Karen Sargent Joins Pittsfield Co-op as Dalton Branch Manager

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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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Dalton Police Facility Report Complete; Station Future Still Uncertain

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee's final report is complete but the future of the station remains uncertain. 
 
Several members of the committee attended the Select Board meeting last week, as co-Chair Craig Wilbur presented four options delineated in the presentation — build on town-owned land, build on private land, renovate or repurpose the existing buildings, and do nothing. The full report can be found here
 
According to the report, addressing the station's needs coincides with the town facing significant financial challenges, with rising fixed costs and declining state aid straining its budget. 
 
These financial pressures restrict the town's ability to fund major capital projects and a new police station has to compete with a backlog of deferred infrastructure needs like water, sewer, roads, and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
 
In June 2024, Police Chief Deanna Strout informed the board of the station's dire condition — including issues with plumbing, mold, ventilation, mice, water damage, heating, and damaged cells — prompting the board to take action on two fronts. 
 
The board set aside American Rescue Plan Act funds to address the immediately dire issues, including the ventilation, and established the Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee to navigate long-term options
 
Very early on it was determined that the current facility is not adequate enough to meet the needs of a 21st-century Police Facility. This determination was backed up following a space needs assessment by Jacunski Humes Architects LLC
 
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