Announcing This Year's Berkshire 25!

By Laura Mars

Persistence describes this year’s Berkshire 25. The individuals we honor here have made the Berkshires better by staying the course and putting in the work, often overcoming many obstacles. Their chosen paths bring them not just to our attention, but more importantly into the lives of those who need them most. The group includes business leaders, educators, medical professionals, musicians, writers, environmentalists, cultural leaders, military members, builders, preservers of history, and advocates for social change. In a world of short attention spans and dwindling human interaction, we honor the commitment to community of this year’s Berkshire 25, now in its 13th year.

On Wednesday, October 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., Berkshire Magazine will hold a special reception honoring this year's Berkshire 25, sponsored by Beacon Bank and hosted at Beacon Cinema in Pittsfield. Everyone is invited! Afterwards, please stay for a movie, which includes special screenings of Other Mommy, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Animal House, all of which feature 2026 Berkshire 25 honoree Karen Allen. Proceeds from the event go to the non-profit 1761 Arts. Purchase tickets here: 2026 Berkshire 25 Awards Ceremony and Movie Ticket

2026 HONOREES

Louis J. Allegrone rooted in construction from his father and grandfather since 1921 and founder of the company it is today, is committed to transforming the built economy and vitality of Berkshire County. Allegrone integrates modern housing into Pittsfield’s core while preserving cultural landmarks like the Mahaiwe and Jacob’s Pillow Doris Duke Theatre. Their work also extends nationally, completing a majestic restoration at the base of the Statue of Liberty. Lou’s countless hours and dedication to local sports, children, coaching, volunteering, and philanthropy all shine through his 16 grandchildren. Together with his wife Susan, five children, and extended family of 80 influential employees, he remains committed to developing community spaces in the Berkshires with preservation at its core.

Karen Allen Berkshire’s own award-winning actress, has appeared in over 50 films. Since moving full-time to the Berkshires in 2003, she divides her time between performing, directing, and running Karen Allen Fiber Arts. Dedicated to local arts initiatives, Karen serves on the Triplex Cinema Advisory Board and has spent 17 years on the Berkshire International Film Festival board. “Karen became a foundation stone of BIFF,” says BIFF Founder Kelley Vickery, a Berkshire 25 alumnus. “There are movie stars, and then there are the rare few who pair a remarkable career with a deeply rooted sense of place and community. Karen is one of those rare few.”

Heather Putnam Boulger is Executive Director of the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board. She launched Berkshire County’s School-to-Career initiative, serving every local middle

and high school. A pioneer in workforce training, Heather designed programs for healthcare, manufacturing, education, technology, and hospitality. Her leadership generated over $20 million in workforce investments, creating opportunities for more than 8,500 residents. Heather works on statewide policies, was a longtime member of North Adams & McCann School Committees and serves on Council on Aging and North Adams American Legion Auxiliary. Business owner David Moresi notes, “Heather leads with integrity, inspires collaboration, and consistently delivers innovative solutions.”

James Brosnan has served as superintendent at McCann Technical School for over 30 years offering unwavering stability for Northern Berkshire families, and as

a 36-year member of the U.S. Army Reserve representing unwavering service to country. He sits on the Board of Directors for Berkshire Innovation Center, the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, Berkshire Compact for Education, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Child Care of the Berkshires, and MassHire Berkshire Workforce. “His enduring dedication to education, the military, and the Berkshire community exemplifies a life of service and enrichment,” says Heather Boulger, Executive Director of MassHire and fellow Berkshire 25 winner.

Gina Coleman fronts the band Misty Blues, performing across New England and NYC. They have recorded 17 albums and earned IndependentBlues Music Award nominations. Author Peggy Kern notes, “Gina brings us world class music.” Beyond music, Gina was Williams College’s Associate Director of Admissions/ Director of First-Generation Recruitment and Associate Dean of Students. She is still Head Coach of Women’s Rugby at Williams—her 30th year! Through Gina Coleman Consulting, she helps entities like Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and the City of Pittsfield navigate workforce engagement. She leverages her deep leadership experience to champion cultural intelligence, education, and devotion to a more equal world.

Genée Coreno builds women centered, women created stories. As WAM Theatre’s Artistic Director since 2024, she maintains its regional prominence through productions, play

readings, and new works residencies. Genée pioneers WAM as a catalyst for connection, civic engagement, and cultural change. She recently launched Ballot Ballad: Youth Voice, Civic Power, and the American Songbook, empowering girls ages 11–15 through theater to build visibility, connection, and confidence. A recent participant shared that the program made her feel strong for the first time. WAM’s Victoria Bokaer notes, “So much of the world tells women to doubt their own story. Genée cuts through that.”

Shaun Cusson is President & CEO of Hillcrest Educational Centers. His work heavily impacts youth advocacy and local workforce stability. Joining Hillcrest 33 years ago as a childcare worker, Shaun continues to contribute to the community not only by his leadership at Hillcrest, but also by his membership on a number of boards, including Berkshire Health Systems, 1Berkshire, Berkshire Business Roundtable, Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, and Massachusetts Association of Chapter 766 Approved Private Schools. “If you give a child enough support a miracle can happen,” says Cusson. “They shouldn’t be defined by the darkest moment in their lives.”

Mariah Forstmann owns Casita restaurant at MASS MoCA with her husband, Justin. Every day, she tackles food insecurity and hospitality worker conditions by serving high quality, locally sourced food, and leading with empathy and a commitment to helping others thrive. Mariah is a board member of the Berkshire Food Project. “She is keenly aware that food is a driving force to wellness and happiness,” says BFP Director Matthew Alcombright. Forstmann founded their popular annual fundraiser, Super Bite, with local-chef crafted “super bites,” music, and a silent auction. The consensus is that Mariah makes the Berkshires a warmer, stronger, and more supported place to live.

Mike Dell’Aquila and Sarah Real founded the award-winning Hot Plate Brewing Co. in downtown Pittsfield in 2023, championing community engagement, local agriculture, and inclusive entrepreneurship. The brewery hosts dynamic taproom programming and benefit shows for local nonprofits, including Pittsfield’s Interfaith Community’s Fuel Fund. They also host Pride fundraisers, run a DIY music collective, manage popup beer gardens, and craft custom beers for local cultural institutions. Sarah serves on the Massachusetts Brewers Board, the Governor’s Special Council on Credit Card Fees, and is Vice President of the Pink Boots Society. Mike serves on Berkshire Museum committees and is a former Downtown Pittsfield board member. In just a few years, the couple has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Downtown Pittsfield Community Award and the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s Community Partner of the Year award. Real was also named to the 2026 Inc. Female Founders 500 list.

Alicia Ginsberg is Director of Early Education and Care (EEC) Career Pathways Grant & Initiatives at Berkshire Community College, supporting childcare workers to achieve certification or a degree. Working with Berkshire HeadStart and Luminary Evaluation, she explores ways to increase capacity and employer partnerships. Alicia helped United Way secure the Employer Childcare Innovation Fund Grant and coordinates the Girls Unity Squad for girls of color ages 5–12 to build identity and community. She also represents BCC on a statewide Interagency Taskforce focusing on student-parent support. BCC Vice President Laurie Gordy notes, “Alicia’s work has truly enhanced the quality of childcare educators in Berkshire County.”

Danielle Gonzalez is Chief Human Resources Officer at Williams College, shaping its culture and leadership since 2018. She invests her expertise throughout Berkshire County, previously serving as Chair of the 1Berkshire Board of Directors and currently a member of the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Regional Advisory Board. Danielle also sits on the Board of Trustees of Berkshire Community College (BCC), where she chairs the Governance Committee. Christina Wynn, BCC Vice President, Administration and Finance, and Berkshire 25 alumnus, notes, “Danielle has the rare ability to connect people with different perspectives, inspire collaboration, and move ideas into action. She is a trusted voice among leaders across higher education, business, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector.

Laurie Gordy advances student success as Berkshire Community College’s Vice President for Academic Affairs. She builds community partnerships, including the Berkshire Innovation Center’s Tech AMP program with MIT. Her initiatives help expand enrollment and graduation rates through Free Community College and Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) programs. Dr. Gordy supports women’s leadership and participated in the NAACP’s White Learning Circle. She past-chaired the Massachusetts Community College Chief Academic Officers Council and serves on the BART Charter Public School Board. BCC President Hara Charlier notes, “What most distinguishes Laurie Gordy is her ability to bring people together around a shared purpose.”

Julia Keosaian’s unwavering dedication and commitment to the families of Berkshire County as Executive Director of Berkshire Nursing Families (BNF) has made an extraordinary impact, expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, adding free programs and increasing access to essential services regardless of income, language, or background. Julia is a collaborative community partner who works alongside local hospitals, healthcare providers and fellow nonprofits including Berkshire Health Systems, Northern Berkshire Pediatrics, WIC, Early Intervention, It Takes a Village, and Latinas 413. “Julia’s leadership helps build a healthier, more connected Berkshire County,” says BNF Executive Assistant Alana Boyd.

Ethan Klepetar is a partner at Arienti & Klepetar and pro-bono counsel to Berkshire Immigrant Center and former chair of their Advisory Board. He is Becket’s Town Moderator and mentors those starting nonprofit organizations. A Crane Honorary Life Trustee and former Berkshire Museum Board President, his vision of an inclusive space was realized with its recent renovation and reopening this summer. Ethan also serves on the Berkshire Taconic Foundation Board. “Ethan is dedicated to making the Berkshires a place where people can live, work, play, and thrive,” says Adam Klepetar, VP at Berkshire Community College, past Berkshire 25, and Ethan’s brother!

Gary Levante was the first Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Berkshire Bank, now Beacon Bank, where he created the Employee Volunteer Program. He currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer and Trustee of the Beacon Bank Foundation. Gary is Chair of America’s Charities, Vice Chair of the Pittsfield Community Development Board, and serves on the Massachusetts Bankers Association Legislative Committee and Berkshire Omega Corporation Board. “Gary exemplifies strategic leadership, community impact, and a deep commitment to service,” says Beacon Bank Foundation Director Lori Kiely, who is a past Berkshire 25 honoree. “His role encompasses what drives him: passion meeting purpose.”

Laura Macklin has dedicated decades to second language teaching and learning in the Berkshires. She is currently Director of English Learner Education for Pittsfield Public Schools,

which helps 500 multilingual learners and their families find support, confidence, and a sense of belonging. “Laura inspires those around her to continue building a stronger, more inclusive, and more welcoming community,” says Laura Cabrera, Immigrant Family Liaison at Pittsfield Public Schools and past Berkshire 25 honoree. “She is always willing to listen and extend a helping hand.” Laura is in the Western Massachusetts English Learner Network and is being considered for the statewide Bilingual Education Advisory Council.

Chantell McCulloch’s voice defines the spirit of Berkshire County. Classically trained and nationally recognized, Chantell has performed at The Colonial, Barrington Stage, WAM Theatre, Blackshires, Mr. Finn’s Cabaret, and Tanglewood with Yo-Yo Ma for a free concert honoring healthcare workers during Covid. She is an active ally, volunteer, and advisory board member at Living in Recovery (LiR) in Pittsfield. Her song “Battle Cry,” performed by Misty Blues (see Berkshire 25 Gina Colemen), is up for a Grammy® nomination this year. “Chantell doesn’t just share her voice with the community,“ says LiR Program Director Julie MacDonald, “She uses it to help others find theirs.“

Joshua Needleman opened Chocolate Springs Café in 2003, creating a delicious Lenox destination while sharing his knowledge of chocolate’s history and health benefits. A Culinary Institute of America graduate, Joshua has worked at Wheatleigh, France, Japan, and NYC before bringing his skills back to the Berkshires. His work combines European tradition, Japanese aesthetics, and local roots. Joshua collaborates with cultural groups including Harmony 4 Kids, Berkshire Theater Group, and Shakespeare & Company. Shakespeare & Co. Executive Director Molly Merrihew says, “Joshua’s artistry with chocolate, entrepreneurial spirit, and genuine love of collaboration have enriched countless Berkshire celebrations.“

Ben Nickley is Founder and Executive Director of Berkshire Bird Observatory. He launched the Kestrel Nest Box Project in 2022, providing nesting sites and chick banding for North America’s smallest falcons in North America. Since then, 329 kestrels have fledged throughout South County. Ben leads live banding demonstrations for birding clubs, hiking groups, colleges, and school groups, and serves on the Laurel Hill Association board. Board member Scott Edward Anderson notes, “We marvel at how much work one person can do. The impact of his scientific research alone deserves praise, but his ability to excite birders and non-birders alike is truly amazing.”

Alan Paul is Artistic Director of Barrington Stage Company, coming to the Berkshires in 2024 from Washington, D.C.’s Tony® Award-winning Shakespeare Theater Company. Since arriving, he has strengthened both the company’s commitment to the Pittsfield community and its diverse group of performers and writers. Under his leadership, Barrington Stage’s Playwright Mentoring Project and Musical Theater Conservatory continue to flourish. Executive Director Greg Reiner says, “Alan’s bold artistic vision and deep commitment have strengthened BSC as both a creative force and a vital part of the community. He brings extraordinary artists to our stages while ensuring we remain welcoming and relevant.”

Gary Pratt has been living in recovery since 2008, which informs his work every day as Executive Director of Rural Recovery Resources. He successfully spearheaded the effort to open the South County Recovery Center in Great Barrington in 2024, coordinating a partnership with Great Barrington Police to fund recovery coaches who assist residents navigating active addiction. Gary launched the grassroots initiative Smash the Stigma 413, focused on dismantling discrimination against people with substance use disorders. He recently launched a new recovery-supportive transportation program to address rural isolation, envisioning on site clinical services and low-threshold, substance use supportive housing in South Berkshire.

Bob Salerno has been president of the West Stockbridge Historical Society since 2009 and was instrumental in the Society purchasing the Old Town Hall for $1 to keep it from being demolished. Under his leadership, the Historical Society has raised over $950,000 for the restoration of the building through grants and private donations. The Old Town Hall sees over 2,800 visitors every year enjoying concerts, art shows, lectures, and summer camps. Bob is a past member of the Berkshire County Historical Society, a Trustee of the Edith Wharton Restoration, Chair of the West Stockbridge Finance Committee, and also the town historian.

Lauren Stevens— environmentalist, advocate, and author—has profoundly shaped regional culture, media, and environmental conservation. His books, The Berkshire Book and Hikes & Walks in the Berkshire Hills, celebrate and preserve the local landscape. In 1981, Lauren founded The Advocate newspaper and continues to write extensively on community issues. He is also a founding Board Member of the Hoosic River Watershed Association (HooRWA). Lauren received the Alan Silverstein and Laura Dubestor Award for Community Environment Leadership. HooRWA Executive Director Arianna Alexsandra Collins praises his impact, stating, “Lauren is entirely dedicated to attending to the Hoosic River Watershed’s health and well being. Heisagem!”

Dubois Thomas is president of the Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation, advancing economic justice, cultural equity, and leadership development for BIPOC communities in Berkshire County. Under Thomas’ stewardship, the Blackshires Leadership Accelerator Program has graduated over 40 students in four years. Dubois serves on Great Barrington’s W.E.B. Du Bois Legacy Committee, supporting local tributes including the life-size sculpture at Mason Public Library. He also sits on the 1Berkshire board of directors. “Dubois strives to develop sustainable change for the disadvantaged in our Berkshire community,” says Lauren Clark, member of the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project.

Join the Celebration!

Congratulations to this year's Berkshire 25! A reception will be held on Wednesday, October 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., honoring this year's Berkshire 25, sponsored by Beacon Bank and hosted at Beacon Cinema in Pittsfield. Everyone is invited! Please stay afterwards for a movie, which includes special screenings of Other Mommy, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Animal House, all of which feature 2026 Berkshire 25 honoree Karen Allen. Proceeds from the event go to the non-profit 1761 Arts.

Purchase tickets here: 2026 Berkshire 25 Awards Ceremony and Movie Ticket