MountainOne Announces Results of Annual Meeting

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass — On behalf of the Trustees of MountainOne Financial, MHC, Chair Daniel Bosley announced the results of the Annual Meeting of the Corporation, held on Monday April 25 th at the Norad Mill in North Adams. 
 
The Corporators elected Trustees, Officers, and a slate of Corporators representing the communities served by MountainOne.
 
New Corporators to join the company are: Daniel Biggins of Magoun Biggins Funeral Home, Kristy Edmunds and Amelia Wachur of MASS MoCA, Kent and Shiobbean Lemme of Berkshire Running Center, Avril Levesque of Lever, Inc., Dr. Joshua Mendel of MCLA, Francesca Olsen - a local marketing consultant, Frederick Puddester - recently retired from Williams College, and Anna Singleton of the Williamstown Community Chest. Diana Brooks of Williamstown and James Canavan of Scituate were elected honorary lifetime Corporators in recognition of their service to MountainOne. 
 
Current Officers were re-elected, and Kevin Maguire of Marshfield was approved as the new Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees succeeding Pamela Art of Williamstown who retired from the board.
 
President & CEO Robert Fraser provided an overview of the financial success of the prior year, an overview of the company's recently approved strategic plan, and MountainOne's commitment to its local communities. 
 
"Our staff, collectively known as ‘Mountaineers,' have come through a challenging time with great success, and continue to be critical to the future growth of our organization,” Fraser said.
 
He also recognized several milestone service anniversaries and detailed his appreciation for the services of retiring Vice Chair, Pam Art.
 
Executive Vice President, COO, CFO & Treasurer Steven Owens announced earnings of just over $10 million for 2021. Owens also noted the strength of the company's balance sheet including strong capital levels. Jonathan Denmark, President & COO of MountainOne Insurance presented on the recent acquisition of Cross Insurance's Pittsfield office, and the overall success of the Insurance division in 2021.
 
The keynote speaker was Kristy Edmunds, newly appointed Executive Director of MASS MoCA.
 
Edmunds noted her excitement at moving to the Berkshires as well as for the future of MASS MoCA and the local community.

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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