New England Public Media Names Senior Director of Development

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Tracy Trial
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — With more than 20 years of experience working in public service in Western Massachusetts, Tracy Trial joins New England Public Media as senior director of development. 
 
She brings a high level of expertise in major gifts, planned giving, and strategic development to NEPM.
 
"The common thread through Tracy's career has been service," said NEPM President Matt Abramovitz. "Whether working as a fundraiser or a teacher, she has demonstrated a lifelong passion for making our community stronger. I am thrilled to have her bring her smarts, vision, and commitment to NEPM."
 
Trial is a collaborative-minded leader who has served in fundraising and community relations roles for a number of organizations. She comes to NEPM from United Way of Pioneer Valley, where she was senior director of development. Before that, she was director of community and donor relations at Goodwill Industries of Springfield and Hartford.
 
In addition to her extensive work in fundraising, her background also includes instructional and administrative positions in secondary and higher education through Holyoke Public Schools and Bay Path University, where she was director of experiential education. 
 
She has given back to the community through volunteer work at Girls Inc. of the Valley, Treehouse Foundation, and other organizations. 
 
A Western Massachusetts native, Trial attended Smith College, where she received a bachelor's degree in philosophy. She went on to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to earn a master's degree in education. She now lives in Wilbraham with her family and is an avid gardener and baker.
 
"NEPM has been a steady and dependable resource to me and my family for as long as I can remember," said Trial. "I am proud to join this team at such an important time for local media, and I'm eager to partner with supporters to ensure the continued vibrancy of this trusted organization."

Tags: NEPM,   public radio,   

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Pittsfield Police Chief Retiring in January

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor. 

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email. 

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility." 

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks. 

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day. 

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted. 

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!" 

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