MassHire Presents Workforce Awards
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Board of Directors of the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board (BWB) celebrated its FY26 accomplishments, elected officers, and presented its Annual Workforce Impact Awards during its annual meeting on June 4 at Hillcrest Educational Centers, Inc.
Board Officers Re-Elected
The following officers were re-elected to serve FY27 and FY28 terms:
- President/Chairperson: David Moresi, Moresi & Associates
- Vice Chair: Michael Taylor, City of Pittsfield
- Vice Chair: Christopher Smith, Hillcrest Educational Centers
- Treasurer: James Brosnan, Northern Berkshire Vocational School District
- Assistant Treasurer: Beth Petropulos, MountainOne
- Secretary: Chelsea Robbins, Mativ
- At-Large Member: Albert Ingegni, Salisbury Estates
- Youth Council Chair: Doug McNally, FrostHollow Associates
FY26 Workforce Impact Award Recipients
The Board recognized individuals and organizations whose dedication has strengthened Berkshire County's workforce and expanded opportunities for youth, job seekers, and employers.
Employer of the Year: Onyx Specialty Papers, Inc.
Onyx Specialty Papers was honored for its outstanding commitment to workforce development, career exploration, and community partnership. Through the leadership and involvement of Patricia, John, Rae, Tony, and the entire Onyx team, the company has become a trusted workforce partner. Their support of career awareness programs, manufacturing and trades events, youth leadership initiatives, and hands-on learning opportunities has made a lasting impact throughout the region.
Educators of the Year: Kristen Palatt, Erica Girgenti, and Lindsay McGinnis, Hoosac Valley Middle & High School
Over the past five years, these educators have created an exceptional range of career readiness opportunities for students. Their accomplishments include securing three state-designated Innovation Pathways in Healthcare, Environmental and Clean Energy; organizing mock interviews and job-shadowing experiences; hosting annual career fairs for middle and high school students; facilitating internships for more than 50 students annually; developing additional pathways in Arts, Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Engineering & Technology, and Sports Medicine; and connecting students to meaningful summer employment opportunities.
Outstanding Youth Award: Romelo Holley, Taconic High School
A sophomore in Taconic High School's Business Technology Program, Romelo is currently participating in a MassHire marketing internship. Through his professional and engaging content creation, he has helped generate more than $13,000 in donations and secure 40 employer-paid summer jobs for local youth. Romelo has achieved these accomplishments while maintaining a full academic schedule, serving as a student ambassador, and preparing to graduate a year early before pursuing studies at Berklee College. His motivation, maturity, and enthusiasm are truly inspiring.
Workforce Professional of the Year: Sara Milano, MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board
Sara Milano was recognized for her 12 years of dedication to strengthening the region's healthcare and manufacturing workforce. From coordinating Manufacturing Month activities and industry tours to supporting youth initiatives and employer engagement efforts, Sara has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to connecting people with career opportunities and helping businesses grow. Her contributions have touched nearly every aspect of the Board's workforce development initiatives.
FY26 Impact Highlights
During FY26, the Berkshire Workforce Board:
- Delivered more than 75 career awareness, exploration, and immersion experiences to approximately 2,800 students in grades 6–12.
- Supported Career Teams in all 11 Berkshire County school districts.
- Expanded the region's Innovation Pathways network to 15 pathways.
- Facilitated 330 internships in critical industry sectors.
In partnership with the MassHire Berkshire Career Center and regional stakeholders, the Board also:
- Assisted 950 Berkshire County businesses with workforce needs.
- Advanced the CTI initiative.
- Supported 15 manufacturing on-the-job training placements.
- Launched an Early Education Educator Apprenticeship Program.
- Implemented 15 healthcare training programs serving 375 individuals pursuing careers in healthcare.
Looking ahead, the Board is preparing to launch several summer employment initiatives, including:
- YouthWorks placements for 50 youth in subsidized employment.
- A North County internship program serving 10 youth.
- An additional 40 employer-paid summer work experiences.
Additional programs, services, and accomplishments can be found at www.MassHireBerkshire.com.
Board and Youth Council Reappointments
Mayor Peter Marchetti reappointed the following individuals to two-year terms on the Board and Youth Council:
- Monique Blake, Miraval Resort
- James Brosnan, McCann Technical School
- Gene Dellea, Fairview Hospital
- Paula Euber, MassAbility
- Albert Ingegni, Salisbury Estates
- John Maturevic, IUE 254-255
- Amanda Rankin, Carr Hardware
- Christopher Smith, Hillcrest Educational Centers
- Michele Sweet, Berkshire Health Systems
- Michael Taylor, City of Pittsfield
- Chelsea Robbins, Mativ
Mayor Marchetti also thanked outgoing board members Ellen Kennedy of Berkshire Community College and Linda Harrison of General Dynamics for their dedicate
