BOSTON — Mass Cultural Council announced the appointment of Thomas W. Bernard of North Adams as a member of the Agency's governing body.

 

Bernard was appointed to the Council by Governor Maura Healey on July 16, 2025. Bernard recently served as the President and CEO of Berkshire United Way. He also previously served two terms as Mayor of the City of North Adams and as Chair of the North Adams School Committee.

 

"I'm so excited to welcome Tom to the Council," said Marc Carroll, Mass Cultural Council Chair. "His experience working with Berkshire County decision-makers – as both a municipal elected official and a leader in philanthropy - will be invaluable to my colleagues and I on the Council as we continue to work to support creative communities in all corners of the Commonwealth."

 

As the Commonwealth's independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector.

 

As directed by state law, Council members are appointed by the Governor and have demonstrated scholarship or creativity in, or distinguished service to, the arts, humanities, interpretative sciences, or local arts.  Council members serve staggered, three-year terms and reside in every region of the Commonwealth. 

 

"Mass Cultural Council is gaining a true asset in Tom," said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. "As we continue to build cross-sector partnerships and advance municipal support and investment for the arts, Tom's leadership and guidance will be critical to expanding the creative sector not only in the Berkshires, but all across the state."

 

"Through my work in North Adams and throughout Berkshire County, I know firsthand how a commitment to arts and culture can be transformative for a community and a region," said Bernard. "I look forward to getting right to work with Chair Carroll, Michael, my Council colleagues and the staff team to further advance the sector and uplift the power of culture."