Berkshire United Way Names President and CEO

10:57AM / Friday, November 14, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire United Way Board of Directors has officially approved Katherine von Haefen as president and CEO.

She previously served as interim while continuing her role as director of Community Impact.

"Katherine has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to our mission," said Board Chair Krystle Blake. "Her deep understanding of community needs and her ability to bring people together to create meaningful change make her the ideal leader for this next chapter. We are thrilled to have her at the helm."

Von Haefen joined BUW in October 2021 and has led region-wide initiatives focused on early childhood education, food security, and nonprofit investment. She also spearheaded BUW's $1 million annual investment strategy and played a key role in shaping the organization's strategic plan.

"I'm honored to officially step into this role and continue the work we've started," said von Haefen. "Berkshire United Way has a long legacy of impact, and I'm excited to build on that foundation with our board, staff, and community partners. Together, we'll keep pushing for solutions that help every member of our community thrive."

Von Haefen brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, including her tenure at United Way of Greater Houston, where she led major initiatives in early childhood development and public policy advocacy. She will continue to serve on the City of Pittsfield's Preschool Partnership (CPPI) Leadership Committee, the MA Early Childhood Funders Collaborative Steering Committee, and the board of the Berkshire Area Health Education Center.

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Two Injured in Onota Street Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:01PM / Wednesday, August 05, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Two men were injured on Tuesday night after multiple shots were fired near the intersection of Onota and Walnut Streets.

The Pittsfield Police Department responded to a ShotSpotter activation in the 200 block of Onota Street around 9:20 p.m. People in the area also called 911.

"Responding officers located evidence including shell casings on Onota Street and intersecting streets," PPD wrote on Wednesday.

"Two adult male victims were treated at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) for non-life-threatening injuries."

Police said they will provide no further information at this time.

About 15 minutes after the police responded, it was posted on a local scanner Facebook page that an innocent bystander was hit. Police did not disclose in today's press release if one of the injured was a bystander.

PPD told the Berkshire Eagle that about 25 rounds were fired. Police canvassed the area on Tuesday night for suspects, blocking off the area of Onota Street between Linden and Walnut streets during the search.

This incident currently under investigation and anyone who wishes to report information is asked to PPD at 413-448-9700. Information can also be provided anonymously by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411.)

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