1Berkshire Picks Stuart Chase to Lead EffortsStaff Reports
iBerkshires
12:03PM / Thursday, April 28, 2011
Stuart A. Chase
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The former director of the Berkshire Museum has been selected to lead 1Berkshire, the umbrella organization created last year to coordinate the region's economic and cultural agencies.
Stuart A. Chase will join the organization as its chief executive officer, according to a statement released by the organization's board.
"Stuart Chase is the ideal person to be the face of 1Berkshire locally, in Boston, Washington, D.C., and nationwide. He will lead 1Berkshire to new levels of success and brand recognition which will benefit all members of the Berkshire community," said 1Berkshire Chairman Michael P. Daly, president of Berkshire Hills Bancorp. "His energy, enthusiasm and high level of professionalism have inspired all who know him. We welcome Stuart as CEO during this important time in the growth of 1Berkshire."
According to the statement, Chase will provide 1Berkshire and its affiliates, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, the Berkshire Visitors Bureau and Berkshire Creative Economy Council, with executive leadership in all areas vital to the growth and success of 1Berkshire, including strategic and organizational management, fundraising, economic development and marketing. The Berkshire Economic Development Corp. was merged into 1Berkshire. The statement cites Chase as being "an experienced executive with a distinguished record of business achievements and community involvement in the Berkshires and beyond."
"This is a fresh and innovative opportunity to blend the special qualities of these economic development organizations together and promote the Berkshires as a major destination for business, culture and natural recreation and one that I look forward to leading," stated Chase in the release. "I look forward to promoting the Berkshire brand and providing services, information and guidance to all who wish to conduct their business and experience the unique Berkshire lifestyle. In simple terms the Berkshires are terrific."
The nonprofit was created with much fanfare in April 2010 but has spent the last year developing a mission plan, strategies, fundraising and bylaws and pursuing nonprofit status. It stumbled on its first entry into the region's economic and cultural development over the cleanup of the Housatonic River, taking a position similar to GE and at first denying but later admitting that it had received funding from the company, which will be charged for the cleanup. The organization says no funding from GE is being used for its river advocacy efforts.
1Berkshire has been operating under volunteer interim directors, including Paul Haklisch, who lead the search for his replacement; a posting for a permanent leader was made in February.
Chase announced his resignation from the museum a weeklater. The director said at the time he had no immediate plans but was planning to become a consultant to other nonprofits. There was speculation of a rift between Chase and the museum board but the parties insist Chase left on good terms.
During six years at the museum, Chase was credited with overseeing the addition of the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation, a successful fundraising campaign and a series of popular events and exhibits. The Lanesborough resident is president of the Williamstown Art Conservation Center and held leadership positions in a range of cultural and economic entities around the country, including president of the Oyster Bay (N.Y.) Chamber of Commerce. He graduated from from Virginia Commonwealth University, with advanced studies at New York University and Long Island University.
Haklisch said the selection committee has searched for somone with a broad range of abilities.
"Stuart Chase clearly stood out among all the candidates," he said a statement. "He was the unanimous candidate of the Search Committee comprised of board members of all three agencies. I am pleased that the board of directors selected an exceptional candidate for this important position."
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