Berkshire United Way Taps New Director of Development

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire United Way has hired Ilene Marcus as director of development.

Marcus joins the organization with more than 30 years of experience in social service programs, policy development, operations and revenue generation. She holds both her master of science in social work and master of public affairs from Columbia University.

Marcus will be responsible for developing engagement strategies and leading fundraising efforts to increase revenue, ensuring the organization's ability to invest in quality programs to build a stronger community.

Prior to joining Berkshire United Way, Marcus founded Aligned Workplace, where she consulted on creating revenue generating teams. She also served as chief strategy officer of the Met Council, where she grew the organization's major gifts campaign from $3 million to $8 million annually and increased grant revenue by 33 percent.



"We're delighted to have Ilene on board driving our development efforts. These are challenging times for Berkshire United Way and many local nonprofits. We’re fortunate to have hired Ilene who brings a tremendous amount of creativity, energy and experience to the table," said Lee Bank President and Berkshire United Way board member Chuck Leach.

A native of New York City, Marcus resides in Monterey, where she currently serves on the boards of the Council on Aging, and Parks Council and is the fundraising chair of the Friends of the Monterey Library.

She also served a two-year term on the executive board of the NYC Chapter of National Association of Social Workers.


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BHS Provider Clinics Win MHQP Patient Experience Awards

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) announced that three of its primary care provider clinics have received awards from Massachusetts Health Quality Partners (MHQP) for being among the top practices in Massachusetts for patient experience in primary care.
 
The "MHQP Patient Experience Awards" is an annual awards program introduced in 2018 by MHQP, a non-profit measurement and reporting organization that works to improve the quality of patient care experiences in Massachusetts. MHQP conducts the only statewide survey of patient experience in primary care in Massachusetts.
 
"The teams at Adams Internists, Berkshire Internists and Lenox Family Health have worked extremely hard to provide their patients with the highest standard of compassionate, patient-centered care," said James Lederer, MD, BHS Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer. "Berkshire Health Systems is pleased by this recognition, which validates that our patients are receiving the quality communication, care, and support that they deserve, which is our highest priority."
 
Awards were given to top overall performers in adult primary care and pediatrics in each of nine performance categories. Adams Internists of BMC, Berkshire Internists of BMC and Lenox Family Health Center of BMC received recognition for the following awards for adult care:
  • Adams Internists of BMC: Distinction in Assessment of Patient Behavioral Health Issues
  • Berkshire Internists of BMC: Distinction in Patient-Provider Communications and How Well Providers Know Their Patients
  • Lenox Family Health Center of BMC: Distinction in Patient-Provider Communications and Office Staff Professional Experience
"It is not easy for a primary care practice to thrive in the current environment," said Barbra Rabson, MHQP's President and CEO. "We are thrilled to congratulate each of them on behalf of their patients for their exceptional commitment to excellence."
 
"Primary care is the foundation of our health care system," said Julita Mir, MD, MHQP's Board Chair. "The practices from all across the state recognized with this award have distinguished themselves where it matters most – in the experiences of their own patients."
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