BFAIR and UCP of Western Mass Announce Merger Progress

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts announced a milestone in their ongoing merger exploration, including a leadership transition that will position the combined organization for continued growth and impact in serving individuals with disabilities and their families across the region.

Following a joint agreement by the Boards of Directors of both BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts, Randy Kinnas has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of both organizations. This appointment marks a step in the unification process, establishing a single, unified executive leadership structure to guide the merged entity through its next chapter.

"We are proud to move forward together under unified leadership," said Randy Kinnas, CEO of BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts. "This merger represents a shared commitment to expanding the quality and reach of services for the individuals and families we are privileged to serve. Together, we are stronger."

Both Boards also recognize the retirement of Ethel Altiery, who served as Interim CEO with distinction. Her steady, compassionate leadership during a critical period of transition has been invaluable to both organizations. Altiery’s guidance helped lay the foundation for the unified future that BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts now pursue.

"Ethel’s leadership during this transition has been a true gift to both organizations and to the people we serve," said Randy Kinnas. "We are deeply grateful for her dedication, her wisdom, and her heart. We wish her all the best in a well-deserved retirement."

The merger of BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts brings together two longstanding organizations with a shared mission: to support individuals with disabilities in living full, meaningful, and self-directed lives. By combining resources, expertise, and community relationships, the merged organization will be better equipped to expand services, strengthen programs, and advocate for those who depend on them.

Both Boards of Directors have approved this leadership structure as part of the broader integration plan, reflecting their confidence in a unified future that honors the legacy of both organizations while embracing new opportunities for impact. 

Marshall Street Crash Under Investigation; Businesses Remain Closed Until Damage Repaired.

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
06:31PM / Friday, August 28, 2026

Glass litters Tres Ninos' floor on Friday. Right, the front logo from the truck is screwed into the plywood covering the front of the building.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Two local businesses are closed for an indefinite amount of time after a pickup truck slammed through the front of Brewster's antique shop on Marshall Street on Thursday night. 

 

Police Chief Mark Bailey said the crash is still under investigation and didn't have have any further information on Friday morning on one of the truck's occupants who was taken to the hospital. 

 

Brewster's owner Casey Albert was standing in line at another antique shop on Friday, hoping to replace some merchandise shattered in the collision. 

 

"I mean half the store is gone," she said. "He pushed a lot of things way far back, the whole front is just gone."

 

Albert said building owner David Carver said it would be months before she could re-open. Right now, she can get into the back half of the store but was told not to touch anything in the front until the insurance adjuster can look at it. 

 

It's not clear, she said, how long it will take to repair the damage to the building. But her business is taking a big hit. 

 

"You can't replace antiques," Albert said. "That's why they're usually expensive."