Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA Names New Chief Executive Officer

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BECKET, Mass. — The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA has named Amy Hurwitz Gutschenritter as its new chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1.

Selected by the board of trustees following a six month national search, Gutschenritter will be responsible for overseeing Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA's four programs: Camp Becket, Chimney Corners Camp, Travel and Service Programs, and the Berkshire Outdoor Center. Over the next year, Gutschenritter and her senior leadership team, along with the Board of Trustees, will develop an updated strategic plan and master site plan.

Gutschenritter served most recently as interim CEO; she was on the board for 16 years, including as chair of the Board of Trustees, at Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. She will be the first female CEO in BCCYMCA's 100-plus years of existence.

"During our search for a new CEO, we looked at candidates from across the country.  Amy Gutschenritter stood out. Her energy, dedication, and vision for the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA is exactly what we are looking for in a leader," Search Committee Chair Friday Abernethy said. "Amy's understanding of the organization is deep; she is an alumna, former summer staff member, co-chaired the successful Changing Lives Campaign, and she served on the Board of Trustees for 16 years, including as Board Chair. Additionally, Amy’s children, Libby and Matthew, have collectively spent over 25 summers at the BCCYMCA as participants and leaders."



With more than 25 years of experience as a senior executive at global financial institutions, Gutschenritter has served in leadership positions in strategy, client management, operations, technology and marketing/communications.

"I am honored to lead the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA," Gutschenritter said. "Like so many others, Becket-Chimney Corners has had a meaningful impact on my life and the lives of my children. It was important to me to give back as a Board member and I now look forward to leading the team as we chart the course forward to ensure our relevance and impact for generations to come."

A graduate of Tufts University, Gutschenritter also earned her MBA from Bentley University. She enjoyed a successful career in financial services, including as head of Global Client Relations for SIX Securities Services and senior vice president, Global Operations, at State Street. In addition to her volunteer leadership roles with Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, Gutschenritter is currently on the Boston Advisory Board for the Posse Foundation.


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First Responder Awards Honor Excellence, Highlight Mental Health

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Keynote speaker Nicole Ferry, above, urged first responders not to suffer in silence; right, the committee recognized outstanding work by its members. 

Reader's note: This article discusses suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. To contact the Crisis Text Line, text HELLO to 741741. More information on crisis hotlines in Massachusetts can be found here.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — First responders gathered at the Proprietor's Lodge last week in advance of EMS Week to celebrate and support their colleagues. 

The EMS Awards Banquet, held by the Emergency Medical Services Committee of Berkshire County, included 20 awards for outstanding responses to specific calls over the past year and for excellence in various fields. 

Brian Andrews, president of County Ambulance Services and EMSCO, said its mission is to support and uplift the EMS community with compassionate care, critical resources, and "unwavering support" to first responders and their families.

"That mission is built on a simple but powerful principle: caring for our own," he said. 

"… EMS is a profession built around caring for others, but those who care for others also need to be cared for. They need support, encouragement, training, resources, recognition, and at times they need to know that this community stands behind them and their families." 

Andrews said EMSCO is one of the most active and successful county EMS organizations in Western Mass, and while its members may wear different patches and serve different communities, when the call comes in, they are all connected by the same mission. 

The evening included a $1,000 donation from EMSCO member Berkshire Community College Foundation, and County Ambulance paramedic supervisor Austin White requested that his 40 Under 40 donation be sent to the committee. 

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