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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MCLA Graduates Told to Make the World Worthy of Them

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff

Keynote speaker Michael Bobbitt was awarded an honorary doctor of fine arts. He told the graduates to make the world worthy of them. See more photos here.  
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Amsler Campus Center gym erupted in cheers on Saturday as 193 members of class of 2026 turned their tassels.
 
The graduates of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' 127th commencement were sent off with the charge of "don't stop now" to make the world a better place.  
 
You are Trailblazers, keynote speaker Michael Bobbitt reminded them, and a "trailblazer is not simply someone who walks a path. A trailblazer makes one, but blazing a trail does not happen alone. Every trailblazer is carrying tools made by somebody else. Every trailblazer is guided by stars they did not create. Every trailblazer stands on grounds shaped by ancestors, teachers, workers, neighbors, friends, and strangers."
 
Trailblazing takes communal courage, he said, and they needed to love people, build with people, argue with people, and find the people who make them braver and kinder at the same time.
 
"The future will not be saved by isolated geniuses, it will be saved by networks of people willing to practice courage together. The future belongs not to the loudest, not to the richest, not to the most certain, but to the most adaptive, the most creative, the most courageous, the most willing to learn."
 
Bobbitt was recently named CEO of Opera American after nearly five years leading the Massachusetts Cultural Council. He stressed the importance of art to the graduates, and noted that opera is not the only art form facing challenges in this world. 
 
"Every field is asking, who are we for now? What do we, what value do we create?" he said. "What do we stop pretending is fine. This is not just an arts question, that is a healthcare question, a climate question, a technology question, a community question, a higher education question, a democracy question, a life question. ...
 
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