Berkshire Community College Announces New Staff, Promotion

08:00AM / Sunday, December 18, 2022Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of two new staff members and a promotion.

New hires

Cody Johnson joins BCC as Special Programs Coordinator, Digital Technologies Coach.

Johnson was hired through the Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) program. Originally from Stamford, Vt., he graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences. Johnson most recently worked for Mad Macs, first in Williamstown and then in Pittsfield, and also currently works as a freelancer developing virtual reality software. At BCC, he will provide student technology support in the Digital Commons.

Anthony Monteleone joins BCC"s STEM, Allied Health and Business Division as Administrative Assistant II.

Monteleone graduated from Siena College in 2021 with a bachelor of health sciences degree. Previously, he worked in the MRI department at Berkshire Medical Center and was also a Lab Technician/Office Assistant for BCC"s. Physical Therapist Assistant Program. A native of Dalton, Massachusetts, Monteleone originally planned to enter the medical field, but after "falling in love with Berkshire Community College and its community," he decided to make it his home.

Promotion

Gabriella Martinez has been promoted to Community/Outreach Counselor – SUCCESS Essential Needs Navigator.

She was previously Clerk IV for the Academic SUCCESS Coaching Division. A native of Berkshire County, Martinez attended American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog or doing yoga.

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Berkshire Vietnam Veterans Receive Long-Awaited Welcome Home

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
04:52AM / Wednesday, September 16, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Hundreds gathered at the fence of Pittsfield Municipal Airport to give Berkshire County Vietnam veterans the warm welcome home they did not receive nearly 60 years ago.

As the sun rose high over the Berkshire Mountains, nearly a dozen veterans hopped on a small chartered jet to Washington, D.C., where they were able to visit their fallen comrades at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

The daylong trip, organized by William "Smitty" Pignatelli, former state representative, marked the first Honor Flight for veterans departing from Pittsfield Municipal Airport.

"It was very emotional because we have friends on the wall that we had a chance to go back and do a little bit more closure," Air Force veteran Lenwood "Woody" Vaspra said.

As the veterans returned home after the "emotional trip" they were greeted with patriotic tunes performed by Lenox High School Band, and a wave of community members, including some family members, clapping and screaming out their names. For some, the sight brought tears to their eyes.

The evening ended with a moment of unity as Laurie Schiff performed "God Bless America" a cappella. Community members joined hands and added their voices to hers, bringing the homecoming ceremony to a close.

The day was filled with several phases of surprises, Pignatelli said, from being greeted by Congressman Richard Neal at the memorial wall to being gifted tribute bags at the welcome home ceremony.

"In honor of each of these gentlemen, a U.S. flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in their honor," Pignatelli said.

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