Glockner Nominated As New Pittsfield Cultural Director

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Jennifer Glockner

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Jennifer Glockner has been nominated as the next director of cultural development.

Mayor Daniel Bianchi announced that a search committee is nominating Glockner to take over for Megan Whilden, who left for a position with Berkshire Community College. Glockner's nomination needs to be approved by the City Council on June 10.

"Finding a match for the position was not an easy task. Megan [Whilden], the past director of cultural development, brought unique creativity to Pittsfield. While having a background in business and marketing was important for the new director, it was absolutely crucial for the future success of the arts and cultural initiatives in the city, that we found a person well-versed in both arts and cultural development, and who understands the important business that the arts plays in our region," Bianchi said in a prepared statement released Wednesday.

Glockner is currently the city's tourism coordinator where she currently works with the cultural development office, visitor's center, RSVP, the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts and the Berkshire Visitors Bureau.

She has previously worked for the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, Winstanley Associates and the Berkshire Eagle.


The search committee consisted of Mike Taylor, personnel technician for the city, Peter Lafayette, of Downtown Pittsfield Inc., Andy Kelly, chair of the cultural development board, and Mary Rentz, president of the Berkshire Art Association.

"Jen is an excellent communicator, a skilled writer with personal warmth and charisma. She works well with others, as a leader and as a member of a team," Rentz said in a statement.

The position headed the Department of Cultural Development, which was created in 2005 by then Mayor James Ruberto. In that position, Whilden has been credited with being the driving force behind an art economy in the city. The most notable accomplishment out of that office was the creation of the Third Thursday street fairs.

 Bianchi added the position needs to focus on "partnering with area businesses and successfully managing events."

"I was pleased when the search committee unanimously recommended Jennifer for the position.  We had strong candidates; however, her experience in working with arts and culture in the Berkshires was unmatched," Bianchi said.


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BCC Wins Grant for New Automatic External Defibrillator

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is the recipient of a $2,326 grant, funded by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, for the purchase of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) device. 
 
The grant specifically covers a device for use inside one of BCC's security vehicles for easy access when traversing the campus.  
 
In total, the Commonwealth awarded more than $165,000 in grant funding to 58 municipalities,
13 public colleges and universities, and nine nonprofits to purchase AEDs for emergency response vehicles. The program is designed to increase access to lifesaving equipment during medical emergencies, when every second matters.  
 
An AED is a medical device used to support people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, which is the abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have been diagnosed with heart disease. An AED analyzes the patient's heart rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.  
 
"Immediate access to AEDs is vital to someone facing a medical crisis. By expanding availability statewide, we're equipping first responders with the necessary tools to provide lifesaving emergency care for patients," said Governor Maura Healey. "This essential equipment will enhance the medical response for cardiac patients across Massachusetts and improve outcomes during an emergency event."  
 
The funds were awarded through a competitive application process conducted by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR), a state agency that is part of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS).  
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