GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Flying Cloud Institute (FCI) announced that Alison Brigham, Leigh Doherty and América López have joined the organization's Board of Directors.

 

Alison Brigham is the AVP of Marketing & Community Engagement at Lee Bank and the Treasurer of the Lee Bank Foundation. She has an extensive background in science with degrees in physiology, psychology, and genetics. Alison is a member of the Lenox Business Partners, Lenox Finance Committee, and EforAll Advisory Board, while also acting as a board member and programming committee member with the New England Financial Marketing Association. She also serves on the board of Link to Libraries and is a Volunteer Reader through their program at Conte Community School in Pittsfield. In addition to her professional pursuits, Alison is an avid equestrian and competes throughout the year with her horse, Eloise.

 

"Flying Cloud Institute's involvement in our local schools inspires me, and I look forward to contributing to the organization's success as a Board Member," said Alison.

 

Leigh Doherty is an experienced organizational leader with diverse experience working in schools, as well as in the non-profit sector. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Literacy Network and previously worked at Berkshire Country Day School as an Associate Head of School, at the International School of Boston as the Lower School Director, and at Community Day Charter Public School as the Lower School Head. Prior to that, Leigh served as a Curriculum Coordinator at two international schools, one in Belgium and the other in Namibia. She has also been a preschool, elementary and middle school teacher, mainly in multilingual settings.

 

"I look forward to collaborating on new ideas for programs. I am also eager to engage and partner with the team to consider relevant strategic and cultural change for Flying Cloud in 2024 and beyond," remarked Leigh.

 

América López is a Mexican immigrant who has spent half of her life in the Berkshires. She works full-time as a community health worker at Volunteers In Medicine in Great Barrington and is an active member of Latinas413, a non-profit organization that empowers Latina women. She also leads hikes for the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, focusing on Spanish-speaking Latinx participants. América is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work and is excited to combine her professional knowledge with her love for nature to promote mental wellness through outdoor activities. 

 

"As the proud mother of a girl who has had the opportunity to participate in Flying Cloud programming, I am excited to join the organization's Board," said América.

 

These professionals join recently elected officers Cathy Ingram, Director of Development at Miss Hall's School, as Chair; Dana Vorisek, Economist for the World Bank Group, as Treasurer; and Barbara Viniar, retired former President of Berkshire Community College, as Clerk.

 

"As we soar into our 40th year at Flying Cloud, I am honored to serve as Board Chair with dedicated and talented board members and staff as we embark on a year of celebration, innovation, and community impact," said Cathy Ingram.