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Joe McGovern, seen here in 2015, is returning to the Berkshires to lead the Boys & Girls Club.

McGovern Tapped as Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires have selected Joseph W. McGovern as its chief executive officer effective July 1.

McGovern will replace the current CEO, Chris Jacoby, who will retire June 30. Jacoby is expected to resume his position as a member of the board of directors.

"We wish Chris well in his retirement and thank him for his years of dedicated service to the club as a board member and CEO. We are delighted to have someone with Joe McGovern's background to fill the CEO position," said Cynthia A. Spinola, board president of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires. "In addition to his impressive experience as an executive director with other Boys & Girls Clubs, he has worked for many nonprofits where he developed the skills needed to lead our club into the future as a premier youth advocacy organization. As a Pittsfield native, former employee of the club and Youth of the Year, Joe has a deep understanding of the club's importance as a valued community resource. We congratulate Joe on his selection and look forward to his leadership."
 
Most recently, McGovern served as executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County, in Harford County, Maryland, where he managed services/programs for more than 7,000 youth and more than 400 volunteers. From 2010 to 2016, he was executive director of the Northern Berkshire United Way. McGovern also served as chief executive officer of the Northern Berkshire YMCA from 2004-2010, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield from 1994 to 2003 and assistant director of the Catholic Youth Center from 1989 to 1993. He also worked as a youth supervisor and recreational director at the then Pittsfield Boys' Club from 1984-1989. McGovern graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and is a graduate of Taconic High School in Pittsfield.

"I am honored to be selected as executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires," McGovern said. "Growing up in Pittsfield, I witnessed the club's great positive impact on the lives of so many youth. My goal is to continue the club's great work while helping it grow and take on the new challenges that face our community."


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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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