The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Welcomes Development Officer

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires announces the appointment of Mark Cohn as its development officer. 
 
In this capacity, Mark will be responsible for working in partnership with the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and the Development Committee to plan and implement Federation's annual campaign and major gifts fundraising effort.
 
Cohn, an ordained Reform Rabbi, previously served as rabbi of Temple Emanuel in Winston-Salem, NC, where he was honored with the title Rabbi Emeritus upon concluding his service. He also served as the assistant rabbi of Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa, Fla.
 
"Having spent my professional life in the Jewish community, working at the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires is home, even in its newness to me," said Cohn. "I have already seen how this Federation serves a beautiful and important role in connecting synagogues and individuals, social services and families to one another so that we, collectively, may strengthen Jewish peoplehood and the surrounding community." 
 
Originally from the San Francisco Bay area, Cohn earned his B.A. in History from UCLA and an M.A. in History from Lehigh University. In 1998, he received his rabbinic ordination through Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion having studied in Jerusalem and Cincinnati, OH.
 
Cohn has two children, his son Eitan, 25, and daughter Harli, 20. In 2022, he married Rabbi Amy Wallk, who serves as the rabbi of Temple Beth El in Springfield.
 
Mark Cohn, development officer of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, can be reached by email at mcohn@jewishberkshires.org or by calling (413) 442-4360, ext. 19.

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Pittsfield Eyes OPM for Crosby/Conte, Seeks Funds for PHS

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city plans to hire an owner's project manager for the Crosby/Conte proposal this week and pursue additional school construction funds from the MSBA. 

The School Building Needs Commission last week voted to move forward with a statement of interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority seeking funds to renovate Pittsfield High School.

Interim Superintendent Latifah Philips reported that the MSBA's core program statement of interest filing period is open until April 17, if the commission would like to consider it for renovations to PHS.  According to MSBA's website, the core program is intended for new construction, addition, and/or renovation projects. 

Members recognized that it is a tight schedule to put together an SOI, but agreed it is best to try. 

Pittsfield is seeking up to 80 percent reimbursement from the MSBA to rebuild and consolidate John C. Crosby Elementary and Silvio O. Conte Community School on the Crosby property.  

The MSBA has invited the district to a feasibility study phase, and a selection committee is working to bring forward applicants for an owner's project manager. This hired consultant oversees a construction or design project in the owner's interest. 

Owner's project manager proposals were due on Feb. 18, and Pittsfield received nine proposals. Last Monday, the OPM search committee finalized three selections for public interviews, which were to be held on Friday at City Hall; the selection package is due to the MSBA by March 11. 

During last week's School Committee meeting, Phillips said the district is on track to submit for consideration on April 6.  

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