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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Pittsfield Health Officials to Present Outreach Program

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Wheels are moving on local health officials' plan to implement an outreach program that connects unhoused individuals with resources. 

The controversial camping ordinance was sent to the Board of Health in September 2025, and they have determined it is not the best approach for Pittsfield. It was officially scrapped by the City Council last month. 

After months of consideration and a visit to the Northampton Division of Community Care, the BOH recommends piloting an alternative community response program with two new homeless service coordinators who would begin work in the spring.  

On Wednesday, Cambi presented the board with a draft plan. It aims to strengthen the city's public health response to substance use and related community challenges by implementing a peer outreach program that provides harm reduction support services, navigation, and relationship building with vulnerable residents.  

This includes improving coordination with community partners and enhancing health and environmental conditions in the downtown area. 

The immediate priorities, Cambi said, are to rebuild trust and engagement, promote community understanding, and reduce stigma. 

"The context behind this is that there was a policy put in place that was set as a solution. We heard from community members and service providers about how this wasn't the right approach, and now there's been a shift," he said. 

"The city, including the Health Department, needs to own that change and how we need to rebuild those relationships, because we definitely lost the trust of the public." 

He pointed out that the department has already been doing this work with its public health nurse and community health worker, but this program would expand that outreach. A system will need to be put in place for data and program tracking. 

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