is responsible for Third Thursday; 10X10 Upstreet Arts Festival; First Fridays at 5; and a member of the Let It Shine! Public Art Committee, installing public art exhibits around the city. Jen is also responsible for launching the first ever Cultural Plan for Pittsfield in July. Her office manages Pittsfield’s Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, which houses working art studios and a rotating art gallery. Three years ago, Jen founded the Red Tee all-women golf tournament, raising money for Berkshire United Way, Elizabeth Freeman Center, the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, and Berkshire Medical Center’s Breast Imaging Center. “Jen’s dedication to finding funding opportunities is truly impressive,” says Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti. “She is always willing to collaborate with cultural venues and community organizations to bring new events to Pittsfield. Her commitment to this city and the community goes above and beyond.”

William “Bill” Heaphy has been a basketball coach in the Berkshires for 45 years, leading Boys Varsity Basketball at Taconic High School since 2001. Over his long career, he’s won 16 league titles, four Western Mass championships and two Mass State championships, and his team was Berkshire County Team of the Year in 2018 and 2020. As assistant coach at St. Joseph Central High School, his team won Western Mass and Mass State championships. Coach Heaphy is admired for being not just a great coach but an amazing person, caring about connections and relationships. In the words of a former player, “Coach Heaphy teaches players to put their families first, instilling confidence and respect.” Heaphy founded the Skill Improvement Summer Basketball Camp in Pittsfield for players in grades 3-12, now in its 20th year. His day job is director of inmate education at the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office in Pittsfield.

Lesley Herzberg has been director of Berkshire County Historical Society (BCHS) since 2019, with previous positions at Hancock Shaker Village, Bidwell House Museum, and Felinghuysen Morris House and Studio. Lesley passionately leads BCHS in collecting, preserving, and disseminating the history of Berkshire County and Herman Melville’s Arrowhead through walking tours, historic hikes, birding events, art exhibitions, The Mastheads summer writing residency, and partnering with local businesses and organizations to bring new programs to Berkshire County. As coordinator for BCHS’s Berkshires250, Lesley works in partnership with Revolution250 and Massachusetts250, highlighting Berkshire County’s role in America’s independence. She also serves on the Housatonic Heritage Board, State Historic Records and Archives Board, Berkshire Museum Collections Committee, Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee, Pittsfield’s Cultural Plan Committee, and Pittsfield’s Tourism Committee. “Lesley does a phenomenal job stewarding Pittsfield’s past,” says Massachusetts State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier. “Her work ensures that our history is not overlooked as just part of Massachusetts history.”

Christine Hoyt balances her role as director of member services for 1Berkshire with her responsibilities as a three-term Adams’ Selectperson with dedication and skill. Both positions showcase her commitment to her community, and her ability to build strong relationships. At 1Berkshire, she manages a network of over 700 businesses and nonprofits and steers their Berkshire Leadership Program. Her vision as selectperson has built civic pride and boosted small business visibility with numerous initiatives. Christine serves as president of the Berkshire County Select Board Association, is on the board of directors of both Massachusetts Municipal Association and Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, and is a member of the Massachusetts Select Board Association. “Her leadership is inclusive and hands on,” says Christina Wynn, vice president and CFO at Berkshire Community College. “Christine’s commitment to Adams and the Berkshires runs deep.”

Julia Kaplan moved to the Berkshires in 2011 to focus on her photography and make a difference, following a 27-year career in commercial real estate investment, development, and management in New Jersey. Living in Pittsfield, she has gifted her work to cultural venues and nonprofits, including Barrington Stage, Berkshire International Film Festival, Shakespeare & Company, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, and The Authors Guild Foundation. Julia founded Concierge Gardener, creating custom medicinal gardens, does event photography, and is a supporter of Walking Our Talk, an organization that provides support and connection for women in the Berkshires. “Julia is a huge champion of the arts,” says Kelley Vickery, founder and artistic director of the Berkshire International Film Festival. “She is a gem in our community!”

Maud Mandel has been president of Williams College since 2018. She has engaged the Williams community in articulating a vision for the college’s future. She helped Williams become the first school in the nation to launch an all-grant financial aid program and has created strategic academic initiatives to prepare students for a changing world. As an advocate for educational innovation, President Mandel has led the charge in designing and building the Williams College Museum of Art, now underway. She supports interdisciplinary programs such as Williams Global Scholars and the Winter Study program and, as an accomplished historian, she teaches as frequently as her schedule allows. Her board memberships include Williamstown Theatre Festival, MASS MoCA, and the Clark Art Institute. “Maud’s inspiring and visionary leadership has made a profound impact on the entire field of higher education, not only at Williams College, but also at the Clark Art Institute,” says Olivier Meslay, Hardymon Director at the Clark.

Janis Martinson, executive director of the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center since 2020, guided the venerated venue out of a lockdown and into a steady schedule of world-class live performances. Under her leadership, the Mahaiwe has expanded partnerships with local organizations like Berkshire International Film Festival and Volunteers in Medicine, which helped create Mahaiwe's Spanish-language Community Advisory Network that offers free Spanish-language film screenings and live performances. Janis’s commitment to education and community plays out through school field trips, in-school residencies, and Mahaiwe’s Education and Community Engagement Committee. She’s been instrumental in opening the Indigo Room next to the Mahaiwe, expanding their mission to attract a broader audience. She serves on Berkshire Arts and Culture Alliance, advocating for the economic, tourism, and infrastructure needs of arts and culture organizations, and was a founding member of the Pay Equity Coalition of Berkshire and Columbia Counties. “Janis’s committment to community shines through multiple initiatives,“ says Mahaiwe Board Chair Margaret Deutsch. “Partnering with SCAN, CATA, and the opening of the Indigo Room are just a few examples.“

Julie Michaels and Ari Zorn have been co-chairs of the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project since April 2022. On July 19, a statue of DuBois was unveiled in front of the Mason Library in Great Barrington amid new stone benches and steps, and a huge crowd. Julie started the sculpture project after the death of Freke Vuijst, whose idea it was for a Du Bois statue in Great Barrington. A resident of Housatonic, Julie is passionate about her community. She is a writer, editor, partner in Spence and Sanders Communications, and former board chair of Berkshire Grown. Ari founded Friends of Smiley’s Pond in Egremont, is an advisory council member of the Massachusetts Environmental Justice Council, vice president of Berkshires Community Empowerment Foundation, and sits on the boards of Berkshire Natural Resources Council, 1Berkshire, and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. He is vice president of Blackshires, a community-owned empowerment platform, and owner of Devine Retail Cannabis and Zorn Fitness, both in South Egremont. “Julie and Ari are proof that when you lead with heart, change happens,” says State Representative Leigh Davis. “Through the W.E.B. Du Bois sculpture project, they’ve given our community a renewed pride in its rich Black history—one that resonates across the Commonwealth and beyond state lines.”

Shawn Mille is president of the board for the Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention (BCSP), and program associate at CATA (Community Access to the Arts). He organizes BCSP events and fund raisers, broadens connections across diverse Berkshire organizations, including Berkshire Black Economic Council, Berkshire Pride, AIRY (Arts in Recovery for Youth), and Susan B. Anthony House, and expands outreach to underserved communities. Shawn is a Berkshire Pride volunteer, underwriter of the CATA Gala, team captain for Austen Riggs Center and BCSP teams of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Community Walks, and graduate of 1Bekshire Leadership Program. “Shawn is an all-around thoughtful, effective, and positive leader,” says Elizabeth Heller, vice president of BCSP. “If there is anyone who can be described as creating a diverse, meaningful, and spirited Berkshires, it’s Shawn.”

Katherine Miller founded Lee Community Gardens in 2021 to help address food insecurity by creating vegetable gardens for people, and native wildflower gardens for at-risk pollinators. Partnering with nonprofits like Greenagers, businesses like the College Internship Program, and local churches, she and her team cultivate and deliver fresh produce to senior housing in Lee and transform roadside borders into pollinator pathways. Katherine is an active member of the Lee Greener Gateway Committee and serves on the Lee Parks and Recreation Committee. A graduate of the Permaculture Women’s Guild, and a certified pollinator steward through UMass Extension, Katherine designs landscapes that nurture the entire community—plants, animals, and people.

JamieEllen Moncecchi has created positive social and economic change across Berkshire County as senior vice president and chief administrative officer at Greylock Federal Credit Union. She is deeply committed to equity and inclusion, leading Greylock's human resources, marketing, community support, and DEI efforts. Her mantra is "fairness and consistency." JamieEllen developed a series of initiatives at Greylock to empower women leaders in conjunction with International Women's Day, and revamped Greylock's philanthropic giving to ensure deeper community impact, all while shepherding investments of more than $700,000 a year. Currently the vice president of MCLA Foundation Board, she is a tireless volunteer, having served on Multicultural BRIDGE’s gala committee and previously on Berkshire United Way’s Success By 6 committee. “JamieEllen has humbly been the heart and soul of Greylock for nearly 30 years,” says Michael Stoddard, executive vice president of Greylock.

Bettina Montano is artistic director of Berkshire Pulse, a diverse dance studio in Housatonic that she founded in 1995. When she moved to the Berkshires with a BFA in dance from Temple University, Bettina found little in the way of affordable dance options so she started Flowering Child Performing Arts Program at Eden Hill Recreation Center in Stockbridge, which is now Berkshire Pulse. Today, she oversees dozens of programs serving over 2,000 youth, teens, and adults a year at Pulse studios and throughout the tri-state area through in-school, afterschool, and community programs. “Bettina has worked tirelessly for decades to deliver high-quality dance and creative arts classes,” says Benjamin Court, former operations manager for Berkshire Pulse. “She has never turned away a student for lack of ability to pay.”

Larry Moore is director of the nonprofit organization Baseball in the Berkshires, retired physical education specialist and coach in the Central Berkshire schools, and longtime basketball and soccer official. Baseball in the Berkshires has hosted dozens of exhibits throughout the county on local baseball history, most recently at Ventfort Hall in Lenox with “Breaking Windows and Breaking Barriers.” Larry also founded Gymfest of the Berkshires, a recreational and competitive gymnastics facility in Pittsfield. This longtime Yankee and Detroit Tigers fan is a volunteer outreach educator for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and co-author of the 2016 book, Baseball in the Berkshires. “We are fortunate to have Larry, he’s so dedicated to the cause,” says Kevin Larkin, a founding member of Baseball in the Berkshires and one of the authors of the book.

Pam and Tom Rich own Paul Rich & Sons Home Furnishings + DESIGN in downtown Pittsfield, continuing a 100-year family furniture legacy. They have worked tirelessly, keeping the doors open during challenging times, from the Berkshire Mall drawing shoppers from downtown to COVID keeping people home. Today, through their leadership, Paul Rich & Sons continues to offer quality home furnishings and design with exceptional customer service and an “old world” shopping experience. Pam and Tom’s commitment to their community is evident through longtime dedicated support of numerous organizations, contributing their time and resources to causes in the arts, human services, and education. “We have done business with Paul Rich & Sons for many years,” say David and Laurie Tierney, owners of Hotel on North. “They are the epitome of what downtown Pittsfield should be: classy, loyal, steadfast and dedicated to the core. Pittsfield is beyond fortunate to have Tom and Pam Rich on North Street.”

Darlene Rodowicz, president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) since 2022, leads the largest employer and healthcare provider in the region. Responsible for more than 4,000 employees, she still finds time to make regular rounds, keeping in touch with the people who make the system run smoothly. Darlene has held ten titles with BHS and has served on the Executive Leadership Team since 2005. Her commitment to education is no more evident than through her strong support of BHS’s pathway programs that provide opportunities for those who previously may not have been able to enter the healthcare workforce. Darlene also focuses on advocating for the Berkshires at the state level, finding regulations that will benefit BHS and all those it impacts. “Darlene’s many attributes all lend to her ability to lead with competence and compassion,” says Richard Alcombright, board chair of BHS and former mayor of North Adams. “Her deep roots in our communities and her longevity with BHS has made her the perfect steward and advocate for healthcare in our region. We are so blessed to have her at the helm of Berkshire Health Systems.”

Debra Jo Rupp is a theater, TV, and film actress, best known for starring in That ’70s Show and its spin-off, That ’90s Show. “More important to all of us is that Debra Jo makes the Berkshires her home,” ” says Julianne Boyd, former director of Barrington Stage (BSC). Debra Jo has appeared at theaters throughout the Berkshires and is an associate artist and a member of the board at BSC, where she has appeared in many plays, including Dr. Ruth, All the Way, Ring ‘Round the Moon, To Kill A Mockingbird, and The Laramie Project. Debra Jo goes above and beyond with her support. She is BSC's unofficial “welcoming committee” for cast members, bringing flowers from her garden, snacks, and making sure the dressing rooms are in good shape. She initiated having cast dinners at board members' homes and even has prepared dinners at her home auctioned off to benefit BSC. “She will do whatever she has to for the cause,” says Jessica Provenz, director of development at BSC. “She also puts her money where her mouth is and supports shows she believes in. She has a particular interest in new work and new writers.”

Vicki Saltzman has been the director of communications at the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown since 2010. She has been instrumental in helping the Clark grow into a world-renowned museum and center for academic research in the history of art. Vicki currently oversees a team of eight, managing the Clark’s external communications, public relations, marketing, advertising, digital communications, social media, and the Clark’s website. She works closely with local and state organizations promoting travel and tourism and has received numerous awards for her work. Vicki is a member of the board of directors for 1Berkshire and a member of the Williamstown Cultural District Committee. She will be retiring from the Clark at the end of the year. “Vicki’s tireless work on access and community engagement has helped make the Clark a place where everyone feels welcome,” says Olivier Meslay, Hardymon Director at the Clark. “She is a model museum professional.”

Jay Santangelo planted roots in the Berkshires in 2022, where they own Wander, a queer/transgender-founded, recovery-focused café and event space that has become a vital hub for creatives, community members, and connection. Jay has transformed downtown Pittsfield by creating a radically welcoming space that offers everything from locally roasted coffee and house made craft zero-proof cocktails to sober dance parties, artist workshops, drag shows, and support resources like the Berkshire Trans Exchange. Jay’s soon-to-open community darkroom continues their mission to make art accessible and empower others through film photography. With a background in teaching photography to youth across the country and leading operations and culture at a major restaurant group, Jay is an extraordinary addition to Berkshire County.

Kerry Sullivan, town clerk in Lenox, is retiring in December, and will be missed. “She’s been the most professional, efficient town clerk in Berkshire County for the last 10 years,” says former State Representative Smitty Pigatelli, whose local office she ran for 10 years. “I love being a clerk,” says Kerry. “I never know if I’m talking to the winner of a Pulitzer Prize or of the zucchini festival.” Prior to her public service, this Tyringham native ran a daycare out of her home and was a paraprofessional in the local schools. As president of the Berkshire County Clerks Association, she generously donates her time to ensure that Berkshire election and other processes are held to the highest standard and is a shining example of transparency and accountability. Kerry is also on the board of the Ordinace and Rules Review Committee in Pittsfield, and a Justice of the Peace.

Join the Celebration!

Congratulations to this year’s Berkshire 25 honorees! A reception celebrating these special people will be held at Hancock Shaker Village on Wednesday, September 17, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (For more information on tickets, go to hancockshakevillage.org.) Catering and drinks for the special event will be provided by Woodlife Farm Market (woodlifefarmmarket.com), Nejiame’s Wine Cellars (nejaimeswine.com), and TÖST Beverages (tostbeverages.com). Join us at this special event!