Co-op Bank Welcomes VP, New Director of Facilities & Real Estate

08:25AM / Tuesday, April 07, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) announced the appointment of Matthew Parise as its new VP, Director of Facilities and Real Estate.

In this role, Parise will oversee all aspects of facilities operations, property management, and long-term real estate planning. He will play a key role in ensuring all locations remain safe, efficient, and aligned with the organization's evolving needs.

"We're excited to welcome Matt to our team," said Gregg Levante, Co-op President. "His expertise in facilities management and real estate strategy will be instrumental as we continue to enhance our branches, workspaces and support our employees and customers across all of our locations."

Parise brings more than 28 years in managing building operations, leading capital improvement projects, and optimizing real estate portfolios at Beacon Bank, formerly Berkshire Bank, and Key Bank.

"I'm thrilled to join Co-op Bank and contribute to an organization that is guided by a strong community foundation," said Parise. "I look forward to working with the team to enhance our facilities, support our employees, and help create spaces that reflect the organization's mission and values."

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

Greylock Youth SummerFest

Come join in on the wealth building fun! August 3-8. Click for event details. Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

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

Teacher of the Month: Nickole Halvorsen

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:21PM / Monday, August 31, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For many students, kindergarten is their first experience in a school setting and the beginning of ongoing growth and change throughout their lives.

Kindergarten teacher Nickole Halvorsen strives to instill in her students the foundational academic and social-emotional skills they need to succeed not only in her classroom, but throughout their educational journey and beyond.

It is this dedication, along with the fun, safe and welcoming environment that students describe her as cultivating, that has earned her the iBerkshires.com Teacher of the Month designation.

The Teacher of the Month series, in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, features distinguished teachers nominated by community members. You can nominate a teacher here.

The end of the year was bittersweet for Halvorsen and her students as they said goodbye to Morningside Community School, which closed its doors for the final time in May.

"Now at the end of the year, it gets sad and a little more emotional, especially this year because this is our last year at Morningside," she said during her interview in May.

So, really focusing on coming in, being here, being present [and] consistent for them matters the most for me, and they make me want to be here. I want to have fun with them. I want to enjoy every last bit we can of being in the school building."

View Full Story