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."

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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires.com
11:59AM / Sunday, August 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back more than 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted, 4-2, to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

“I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference,” committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

“The city could have used for that difference over the next three years.”

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has vocally supported the independent audit for years, said the city doesn’t have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, “We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional and are looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is.”

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have comparable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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