Berkshire United Way Welcomes New Director of Development

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire United Way (BUW) welcomes Jennifer Baril as the new Director of Development. 
 
"This opportunity feels like a natural and meaningful next step. I've always been drawn to work that centers people, partnerships, and real-world solutions, and this has been BUW's way of being for the past century," said Baril. "I'm energized to help strengthen partnerships, grow community investment, and advance this important work, and I'm looking forward to learning, listening, and building alongside an incredible community." 
 
Baril has over 25 years of fundraising experience designing and implementing results-driven programs for community service, education, and healthcare organizations. Previous positions include director of fund development for Health Equity Solutions, senior director of fundraising for the Center for Human Development, senior major gift officer at Western New England University, philanthropy officer at Baystate Health, director of development for Girls Inc. of Holyoke, and at Smith College as assistant director of the alumnae fund followed by major gifts officer. 
 
She currently serves as president of Holyoke's only free after-school program, Homework House Board of Directors, and previously served with Volunteers in Service to America in Los Angeles, Calif. 
 
"We're thrilled to welcome Jennifer to the team as we continue to strengthen our stewardship, diversify our funding streams, and build long-term funding resiliency," said Katherine von Haefen, BUW president and CEO. "We're excited to hear her ideas and connect her with our incredible supporters." 
 
Baril earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her master's degree from UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management.
  
To connect with Baril, email jbaril@berkshireunitedway.org or call (413) 442-6948 x18. 

Tags: Berkshire United Way,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Ice Rink Now Open

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The long-awaited ice skating rink is finally open for free public skating. 
 
Although late in the season, the rink will be open with posted hours from dawn to dusk, but may be closed at times for maintenance of the ice. 
 
Since the rink is equipped with lighting, the city has no objections to night skating; however, skaters are urged to remain mindful of safety, said James McGrath, park, open space and natural resource program manager.
 
It was previously reported that the city received a grant to offer skate rentals. However, because of the shortened season, this initiative has been postponed to future years.
 
The outdoor 50-by-100-foot refrigerated rink will be able to stay open until the ambient temperature rises above 45 degrees, McGrath said. 
 
This is currently projected to be the third week in March but could be sooner based on the weather conditions, he said. 
 
During the development of this initiative, many event ideas were tossed around however those will also have to wait until future seasons because of the shortened season. 
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories