MountainOne Bank Announces 2025 Officer Promotions

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— MountainOne announced the promotion of six Mountaineers to Officer roles.

Heather Row, Vice President, Commercial Portfolio Manager
Heather's extensive knowledge of underwriting, particularly in Commercial and Industrial exposures, has been essential to managing risk and expanding the bank's portfolio. She is recognized for her meticulous approach to analysis and her ability to think strategically. She has also been instrumental in mentoring junior team members and helping them to develop as professionals.
 
Ryan Belanger, Assistant Vice President, Network and Systems Officer
Ryan has been a driving force behind MountainOne's technology initiatives, playing a critical role in strengthening the organization's IT infrastructure. His depth of experience in network and system management, combined with a thoughtful approach to problem-solving, allows him to be a key contributor to technology projects and cross-functional initiatives. He is a respected mentor, an Emerging Leaders Program graduate, and a trusted partner across business lines and with external service providers.
 
Gwenn Bishop, Assistant Vice President, Senior Mortgage Underwriter
Gwenn has made a significant impact through the delivery of tailored solutions by enhancing the customer experience in the bank's consumer lending division. She has successfully managed complex consumer lending applications, led efforts to improve internal processes, and developed external relationships with government lending agencies. Her work on product development and reporting has played a key role in MountainOne's success.
 
Erik Ray, Assistant Vice President, Community Banking Officer
Erik has played a pivotal role in overseeing daily operations at two key branches while managing a growing client portfolio. His leadership has elevated the level of customer service delivery, and he continually identifies new growth opportunities. Erik is an Emerging Leaders Program graduate and stands out for his commitment and involvement with local nonprofits, further strengthening MountainOne's deep connection to the community.
 
Kyle Shepard, Assistant Vice President, Operations Manager
Kyle's leadership has been pivotal in driving substantial improvements in operations, particularly through system migrations and process enhancements. His oversight of initiatives like the Digital Banking platform rollout has demonstrated his ability to leverage technical expertise and strategic insight. Kyle is also an Emerging Leaders Program graduate.
 
Sarah Bloom, Officer & Operations Analyst
Sarah has been a key driver of operational improvements, consistently delivering solutions that enhance efficiency across the organization. From leading major initiatives, such as the migration to a new Digital Banking platform and implementation of Positive Pay and Debit Card Controls, to developing reporting and workflow automation, her expertise has had a lasting impact beyond Operations.
 
"An Officer designation is more than a title; it is a recognition of talent, leadership, trust, and commitment to our mission, and the meaningful impact one has within our organization," said Beth Petropulos, Senior Vice President, Senior HR, and SAFE Act Officer at MountainOne. "Heather, Ryan, Gwenn, Erik, Kyle, and Sarah have each demonstrated excellence in their roles and genuinely represent MountainOne's core commitments. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their respective Officer promotions and look forward to all they will accomplish in the years to come."

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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