BCC's New President Gets Higher Ed Board OK

07:17PM / Tuesday, April 07, 2026Print Story | Email Story

Hara Charlier

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education on Tuesday formally voted to approve the appointment of Hara Charlier as Berkshire Community College's next president.

The vote follows the recent unanimous recommendation by the BCC Board of Trustees and marks the final step in the college's presidential search process. Charlier will officially assume the role on July 1, 2026.

She is currently president of Central Lakes College in Minnesota and was selected following a comprehensive national search process guided by campus and community input.

Charlier replaces Ellen Kennedy, who will retire after 14 years as president of college at the end of the academic year.

With state approval now secured, BCC looks forward to welcoming Charlier as its next leader and continuing its commitment to student success, workforce development, and service to the Berkshires, according to a statement from the college.

Tags: BCC, college president, higher education,

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Pittsfield Traffic Commission OKs Stop Signs, Parking Requests

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:48AM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Traffic Commission granted stop signs and downtown parking requests during its recent regular meeting.

A petition from Ward 7 Councilor Kathy Moody to install stop signs at the corner of Thomas Road and Thomas Island Road was approved. One sign will be installed at Thomas Road and Thomas Island Road, and one at the corner of Thomas Island Road and Pecks Road.

Moody said for some reason, people don't understand they need to stop at the "very clear" intersection into the neighborhood alongside Onota Lake off Peck's Road.

"It's really difficult to see right there. Because of the corners, people are not stopping, and I have several phone calls from constituents that live on Thomas Island who have nearly been in very bad accidents there," she explained about the corner of Thomas Road and Thomas Island Road.

"If we could put a stop sign there, that would be terrific. It would help improve the safety of the neighborhood. It's a very small neighborhood. The roads are narrow. There are pedestrians everywhere. Having a stop sign to protect people at that almost blind corner would be very useful."

Police Sgt. David Hallas couldn't recall any significant vehicle accidents in that area, but said that speeding on that section of Peck's Road is "quite an issue."

Other commissioners commented that the roads on the island are very narrow, and it is one of the few places with mirrors so that drivers can see around corners.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren's request for a stop sign at the intersection of Partridge Road and Oak Hill Road was also approved. He said it is a similar situation to Thomas Island.

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