Co-op Bank Announces Leadership Promotions

10:02AM / Friday, October 31, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) announced the promotions of Dana Robb and Ray E. Smith to Senior Vice President positions.

Dana Robb has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Retail Banking & Operations, bringing more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry. He is a graduate of the 2016 Berkshire Leadership Program. He is also a 2024 graduate of the New England School of Banking. He also is involved with the Dalton Community Recreation Center and serves on the board for Girls Inc.

Ray Smith has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications. A lifelong Berkshire resident, Smith brings 30 years of experience in marketing and communications, spanning industries such as technology, consumer goods, travel, healthcare, and finance. His community involvement includes past service on both the Southwestern Vermont and Williamstown Chamber of Commerce Board as well as volunteering for the community's Annual Holiday Walk. He received his Bachelor of Arts in communications from Colby-Sawyer College and his Masters of Science in corporate communications from Ithaca College.

"These promotions highlight the incredible talent and commitment within our leadership team," said Gregg Levante, President of Co-op Bank. "Dana and Ray both exemplify what makes Co-op Bank unique, leaders who not only bring professional expertise but also a genuine connection to the Berkshires and its people. We don't just operate here, we belong here."

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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action.

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature."

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures.

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis.

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.

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