Co-op Bank Promotes Senior Vice President

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) announced the promotion of Jennifer L. Parsons to Senior Vice President, Human Resources. 
 
In her new elevated role, she will lead all aspects of the Bank's human resources strategy, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, professional development, and organizational culture.
 
"Jennifer's promotion reflects her outstanding contributions to the organization and her unwavering commitment to our employees," said Michael P. Daly, CEO, of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. "Her leadership and passion are invaluable as we continue to invest in our people — the heart of our organization."
 
As Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Parsons will oversee the Bank's HR strategy, focusing on recruiting talent, strengthening the Bank's workplace culture, enhancing employee development, and ensuring the Bank becomes an employer of choice within the community.
 
Parsons brings more than ten years of human resources experience and holds a Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification from HRCI. She is actively involved in her community and volunteers at the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center and has served on their board of directors since 2023, reflecting her dedication to both her profession and her community.  
 
A Berkshire native, Parsons resides Pittsfield with her family. She graduated from Berkshire Community College, receiving degrees in both business and hospitality administration.

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

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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