image description — The Business Technology students from the McCann BPA chapter who attended the conference were: Caleb Denette, senior; Abigail Anderson, junior; Ella Gaffey, junior; Kylee Hubby, junior; Kamilia Kondel, junior; and Danielle King, sophomore.

McCann Students Excel at National Business Professionals of America Conference

Staff Reports 05:46PM / Sunday, June 22, 2025Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Students returned from another successful Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference (NLC) held in Orlando, Florida, May 7-11.

Business Professionals of America is the nation's leading CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) for students pursuing careers in business management, information technology, finance, accounting, office administration, and other business-related career fields, according to a press release.

The conference brought together approximately six thousand members from 1,800 chapters across 25 states and Puerto Rico, as well as an international presence in China, Haiti and Peru to compete and attend leadership and professional development workshops.

The Business Technology students from the McCann BPA chapter who attended the conference were: Caleb Denette, senior; Abigail Anderson, junior; Ella Gaffey, junior; Kylee Hubby, junior; Kamilia Kondel, junior; and Danielle King, sophomore.

Abigail Anderson and Ella Gaffey placed 1st and 2nd in Interviewing Skills and Kamila Kondel placed 7th in Fundamental Spreadsheets.

Other events McCann students competed in were Advanced Spreadsheets, Legal Office Procedures, and the school had two Administrative Support Teams qualify for nationals.

"I was so shocked and nervous and happy all at once," said Abigail Anderson of placing first on the national stage, "All the preparation and hard work paid off."

Massachusetts chapters represented the state well at the conference. Four individual teams won first place in their respective events while an additional 10 teams/individuals placed 2nd and 3rd. Overall, Massachusetts had a representation on the national stage 56 times.

In addition to competitive events, Andrea (Leal) Sutherland, Massachusetts BPA State Office Coordinator (and McCann Business Technology alum) became a National Hall of Fame Honoree for her continuous commitment to BPA and local advisors Rebecca Buck and Regina Dastoli-Fierro were honored for 20 years of service with the organization.

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
03:33PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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