Co-op Bank Announces Promotion of Chief Operating Officer

01:54PM / Thursday, November 13, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) announced the promotion of Eric Padelford to Chief Operating Officer (COO).

In his new role, Padelford will lead the bank's operational strategy and execution, driving innovation, efficiency, and exceptional customer experience across all areas of the organization.

According to a press release:

A dynamic and results-driven operational leader with decades of experience in technology, finance, and banking, including extensive experience in the financial services sector since 2010—Padelford has been instrumental in modernizing Co-op Bank's infrastructure and aligning its operations with long-term strategic goals. He holds a Master of Science in Data Science from Eastern University, which fuels his data-driven approach to process improvement, performance management, and digital transformation.

"Eric's operational insight and forward-thinking approach have been instrumental in positioning Co-op Bank for sustainable growth," said Gregg Levante, President of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. "He brings a balance of strategic vision and hands-on leadership that ensures we continue delivering the personal, community-driven banking experience our customers value."

As COO, Padelford will collaborate closely with President Gregg Levante and CEO Mike Daly to guide the bank's strategic initiatives and uphold its 136-year legacy of service to the Berkshires.

"Co-op has always stood apart because of its people and its purpose," said Padelford. "I'm honored to contribute to a team that not only drives innovation but does so with the needs of our local community at the heart of every decision. Supporting the communities we serve—both through the bank's initiatives and personal involvement—has always been a core part of my values."

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to restructure the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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