2025 Berkshire Nonprofit Awards Honorees Chosen

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, in partnership with The Berkshire Eagle, has announced the names of 7 honorees receiving recognition at the 8th annual Berkshire Nonprofit Awards on May 20. 
 
The Berkshire Nonprofit Awards recognize the accomplishments and dedication of the people who work in the nonprofit sector.
 
A panel of 22 judges from the business and nonprofit sectors deliberated via Zoom to choose honorees in each of 7 categories from among 50 nominations. The honorees are:
 
Board Leadership: 
Cynthia Farr Brown/Berkshire County Historical Society
 
Executive Leadership: 
Melissa Canavan/Berkshire Immigrant Center
 
Samya Rose Stumo Youth Leadership: 
Rachael Bentz/AIRY (Arts in Recovery for Youth)
 
Rock Star:
Lauren Smith/Fairview Hospital
 
Unsung Hero:
Chris Ciepiela/Berkshire Horseworks
 
Volunteer:
Pamela Conroy Breslin/Literacy Network
 
Lifetime Achievement:
Jane Winn/Berkshire Environmental Action Team
 
"There were many excellent nominees this year, however, the judges found consensus very easily based on the impact these honorees have had both on their organizations and in our community," said Nonprofit Center founder Liana Toscanini. 
 
The Berkshire Nonprofit Awards is made possible by sponsors: Acrisure/Toole Insurance, Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Blackrock Foundation, Brown & Brown Insurance, Doctor Sax House/Dulu Café, Feigenbaum Foundation, Fitzpatrick Trust, Greylock Federal Credit Union, NBT Bank, Tricia McCormack Photography, Warrior Trading, and Williamstown Community Chest. 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Greylock Federal Promotes Branch Manager at Great Barrington branch

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Greylock Federal Credit Union announced the promotion of Brianna Lison to branch manager of its Great Barrington branch.
 
"I am thrilled about Brianna’s promotion to branch manager of our Great Barrington location. Since joining Greylock six years ago, Brianna has consistently demonstrated a passion for excellent member service and a commitment to advancing her knowledge and expertise of the credit union industry," said Jennifer O’Neil, Vice President, Market Manager. "In this new phase of her career, I know Brianna will continue to serve all of our members with intentionality, care and thoughtfulness."
 
In her role, Lison manages an expanded team, and plays an active role in business development, promoting Greylock’s products and services. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, managing branch compliance, originating mortgage and home equity loans, originating and underwriting consumer loans, and maintaining an extensive variety of member accounts.
 
"I am very grateful for this new opportunity, and it is a privilege to continue to work alongside the dedicated and hardworking staff in Great Barrington. I strive every day to create positive and meaningful interactions with our members and I look forward to continuing to serve our members and community," Lison said.
 
Lison, a Pittsfield native, began her career with Greylock in 2019 as a branch specialist in the Great Barrington, Lee, and Lenox branches. Within the credit union, Lison successfully completed Greylock Management Academy and also earned a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation in 2024.
 
Lison currently resides in Chester.
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