Law Joins BCC as Vice President for Administration and Finance

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John Law
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — John C. Law will take over as vice president for administration and finance at Berkshire Community College. 
 
In his new role, Law is the chief financial officer of the college and supervises other administrative functions, including information technology, facilities and food services.
 
Law has almost 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, most recently serving as president and chief executive officer of Williamstown Savings Bank until it merged with Hoosac Bank in 2012. He also held the role of executive vice president of MountainOne Financial Partners, where he was responsible for retail banking and marketing.
 
"Throughout his years working in the Berkshires, John has proven himself to be an outstanding member of the business community," said BCC President Ellen Kennedy. "His extensive financial knowledge and broad experience in the business, government and not-for-profit sectors will be a great benefit for our institution.”
 
Prior to specializing in financial services, he worked on the staff of U.S. Senator Joseph Biden Jr. in Washington, D.C., as a legislative correspondent.
 
Law, who has been very active in community and economic development organizations in the Berkshires, has served as president of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and Northern Berkshire United Way.
 
A resident of Niskayuna, N.Y., he holds a bachelor's degree from Williams College and an Masters of Business Administration from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
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Pittsfield Police Chief Retiring in January

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor. 

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email. 

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility." 

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks. 

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day. 

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted. 

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!" 

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