Karen Sargent Joins Pittsfield Co-op as Dalton Branch Manager

10:52AM / Monday, January 27, 2025Print Story | Email Story

Karen Sargent

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank has hired Karen Sargent as the new assistant vice president and branch manager of its Dalton branch location.

With a track record in banking and a deep commitment to community engagement, bank officials say Sargent brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her new role.

Sargent joins Pittsfield Cooperative Bank with more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her expertise spans branch operations, customer relationship management, business banking, and team leadership at several regional institutions, including Adams Community, Berkshire, Citizens, and NBT banks. In her role as branch manager, Sargent will oversee daily operations, mentor staff, and ensure the delivery of exceptional service to the bank’s valued customers.

"We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the Co-op Bank family," said Dana Robb, vice president of retail banking and operations. "Her extensive experience, customer-focused approach, and passion for fostering community connections align perfectly with our mission. We are confident she will make a significant impact in the Dalton branch and beyond."

A lifelong resident of Berkshire County, Sargent is rooted in the community and has been actively involved in various local organizations. Bank officials say her commitment to strengthening local ties and supporting community initiatives aligns seamlessly with Co-op Bank's dedication to serving the region.

Co-op Bank has been a cornerstone of the Berkshire County community since its founding in 1889. The bank prides itself on offering exceptional financial products and services while maintaining a strong commitment to local engagement and support.

For more information about Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and its services, visit pittsfieldcoop.com.

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to restructure the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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