Northern Berkshire United Way Adds Two Board Members

11:10AM / Friday, May 01, 2026Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire United Way announced that Deborah Foss, professor emerita of psychology at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Annie Pecor, assistant superintendent of the North Adams Public Schools, have joined its Board of Directors.

Foss brings decades of experience and leadership to the board. Originally from New Bedford, she was professor of psychology at MCLA from 1987 to 2021 and was the founding associate dean of the Center for Student Success and Engagement.

An advocate for students, she was honored twice with the Senior Class Faculty Appreciation Award and received both the Faculty Association's Junior and Senior Faculty Awards.

Her commitment to community service is longstanding, having contributed to Northern Berkshire United Way since her first semester at MCLA, thanks to the encouragement of Steve Green and Jerry Desmarais. Foss has played an active role in the organization, serving on and chairing allocation panels for many years.

Beyond her professional and community achievements, Foss is the mother of two adult children and four grandchildren.

Northern Berkshire United Way welcomes Foss to its Board of Directors and looks forward to her continued dedication and leadership in supporting the organization's mission to strengthen the local community.

Pecor brings over 15 years of educational leadership and community service to the board. A native of Berkshire County, she began her career as a middle school English language arts teacher and transitioned into school administration as principal of Craneville Elementary School in Dalton. Pecor attended North Adams Public Schools and earned her master's degree, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, and is a graduate of the MCLA Leadership Academy. She later received her educational doctorate from the University of New England.

In 2021, Pecor joined NAPS as director of Northern Berkshire Adult Education and 21st Century programming, where she demonstrated her commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement. As assistant superintendent, she continues to champion educational excellence and equity for students throughout the region.

Pecor is also actively involved in local initiatives, serving as vice chair of the Berkshire Leadership Program and as a board member of the Berkshire Food Project.

The Northern Berkshire United Way welcomes Pecor to its Board of Directors and looks forward to her dedication, leadership, and passion for strengthening the local community.

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
03:33PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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