Goodwill of the Berkshires Names New President and CEO

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Goodwill of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont's board of directors approved a management transition plan whereby David Twiggs has succeeded Frank Engels as the next president and CEO of the organization.

Twiggs, a Lenox resident, had most recently served as Goodwill's chief operating officer. He joined the organization in 2012 and has served in other senior management roles at Goodwill, including director of logistics.

"David Twiggs brings a wide range of experience from both the operations, retail, and social service sectors," said President of the Board of Directors Heidi Higgins. "His commitment to our community and personal approach to those needing a hand up are in keeping with Goodwill's philosophy and vision as a community focused organization."

Twiggs said he is honored to take the position.



"Goodwill is a dynamic, well-run organization with terrific employees," he said. "Frank Engels, the board of directors, and the entire staff did an amazing job at Goodwill during his six-year tenure. I look forward to building on the solid foundation they have established while continuing to focus on the needs of the local community."

Before joining Goodwill, Twiggs served as director of operations at Macy's. Prior to that he served on Target's executive retail team and as district manager for Perry Ellis stores. In addition to his career in the retail industry, Twiggs worked with youth in special education programs for more than a decade.

Twiggs also volunteers his time and talents to the community. He is currently serving on the Mass Alliance of Commissions on Disability, the Pittsfield Commission on Disabilities (including as community access monitor), an ombudsman for the executive office of Elder Services of Berkshire County and as a volunteer at the Berkshire Immigrant Center.


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Dalton Man Accused of Kidnapping, Shooting Pittsfield Man

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Dalton man was arrested on Thursday evening after allegedly kidnapping and shooting another man.

Nicholas Lighten, 35, was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on Friday on multiple charges including kidnapping with a firearm and armed assault with intent to murder. He was booked in Dalton around 11:45 p.m. the previous night.

There was heavy police presence Thursday night in the area of Lighten's East Housatonic Street home before his arrest.

Shortly before 7 p.m., Dalton dispatch received a call from the Pittsfield Police Department requesting that an officer respond to Berkshire Medical Center. Adrian Mclaughlin of Pittsfield claimed that he was shot in the leg by Lighten after an altercation at the defendants home. Mclaughlin drove himself to the hospital and was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries. 

"We were told that Lighten told Adrian to go down to his basement, where he told Adrian to get down on his knees and pulled out a chain," the police report reads.

"We were told that throughout the struggle with Lighten, Adrian recalls three gunshots."

Dalton PD was advised that Pittsfield had swabbed Mclaughlin for DNA because he reported biting Lighten. A bite mark was later found on Lighten's shoulder. 

Later that night, the victim reportedly was "certain, very certain" that Lighten was his assailant when shown a photo array at the hospital.

According to Dalton Police, an officer was stationed near Lighten's house in an unmarked vehicle and instructed to call over the radio if he left the residence. The Berkshire County Special Response Team was also contacted.

Lighten was under surveillance at his home from about 7:50 p.m. to about 8:40 p.m. when he left the property in a vehicle with Massachusetts plates. Another officer initiated a high-risk motor vehicle stop with the sergeant and response team just past Mill Street on West Housatonic Street, police said, and traffic was stopped on both sides of the road.

Lighten and a passenger were removed from the vehicle and detained. Police reported finding items including a brass knuckle knife, three shell casings wrapped in a rubber glove, and a pair of rubber gloves on him.

The response team entered Lighten's home at 43 East Housatonic before 9:30 p.m. for a protective sweep and cleared the residence before 9:50 p.m., police said. The residence was secured for crime scene investigators.

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