Ferry Joins Pittsfield Co-op as Commercial Banking Leader

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced that Michael Ferry has come out of retirement to join the bank as its new SVP, Commercial Banking. 
 
With more than 40 years of experience in the local banking industry, including 34 years with Berkshire Bank, Mr. Ferry brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.
 
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Ferry served as Senior Vice President and Commercial Regional President for Berkshire County and Vermont markets at Berkshire Bank. In this capacity, he led commercial lending, relationship management and related services, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering economic growth within the regions. Additionally, he previously held the position of President of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. Ferry currently serves as a Director of The Feigenbaum Foundation further exemplifying his dedication to community development.
 
Beyond his professional achievements, Ferry has been an active participant in various community organizations. He has served as a board member and treasurer for Berkshire County Arc for 16 years and was elected as the organization's Chairman of the Board in July 2020.
 
In his new role at Co-op Bank, Ferry will oversee the commercial banking division, focusing on expanding services and strengthening relationships with local businesses. His leadership is expected to enhance the bank's ability to provide tailored financial solutions that meet the unique needs of the community as well as mentor a growing commercial team that recently won Banker & Tradesman’s 50 Fastest Growing Commercial Lenders.
 
Michael P. Daly, CEO of Co-op Bank, expressed enthusiasm about Ferry's appointment.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Mike Ferry to our team. His extensive experience and deep-rooted commitment to the Berkshires align perfectly with our mission to support local businesses and contribute to the economic vitality of the region," Daly said.
 
Ferry shared his excitement about joining the bank, stating, 
 
"I am excited to join Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and look forward to working with the team to deliver exceptional service to our commercial customers," Ferry said. "Together, we will continue to support the growth and success of businesses in our community."
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories