Executive Director of Lever Announces Retirement

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Jeffrey Thomas, founder and long-serving executive director of Lever Inc., will retire from that role at the end of this year.

Lever is the North Adams-based economic development organization that has fostered entrepreneurship and innovation in the region and across Massachusetts since its founding in 2014, a press release stated.

Lever has supported hundreds of entrepreneurs, placed 200 college students in summer internships in Berkshire County, invested nearly $2M in promising startups, awarded more than $1.5M in Innovation Grants to startups participating in Lever's long-running Challenge program, and built a statewide founder's network (MFN) serving 400-plus members.

Thomas will continue to serve as managing partner of the organization's venture investment funds. He is also working with Lever's Board of Directors to determine the path forward for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

"I've had a wonderful experience leading Lever," said Thomas. "I will miss working with my talented teammates, our board, and especially the extraordinary entrepreneurs we have had the privilege to serve. After more than a decade of building Lever and providing accelerator services to entrepreneurs across Massachusetts, the time is right for me to transition into retirement. I'm grateful for everything we've accomplished together and delighted that I'll be able to remain involved through Lever's venture investment funds."

Steve Jenks, chair of Lever's Board of Directors, said, "While I congratulate Jeffrey on this important milestone, we will miss his energy, experience, and leadership. Jeffrey built Lever into an organization that has made a meaningful difference for entrepreneurs and the communities we serve. I'm delighted that he will continue to manage Lever's venture funds, which are invested in promising startups that he knows well and has worked closely with over the years."


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

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

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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