CRA Welcomes New Executive Director
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| Massery brings more than a decade of experience in organizational leadership, community engagement, and large-scale program management. |
DALTON, Mass. — The Community Recreation Association (CRA) Board of Trustees announced Ariana Massery as the nonprofit's new Executive Director, succeeding Alison Peters, who is retiring after 16 years of dedicated leadership and service.
Massery brings more than a decade of experience in organizational leadership, community engagement, and large-scale program management. She joins the CRA after serving as a senior leader at Jacob's Pillow. Her last role was as Director of Strategic Initiatives, People, and Culture.
"As we work to meet the evolving needs of the local communities we serve, the Board is excited to welcome Ariana, who is a proven, dynamic leader with a broad skill set and experience base, including significant experience with marketing, and fundraising efforts within a larger regional organization," said Rich Rowe, president of the CRA Board of Trustees. "Ariana's vision and collaborative approach will enhance the CRA's capacity and will position the organization for an exciting new chapter as we navigate a shifting funding landscape."
Massery said that this role represents an exciting next step in her career with an organization that reflects her own values and belief in community.
"The CRA plays a critical role in the health and vitality not only of Dalton but all of Central Berkshire County," she said. "I am eager to bring my skills to the CRA, listen and learn from the community, and work alongside our staff, members, board, and partners to build on this strong foundation and support the programs that have made the CRA a vital and vibrant community organization for more than a century."
The CRA Board also expressed gratitude for outgoing Executive Director Alison Peters, whose tenure included significant program expansion, improvements to community access, and strengthened partnerships across the region.
"Alison has been a warm, steady, and compassionate leader whose work has helped the organization evolve significantly over her 16 years of leadership," Rowe added. "We wish her every joy in her well-deserved retirement."
While at Jacob's Pillow, Massery held leadership roles in program management, business operations, and production, gaining experience in marketing, donor cultivation, fundraising, community outreach, and partnership development. She worked closely with senior leadership and Board committees on policy, strategic planning, and organizational development.
A systems-driven leader, Massery implemented training, wellness, and professional development initiatives that strengthened staff skills and capacity and fostered an inclusive workplace culture. As Producing Director, she curated major festival programming, produced large-scale community events, and managed multimillion-dollar budgets.
She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University, as well as dual bachelor's degrees in Dance and Communication from the University of Arizona. She lives in Pittsfield with her husband, Mike, and two children, and currently serves on the Board of the Berkshire Music School. She will officially begin her role in January.
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