image description — Morgan Goodell, Michael Jordan, Mitchell Maselli and Ranen Rothman with Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre, right, and Deputy Chief Robert Patenaude.

North Adams Swears in Four New Firefighters

Staff Reports05:02AM / Monday, November 14, 2022Print Story | Email Story

Morgan Goodell, a Clarksburg firefighter, is the first woman to join the North Adams department.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Fire Department last week welcomed its newest firefighters, including its first woman.

Morgan Goodell, Michael Jordan, Mitchell Maselli and Ranen Rothman were sworn in at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

They recently graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy's 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program, all earning certifications in Firefighter 1 and 2.

Mayor Jennifer Macksey asked that they would always have a concern for others and have the strength to bear whatever burdens placed upon them.

"And that you have the strength of mind and body to deliver safety to all of the residents of the city of North Adams," she said.

Macksey introduced each firefighter before they were sworn in by City Clerk Joshua Vallieres and pinned by Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre.

Goodell, of Clarksburg, has an associate's degree in fire science and is a member of the Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Department, following in the steps of her late father, Robert.

Maselli is a North Adams resident who attended Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts; Rothman is a Navy veteran from Rockland and Jordan is originally from Taunton and has most recently been with the Vernon (Conn.) Fire Department.

"I have to say this group has been fantastic. I feel like I went to the academy with all of you," said Macksey. "We had our weekly little chat groups on Sunday evening. I don't know if you miss them or not, but I do.

"I'm very proud of you."

Tags: fire department, recruitment,

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

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
03:33PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

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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