Boston Man Joins Lever's Board of Trustees

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Travis McCready, a senior consultant and thought leader with 20-plus years economic development expertise in private, public and large scale not-for-profit institutions, has joined Lever's board of trustees, effective April 2020.

"I am thrilled that Travis has joined Lever's board of trustees," said Jeffrey Thomas, Lever's founder and executive director. "He has a remarkable resume, a wealth of experience, and a longstanding interest in Lever's work and our mission of supporting Berkshire entrepreneurs, companies and the economic ecosystem as a whole. I'm confident that his contributions as a board member will be invaluable."

"Travis has a depth of experience both at the policy level for economic development, and at regional application of policy across the commonwealth," said Donald Dubendorf, chairman of Lever's board of directors. "We couldn’t be happier to tap into that experience and expertise. He is a wonderful addition to our board."

From 2015 through 2019, McCready served as the president and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, a $1 billion public-private partnership with the mission of advancing the life sciences ecosystem in Massachusetts. Previously, he served as the vice president for programs at The Boston Foundation, directing the foundation's grants and community investment strategy. He was the first executive director of the Kendall Square Association and has held the COO and CFO positions at the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. He is a frequently invited speaker on leadership development, innovation clusters and economic growth, and the creative economy. 

McCready received a bachelor's degree from Yale University and J.D. from the University of Iowa. He and his wife Tanya reside in the Boston area and hold a deep affection for the Berkshires.

"The Berkshires are a gem — not just for the commonwealth, but for the entire New England region," McCready said. "I have a deep belief in the economic capabilities of the Berkshires, and the power of entrepreneurship there. I feel very fortunate to have joined the board of Lever, and have been spending a significant amount of time over the past few years to advance the overall health, vitality, and growth of the region."

McCready said he chose to join Lever’s board because of its track record as an organization ready and willing to work toward advancing the regional economy. 

"I find the organization's leadership compelling – it has not been waiting on the sidelines for other people to figure out how to jumpstart innovation and entrepreneurship in the region," he said. "It's taken on this cause itself, as a real, dynamic leader. I look forward to being part of that – and to meeting more people in the Berkshires. There are such kind, creative people in the region, and Lever is a lightning rod for that creativity."

Founded in 2014, Lever's mission is to develop a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Berkshire region. It supports entrepreneurs with expertise, work space, an investment fund, research, mentors, and access to talent. Lever has helped launch dozens of companies that have attracted more than $7M in equity investment. To date, Lever-supported companies have created more than 150 jobs. Lever's intern program has placed more than 115 college students in paid internships at Berkshire County companies, many of whom have gone on to enter the permanent workforce here. 

Vermont National Guard Members Depart From North Adams

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
04:20PM / Friday, June 05, 2026

About 50 people waved flags to the see the Guardsmen off on their bus. The members were staying in North Adams because of a lack of hotel rooms in Bennington, Vt.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Residents came together Friday to see some Vermont National Guard members off.

 

The American Legion Riders organized a send off for a group of 75 or so Guard members who were staying at Hotel Downstreet.

 

"We are going to escort them to the Bennington Armory," Riders President Mike Lewis said. "They are going to gear up there, and then I am not sure where they are going. I don’t even know if they are all going to the same place."

 

Fifty or so people met in the Hotel Downstreet parking lot to show their appreciation. They waved flags and held signs. A bagpiper was also present.

 

The Riders contacted the Fire Department who helped organize the send off. North Adams Police cruisers and Northern Berkshire EMS were also on site to help see the bus off.

 

Lewis said there was not enough rooms in Bennington for the National Guard members. He added because of the trend to use vacant hotel rooms as low-income housing, the group had to look toward North Adams.

 

It's not clear where these Guard were off to, but about 500 members of 3-172 Infantry Battalion were expected to go to the Middle East with U.S. Central Command. According to Vermont Digger, this deployment was scheduled prior to the strikes on Iran.