The former state representative will succeed Rick Sullivan, the EDC’s leader for 11 years

SPRINGFIELD—After a nationwide search that yielded over 100 applicants, the Board of Directors for the Western Mass Economic Development Council today named Aaron Vega—a Holyoke native known as a well-respected politician, convener and strategic growth engine—as its new president and CEO.

“I’m very excited,” Vega said, noting the screening process was lengthy and worthwhile. “For me now, this role makes total sense on my trajectory, but there’s no way I was planning this. I’m astonished and very thankful to be able to do important work in my home region.” 

Flooded with ideas and a developing vision for the EDC, he looks forward to relationship-building, fostering trust and creating new supports and connections for all stakeholders. 

“I will take what I’ve been doing in Holyoke to a bigger scale,” Vega said. “My plan is to use the first months of next year to be out there listening to mayors, planning directors, people in the business community, developers, manufacturers. Whether you do or don’t know me, you’re going to know me, and I’m anxious to talk to you next year.” 

Succeeding Rick Sullivan

Vega is charged with carrying on the legacy of the successful Rick Sullivan, who has served the EDC for 11 years and will work his last day in the lead role on Dec. 31. Sullivan is credited with massive economic development in the region and, in the last years of his tenure, securing $70 million in state investments for food science, quantum computing and clean tech.

“I was part of the group that hired Rick,” said Charles L. D’Amour, chair of the Search Committee that recruited Vega as well as the executive chairman of the Board of Directors of Big Y Foods, Inc. and a member of the EDC. “My goal in this search, from the beginning, was to find someone who could build on Rick’s leadership and legacy of work and successes. I feel very good about the process and very good about Aaron being chosen to be our next leader. Things have come full circle.”

Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, who has worked closely with Vega for three years on matters of economic development in the city, said, “Aaron is the guy folks understand and respect and will come to the table for to work on strategy to get to an end goal. That makes him a good fit for the EDC role. Our region’s municipalities are vastly different. Securing their commitments through the process is a strength Aaron brought into our city. He will help make sure communities up and down the I91 corridor know the EDC is here to work with all of us.”

Background of a seasoned leader

Vega was a Holyoke City Councilor for four years before he was elected in 2012 to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, 5th Hampden District, serving four terms. 

Since January 2021, Vega has led the Office of Planning & Economic Development in Holyoke. He currently is the Board Chair for Mass Humanities and also serves on the boards for New England Public Media, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and MassHire Holyoke Career Center. 

He lives in Holyoke with his wife, Debra, who is the artistic director for Broadway Brings Joy Musical Academy and board chair for Girls Inc. of the Valley. The Vegas are co-directors and instructors at Vega Yoga Mobile at Open Square.

The son of local activist Carlos Vega, who moved to Holyoke from Ecuador at the age of five, Aaron grew up in South Holyoke, living briefly in New Hampshire and graduating from Mascenic Regional High School in 1988. He attended Holyoke Community College and earned a dual bachelor’s degree from Keene State College in psychology and film studies.

In his first career, he worked as an editor on PBS documentaries and for independent filmmakers. Most notably, he worked on several films with Ken Burns, including on the JAZZ series.

Vega’s hopes, goals, vision

Top on Vega’s agenda in 2026 will be building new relationships, bringing people together and proving that he’s action-oriented and likes to get things done. “I’m a good convener, and I have a way of getting people on the same page. Finding things we can agree on and build on is a skillset I bring to the table,” he said.

He wants to focus on supporting municipalities and their economic development officers so when the EDC invites new businesses into the area, there are mechanisms in place for assuring they can leap the hurdles of site planning, zoning and special permitting. “We want to make sure we are inviting businesses and making the right connections so they have a smooth transition,” he said.

A second focus will be marketing the Western Mass hub and selling the region’s natural resources, entertainment and quality of life to businesses that visit. “You can live in a farmhouse in a Hilltown and be in Springfield in 20 minutes,” he noted.

As a successful Latino in the region, Vega also wants to urge the Latino community to take ownership of their cities, become elected officials, open a business and make a home here. “My message to all young people, and definitely the Latino community is: Your home is here,” he said, musing that perhaps the region needs a youth ambassador group. 

“I want the youth to have a voice in the future of this area,” he added.

The comprehensive search process

Lindauer, an executive search firm with experience in Western Mass, led the nation-wide search for the EDC’s next CEO, supporting an eight-member panel with D’Amour in the lead; he was proud that the team represented a good cross-section of key sectors in the region.

Those Search Committee members were: Dominick Ianno, head of state government relations at Mass Mutual; Kristin Carlson of Peerless Precision Manufacturing; Michael Vedovelli, director of community relations at Eversource; Daniel Keenan, regional vice president advocacy and government relations, Trinity Health of New England; Harry Dumay, president of Elms College; and Megan Burke, CEO, Community Foundation of Western Mass. Gus Kim, vice president and legal counsel for MGM Springfield and the EDC’s board chair, served as an ad hoc member. 

The process began in the spring with the committee outlining the attributes it sought in the next leader, with strength in economic development, deep knowledge of the region and proven leadership chief among them.

Lindauer posted the position on its own website as well as on LinkedIn, Indeed, MassLive and other platforms that ensured a wide-reaching and comprehensive candidate pool.

Over 100 applicants responded from Washington to Maine, all of New England, New York and in the Midwest; there was also an internal candidate. D’Amour said the committee culled that initial group down to 13 whose resumes were scrutinized. Seven candidates were interviewed by the committee, four were invited back for more in-depth questioning, and two were finalists also interviewed by the EDC’s Executive Committee. 

The Executive Committee chose Vega as the candidate to put before the full board, and his nomination was approved Monday at 10 a.m. by a vote of that panel.

“Aaron proved to be the stronger candidate with his level of experience both as a former legislative leader and current economic development champion, and he’s a small business owner,” D’Amour said. “He understands what it means to have a small business. In a region like ours, all of those things are important. There are the Big Y’s and the Mass Mutuals but the region is also made up of many small businesses and being able to understand all of those perspectives is important; that’s obviously something that Aaron brings to the table.”

Gus Kim, the EDC board chair, said every candidate brought a different set of skills and experiences. “That Aaron landed at the top speaks volumes on his experience, expertise and knowledge. The consensus was that he is solid across the board—the best candidate for the job. I applaud Aaron and look forward to working with him.” 

Kim thanked D’Amour and the committee for countless hours of work and their commitment to the process. “They worked hard and diligently, and I also thank Lindauer for a thorough process and a wide palette, from which we could choose Aaron.”

What local leaders value about Vega

Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia and Vega aligned as Garcia’s bid for mayor was winding down in the fall of 2021, about six months into Vega’s role as director of Planning & Economic Development. 

“There wasn’t a lot of internal leadership, and Aaron became the de facto go-to person, offering collaboration and facilitation,” Garcia said, noting that Vega became his right-hand guy, assembling his transition team with advisory committees focused on topics raised on the campaign trail. “Aaron helped me lean on those teams to help with that transition into my role.”

He added, “Aaron’s dedication, vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping Holyoke’s growth and development. I am confident he will bring the same passion and innovative spirit to this new role, further strengthening our region’s economic future. We are proud to have him representing Western Massachusetts and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will continue to make.”

George Timmons, president of Holyoke Community College, said, “We wish our alum and friend Aaron Vega all the best as the new president and CEO of the Western Mass EDC. HCC is committed to the growth of our region and looks forward to a continuation of a comprehensive regional approach that will help all people find opportunity while advancing in this dynamic multicultural area. We look forward to our continued partnership with the EDC and the growth of the 413.”

Rick Sullivan said Vega is walking into a great opportunity in the region with a hugely supportive business community, board of directors and membership all focused on growing the Western Mass economy. “Aaron obviously has a professional lifetime of responsibility to the region, both politically and from an economic development lens, and I think he will do a great job,” he said.

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New Program to Promote Home Ownership in Chicopee, Holyoke and Springfield

FLORENCE—Florence Bank has launched a new first-time homebuyer program called Welcome Home, designed to help first-time buyers in Chicopee, Holyoke and Springfield secure a mortgage for a single- or two-family home or a condominium. 

Two tiers of the program are available—Welcome Home and Welcome Home Plus. The Welcome Home mortgage offers a reduced interest rate, 100 percent financing, a $1,000 lender’s credit and does not require private mortgage insurance, known as PMI. The mortgage processing fee is also waived, and there are no income restrictions.

With Welcome Home Plus, borrowers receive all the benefits of the Welcome Home mortgage, plus an additional $10,000 lender’s credit for a total of $11,000 in credits. The processing fee is also waived, no PMI is required, and there are no income restrictions.

“The communities of Chicopee, Holyoke and Springfield have historically been underserved when it comes to providing affordable first-time homebuyer programs,” said Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity. “We’re pleased to be helping to build strong communities and providing opportunities for home ownership. Those goals are key components of our mission as a local community bank.”

Catalina Herrera of Holyoke recently purchased her first home with a Welcome Home Plus mortgage from Florence Bank, and she said the process was clear, smooth, fast and incredibly personal. 

Paola Sherman, the bank’s community loan originator who has a focus on serving the area’s Latino community, handled the details.

“After comparing offers from four other institutions, it became obvious—Florence Bank was unbeatable,” Herrera said. “Paola and her team were always available to answer our countless questions. We’re incredibly grateful to the bank and for the amazing opportunity they’re offering to first-time homebuyers in the community.”

Florence Bank has branches in Springfield and Chicopee, and a Holyoke branch is expected to open in the spring of 2026.

To learn more or apply, contact any Florence Bank branch or visit florencebank.com/welcome-home.

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutual savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, Chicopee, West Springfield, and Springfield. Additionally, it offers 23 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through Florence Financial Group to consumers and businesses.

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Sullivan served the EDC for 11 years, bringing economic growth and opportunity to the region

SPRINGFIELD—Rick Sullivan, president and CEO of the Western Mass Economic Development Council, announced his retirement this morning at a meeting of the organization’s Board of Directors. His last day in the role will be Dec. 31.

Sullivan came to the EDC as an already-seasoned leader in Massachusetts, and in his 11-year tenure, he focused on growing the organization and its influence with statewide leaders and policy makers. Programming has also greatly expanded, membership has doubled, and the region’s economics are considerably stronger. 

Most recently, Sullivan led the EDC in publishing a white paper early in 2024, outlining where to make multi-million-dollar investments in the region, which led to a recent $70 million award through the state’s Economic Development Bond Bill. The region is now investing in food science, quantum computing, and clean tech. The award was the largest in the region’s history.

“I’m proud of the work that we’ve done,” Sullivan said. “I’m always very mindful of the fact that we’re a team. I’ve been fortunate to have supportive staff here and a board that is really committed to growing the economy of the region. The strength of the EDC is about the people who sit around the table.”

Sullivan added that he is excited to be retiring and plans to travel and spend more time with family, but as with all new things, there is also some trepidation. “It’s a new chapter, and there’s always that anxiety of something new and what retirement will bring,” he said.

Leadership career spanned decades

A partner in a law firm early on in his career, Sullivan was mayor of Westfield from 1994 to 2007, and served as president of the Massachusetts Mayors Association in 1998.

Before coming on board as president and CEO of the EDC, he was chief of staff in the Massachusetts Governor’s Office in 2014 and 2015 and held leadership roles with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Sullivan is 66 and lives in Westfield with his wife, Lisa Oleksak Sullivan, a realtor and Coldwell Banker top agent. They have three children and eight grandchildren. “I could not have done this work if I didn’t have a great support system at home,” Sullivan added. 

Leaders across the state pay homage

Sullivan and his work with the EDC are well-respected across the state. After learning the news of Sullivan’s retirement, leaders in a broad spectrum of industries across EDC’s core region—Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties—and in Boston, said Sullivan is a strong leader, a master convener and collaborator who is dedicated to Western Mass.

Christina Royal, chair of the EDC’s Board of Directors, said Sullivan was gift to the EDC and the community. He came on board in January 2015, “when the EDC was a much smaller version of itself,” Royal said. “It is a testament to Rick’s leadership, political acumen, and commitment to this region that it is so hard to think about how we begin to find a successor.” 

She said Sullivan has contributed in significant ways—expanding the vision of the EDC to strengthen businesses, enhance workforce and economic development, and prioritize equity in the initiatives of the EDC; actively partnering in the creation of the Congressman Richard Neal Cyber Security Center in Springfield; supporting the development of a new, three-year strategic plan that launched in January 2025; and engaging stakeholders, supporting regional initiatives and legislation that positively impacts Western Mass in countless areas.

“This is just a small part of a long list of accomplishments for which Rick has led or was involved in in recent years,” Royal stressed. “His career spanning a decade has elevated our region, created more financial stability and enhanced partnerships with Boston and Worcester that have put Western Mass on the map.”  

Charles L. D’Amour, executive chairman of the Board of Directors of Big Y Foods, Inc. and a member of the EDC board, said Sullivan’s dedication to the region has been evident since he was mayor of Westfield. “His ability to collaborate, to convene business leaders and state leaders and municipal leaders has really proven out to be very effective and to really benefit the region,” D’Amour said. “A culmination of Rick’s work came about a year ago with the publication of the white paper that focused the region on key areas for growth and development. Rick understands the region’s challenges and its assets. We’re going to miss Rick.

“Rick has done a great job of pushing the EDC forward in such a way that we are recognized not only locally but on the state level and nationally,” D’Amour added. “Rick’s also done a great job of bringing more members onto the EDC board. That speaks volumes. People believe in his leadership.”

Governor Maura Healey said Sullivan has dedicated his career to advancing economic growth in cities and towns across Massachusetts, especially in Western Mass. “He has been a great partner in our work to support local businesses, create jobs and grow Massachusetts’ leadership in cutting-edge industries,” Healey said. “We wish him the absolute best in his well-deserved retirement, and we look forward to working with the next leader of the EDC to continue to build on his legacy.”

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said the news of Sullivan’s retirement is bittersweet. “Only mayors know that you have to get things done yesterday, and it was a pleasure to work with Rick. I appreciate his dedicated economic development efforts for Western Massachusetts, and I wish my friend and his family good health and continued success in all his future endeavors.”

Dominick Ianno, head of State Government Relations at MassMutual, congratulated Sullivan on his impressive career and his dedication to the region. “Rick has always been a strong voice in advocating for Western Massachusetts. Whether as mayor, a senior state government official or the head of the EDC, he has always been a champion for a vibrant and prosperous region. We will miss his leadership and wish him well in his retirement.”

Javier A. Reyes, chancellor of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, said Sullivan is leaving a profound legacy of collaboration and advocacy for the Western Massachusetts region. “UMass is proud to be a partner in the work of the Western Massachusetts EDC, and we are grateful for Rick’s leadership over the past 10 plus years,” he said.

Mary-Beth Cooper, president of Springfield College, said Sullivan has been an incredible partner with higher education. “Rick Sullivan’s leadership has played a vital role in strengthening our region’s economy and fostering community growth. His dedication, vision and ability to unite people have made a lasting impact,” she said. “I want to express my sincere gratitude for his years of service and wish him all the best in this next chapter.”

Search for new leader has launched

Royal said D’Amour has been asked to chair the search committee that will seek a new leader for the EDC. 

The EDC Executive Committee has hired Lindauer, an executive search firm with experience in Western Mass, to lead a nation-wide search for the next CEO. 

Royal said Lindauer will first hold feedback sessions with key constituents on the priorities of the position and begin to advertise no later than May, conducting early interviews with candidates before making recommendations to the search committee, which will also conduct a series of interviews.

“I’m hoping we can make an announcement in September or October with a projected start date no later than January 1, 2026,” Royal said. “That’s a pretty good timeline.”

She added that Sullivan has such a broad range of skills, which you don’t normally find in one person, that the task of finding a new leader is daunting. “That’s why we’re engaging a search firm—to help us find another major unicorn, one I feel the EDC landed on when they landed Rick 10 years ago,” she said. “I’m constantly amazed at how many strengths he brings to the position.”

Looking ahead

Sullivan said the next leader of the EDC has exciting growth opportunities in the food science, quantum computing, cyber security and manufacturing sectors. “There’s a lot of good synergy out there that will come together with new energy and vision and grow the initial catalyzing work that we’ve done in those sectors,” he added.

Continued success will come through population growth, diversification of economies and focusing on becoming cutting-edge in one sector, which he predicts could be food science in this region, where the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, is a world leader. 

“It’s important to have some centers of excellence that you’re nationally and internationally known for and those opportunities are right here,” he said. “It won’t happen because it makes sense. People will have to work at it every day to make it a reality.”

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Funds provided to 17 organization’s over two years

SPRINGFIELD—The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts has announced $240,000 in grant awards this year and through 2026 to 17 organizations serving women, girls, transgender and gender-diverse people across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties.

CEO Vanessa Pabón-Hernandez explained that the Women’s Fund’s general grant cycle will provide a total of $100,000 in awards to 13 organizations in 2024 and 2025. An additional four gifts totaling $40,000 were also made from the organization’s Young Women’s Initiative for the current year.

The funding rounds were competitive, with applications received from 126 organizations.

“These grants will uplift the incredible work being done by organizations throughout the region that are committed to addressing disparities and fostering inclusion for women, girls and gender-diverse individuals,” said Pabon-Hernandez. “We are honored to offer grants that will support efforts in building more equitable and vibrant communities.”

In the general grant cycle, the Women’s Fund awarded grants in 10 communities throughout the region. Priority was given to organizations committed to gender and racial justice and equity as well as the philanthropic agency’s key strategic pillars—economic security, parity in positions of power and leadership and freedom from gender-based violence. These grant dollars will support a broad range of organizations, including small start-ups, grassroots organizations and well-established nonprofits.

The general grant cycle awards total $200,000 over two years and provide unrestricted grants that can be used for general operations or program support. Grant recipients for this funding round include: 50 Arrow Gallery in Easthampton, A Queen’s Narrative in Springfield, Berkshire Community Diaper Project in West Stockbridge, Elizabeth Freeman Center in Pittsfield, It Takes a Village in Huntington, Make-It Springfield, Mother Root Farm in West Cummington, New England Learning Center for Women in Transition in Greenfield, Pioneer Valley Workers Center in Northampton, Somali Bantu Community in Springfield, Springfield No One Leaves/Nadie Se Mude, Visioning B.E.A.R. Circle Intertribal Coalition in Greenfield, and Western Massachusetts Parasol Patrol in Montague.

Samantha Hamilton, co-founder of A Queen’s Narrative, said the small, grassroots, BIPOC women-led organization is grateful for the funding, which offers a crucial steppingstone for continued growth and development. 

“Community change and impact come from organizations like the Women’s Fund,” Hamilton said. “It’s great to know that our work to amplify the voices of women and girls aligns with the mission of such an incredible organization.”

Lisa Goding, executive director of It Takes a Village, said, “This grant will help us strengthen our postpartum support programs, ensuring that every family, regardless of background or circumstances, has the resources needed to thrive.”

For grants awarded through the Women’s Fund’s Young Women’s Initiative, members and alumnae of two current cohorts in Springfield and Turners Falls deliberated to make nominations for funding. 

These cohorts distributed $40,000 to Springfield- and Turners Falls-serving organizations; in Springfield, the Volunteers in Medicine, which focuses on addressing medical care cost barriers, and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts scholarship program. In Turner’s Falls, grants were awarded to the Finders Collective, which provides financial help for single mothers, and Girls, Inc., which helps create a pipeline for young women and girls to enter STEM fields.

The Young Women’s Initiative is a national project aimed at creating prosperity for young women. The Women’s Fund partners, Arise for Social Justice and Montague Catholic Social Ministries, lead the initiative’s Springfield and Franklin County partnerships, respectively, and support young women and gender-diverse leaders, centering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color throughout the leadership development, social justice and philanthropic program. 

Throughout the year, the Women’s Fund will highlight grant recipients online. Learn more by following the organization on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, and on mywomensfund.org.

About the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts

Located at 333 Bridge St., in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts fuels progress toward gender equity by funding the most promising solutions, collaborating with results-oriented partners, and by elevating the collective power of local women to take charge, and to lead with purpose. To learn more, visit mywomensfund.org.

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Springfield native Vanessa Pabón-Hernandez has 25 years of experience as a champion for women and social change

SPRINGFIELD—The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts recently appointed Vanessa Pabón-Hernandez as CEO of the philanthropic organization, effective June 17. A native of Springfield’s North End and a driven, longtime mentor of women and champion for social change and empowerment, Pabón-Hernandez succeeds Donna Haghighat in the key role for the nonprofit.

Throughout her 25-year career, Pabón-Hernandez has supported women and Latinx community members, first as a marketing strategist in business for herself and later in roles that include program director for the YMCA North End Youth Center, founder of a community-based digital storytelling center and executive producer at New England Public Media. She left NEPM in early June after 14 years to accept the CEO position.

Pabón-Hernandez has experience as a program developer, grant writer, mentor, facilitator, consensus builder and storyteller, and she is excited to put her skills to work for the Women’s Fund. “I want to make a meaningful impact that’s less about program development and more about supporting the people who have the ideas,” Pabón-Hernandez said. “I’ve been the one who has been dreaming big and creating programs of impact. Now, I want to support the dreams of others.”

Luzed Guzman Romano, current treasurer and incoming board co-chair for the Women’s Fund, said the board is excited about the opportunities that Pabón-Hernandez’s experience, determination and leadership present. She said, “We are all confident Vanessa’s leadership will drive the organization forward, continuing its mission to support and empower women, girls and gender-expansive people in the region. In many ways, Vanessa’s life experience mirrors the reason why the Women’s Fund exists.”

Inspired by a strong, independent mother who helped facilitate her path, Pabón-Hernandez defied the odds several decades ago as a young, single mother, earning two associate degrees at Springfield Technical Community College before launching her own business as a marketing strategist for political candidates and area businesspeople. 

She mastered the art of storytelling to advance social change, entered the nonprofit sector, and over 25 years, led and founded innovative programs in marginalized communities that have allowed thousands of individuals to access resources, leverage their strengths, and drive their own career paths.

Pabón-Hernandez’s extensive nonprofit background began at the North End Youth Center, where she served as program director, developing community initiatives that empowered and supported young people in discovering their passions, fostering personal growth, and cultivating leadership skills to become confident, engaged members of their communities.

Recognizing that some dialogue and action in the community was driven by assumptions and not realities, Pabón-Hernandez launched an initiative called TOLD, Telling Our Legacies Digitally: a community-based digital storytelling center in a predominantly Latinx neighborhood. Through TOLD, she helped shed light on the social justice challenges in the North End of Springfield and mentored its residents in self-advocacy. 

In 2008, Pabón-Hernandez pitched the TOLD concept to WGBY Public Television, and two years later, after helping the station secure grant funding, she came on board as director of community engagement, leading WGBY’s Project TOLD and the Latino Youth Media Institute, which provided paid internships and a career pathway for Latino youth interested in a career in the media. 

As an executive producer with WGBY’s successor, New England Public Media, Pabón-Hernandez also launched Presencia, the station’s first bilingual programming, in English and Spanish. Before the show lapsed due to the pandemic, it was award-winning. 

Pabón-Hernandez has received the “Unsung Heroine” award from the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and was named to Business West’s 40 Under 40. She was also the grand marshal for the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade. 

She said, “Everyone’s story needs to be told. And the Women’s Fund helps women, girls, and gender diverse people find their authentic voices.”

About the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts

Located at 333 Bridge St., in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts fuels progress toward gender equity by funding the most promising solutions, collaborating with results-oriented partners, and by elevating the collective power of local women to take charge, and to lead with purpose. To learn more, visit mywomensfund.org.

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The bank also supported the agency’s 2024 #GreenNFit event as $10,000 Block Sponsor

FLORENCE—Florence Bank recently pledged a $25,000 gift to Revitalize CDC’s $3 million capital campaign, launched in 2023. Funds will be used to develop a 3,200-square-foot warehouse that will allow the Springfield-based nonprofit to better serve its audience of low-income families, seniors, veterans and those with special needs.

Colleen Shanley-Loveless, president and CEO of Revitalize CDC, said the organization purchased its first office in January 2023, in Springfield, yet additional space was needed. In addition to improvements to the building, campaign funds will allow the development of a much-needed warehouse and distribution center for volunteers and nutritional supplies, creating the means to better serve clients and also expand through the hiring of additional staff.

“Florence Bank is a good neighbor,” Shanley-Loveless said. “It’s a local bank, and it knows the community. The bank knows everybody needs a little help now and then, and the bank is there to help. We appreciate that.”

Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said, “It’s important to the bank to stay active in the regions we serve. We want to help organizations in the community serve those neighbors who need a helping hand.”

Revitalize CDC has a mission to improve homes, neighborhoods and lives through preservation, education and community involvement. It oversees the repair and modification of area homes for its clients and also offers a health and nutrition program.

The organization was founded in 1992 as an all-volunteer agency that raised roughly $40,000 each year and assisted about five families annually. Today, it serves over 800 families a year with a $5 million annual budget. Revitalize CDC serves Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, with its primary reach in Holyoke, Chicopee and Springfield. 

“We’re really a basic needs organization, providing food and shelter,” Shanley-Loveless added.

Joe Kulig, vice president / commercial lender for Florence Bank, has been involved with Revitalize CDC since November 1996 and is the longest-serving board member. He has seen it through various name changes and watched it expand over the years.

Kulig got Florence Bank involved with the agency when he joined the bank’s staff in September 2018. A West Springfield resident, he enjoys having an outlet to help his neighbors, and he finds it rewarding that the bank has supported Revitalize CDC over the years with annual gifts for its #GreenNFit event and volunteer helpers. 

The bank assisted with the effort again this year, offering volunteers and a $10,000 sponsorship, and Kulig and Nikki Gleason, vice president / branch manager in West Springfield, once again took part, leading teams of staff helpers.

Each year through the #GreenNFit event, the organization selects a neighborhood in Springfield and upgrades roughly a dozen homes. This year, efforts are focused on Chapin Terrace and Massassoit, Jardine and Lancashire streets.

The goal of #GreenNFit is to make homes more energy efficient, safe, healthy and aesthetically pleasing. The CDC’s Fundraising Committee, which Gleason has served on since 2016, seeks sponsorships, and volunteers do everything from tidying yards, power washing siding and staining fences and gates to removing carpeting that might be causing asthmatic flare-ups or installing deck railings.

“Everybody in each neighborhood gets involved,” Gleason said. “It’s the best comradery I’ve ever witnessed. It brings out the best in everybody, and the work we do revitalizes whole streets.”

This year’s #GreenNFit event took place on April 27.

Roughly $2 million has been received toward the $3 million capital campaign goal. Funds have also paid for updated heating and cooling systems in the main 7,000-square-foot CDC building, roof replacement, new carpeting, new furniture and video equipment. 

Tax credits are available on donations over $1,000. For more information, or to volunteer for #GreenNFit or donate to the campaign, visit revitalizecdc.com. Those interested in sponsorship can email cloveless@revitalizecdc.com or call or 860-668-9701.

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutual savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, Chicopee, West Springfield, and Springfield. Additionally, it offers 25 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses. Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate.

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SPRINGFIELD—The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) welcomes grant applications for its 2024 grant cycle and intends to award 10 to 15 grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 by summer. 

WFWM strongly encourages smaller, community-based grassroots organizations to apply.

Organizations with 501(c)3 status and those with fiscal sponsors are welcome to apply, and those serving women and girls and transgender and gender-diverse people in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties are encouraged to do so. Priority will be given to organizations aligning with race and gender justice and equity, and WFWM’s strategic pillars—economic security, equality in positions of power and leadership, and freedom from gender-based violence.

The two-year unrestricted grants can be used for general operations or program support, and the WFWM Grantmaking Committee looks for grant proposals with a meaningful impact.

“We are excited to continue to fund the important work that is being done to support women, girls and gender-expansive people in our Western Massachusetts communities,” said Amihan Matias, senior director of community partnerships at the Women’s Fund. “We have diverse community members and residents from all four counties of Western Massachusetts on our Grantmaking Committee. We are grateful for their valuable perspectives regarding the needs of their communities. It is so important to hear directly from communities.” 

To apply, complete an online application. For the English application, visit https://bit.ly/3v58AX0; for the Spanish version, visit https://bit.ly/49RrvUf. Submit a brief, one-page letter of intent. The WFWM strives to make the application process as inclusive and accessible as possible and also accepts video submissions or grant proposals written for other funders in place of the narrative portion of the written letter of intent. To have the application translated into a language other than English or Spanish, email Matias at amatias@mywomensfund.org.

Applications are due by midnight on May 15. The Grantmaking Committee will announce recipients on Aug. 30.

About the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts

Located at 333 Bridge St., in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts fuels progress toward gender equity by funding the most promising solutions, collaborating with results-oriented partners, and by elevating the collective power of local women to take charge, and to lead with purpose. To learn more, visit mywomensfund.org.

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Reading and signing event to be held in Springfield on Monday, Oct. 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD – Leslie Lawrence, a retired marketing strategist in the region, has released her memoir, “I’m a lucky woman: A Photographic Memoir of a Breast Cancer Survivor,” and will host an event Monday, Oct. 16 at the East Forest Park branch of the Springfield libraries from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Lawrence was a product manager for Milton Bradley early on in her career and later founded and led an ad agency for 20 years in Springfield called TSM Design. TSM served clients such as Milton Bradley, Friendly’s, Random House, and Apple, in its early years. She retired early to enjoy her family and continue her passion for volunteering and moved from Longmeadow to Dartmouth in 2013.

Lawrence will read and sign her book, a memoir told through deftly crafted stories and amplified with meaningful haikus, humor and photographs that are revealing, raw, and real. The book shines a light on Lawrence’s experiences, including her clinical treatment, which is painstakingly documented, and her creative musings on her emotional journey.

“The book is an offering of hope,” she said.

For most of her life, Lawrence expected a cancer diagnosis as her mother and two aunts also battled the disease. Lawrence’s diagnosis came in 2016, when she was 66. Five years later, she reached the cancer-free milestone. To celebrate, she penned her memoir to give hope to other women experiencing the same diagnosis.

“I’m a lucky woman,” a cancer story unlike any other, can be purchased at leslielawrenceauthor.com, where details of her events schedule and more information about the book can also be found.

Lawrence and her husband, Ron Weingartner, live in Dartmouth, and have one son. For more information, visit leslielawrenceauthor.com. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

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Twelve winners will receive a birthday party package at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield

FLORENCE—To commemorate 150 years in business, Florence Bank is drawing on its partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield to offer a chance for 12 community members to win complimentary use of the popular venue’s birthday room.

In addition to the use of the room, one winner from each of the bank’s 12 branches will receive 10 general admission tickets to the Hall of Fame and a goody bag for each party guest. 

“It’s our birthday, but we’d like to celebrate it by making the birthdays of others a little more special,” said President and CEO Matt Garrity.

In hopes of celebrating a birthday alongside Florence Bank’s 150th, those entering the giveaway can complete a ballot at any of the bank’s branches or visit florencebank.com/bday. The contest begins Friday, May 5 and ends Friday, June 2. Winners will be chosen Monday, June 5.

May 6, 1873, marks the date of the first 25 deposits at Florence Savings Bank, totaling $825.75. Henry Bond was the bank’s first treasurer, and its founding president was Alfred T. Lilly. 

The first trustees and corporators were business owners, shopkeepers, farmers, and community leaders, and the mission of the community bank was to help citizens safely save their money and make a significant contribution in the lives of the people of Hampshire County.

“We’ve grown a lot in the past century and a half, but we have remained true to our core values,” Garrity said. “We still have business owners, shopkeepers, and community leaders on our board, and our mission remains the same as it was 150 years ago. We remain a mutual bank, unbeholden to stockholders. We provide the best possible service to customers, and we are proud community partners, giving back in many areas to help our neighbors thrive.”

Florence Bank’s original home was the second floor of the Davis Building on Main Street in Florence. It has outgrown its space twice, moving into a two-story brick building next door in 1891 and again in 1978 to its present main office.

The first branch was opened at the corner of King and Finn streets in Northampton in 1986, and the most recent branch in Chicopee cut the ribbon on May 5, 2021. 

In its early days, Florence Bank made history with its second treasurer. In 1880, Mary Bond, the sister of Henry Bond, became the second treasurer of Florence Savings Bank and the first woman to hold the office of treasurer of a savings bank in the state. She served as principal of the Northampton public schools and later as the first woman elected to the Northampton School Committee. 

Bond was followed in 1891 by Mary E. Gould, who was succeeded in 1911 by another woman, Emilie Plimpton. 

Growth came steadily for the bank, most notably during World War II, when it received a record number of deposits. These came mainly from government allotments to area residents serving in the military. In the 1950s, a time of rapid growth in the local housing market, the bank was a principal source of home mortgages for Florence residents.  

Today, Florence Bank’s total assets are $1.8 billion.

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutual savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, Chicopee, West Springfield, and Springfield. Additionally, it offers 25 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses. Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

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Transfer bolsters the foundation’s assets and its role as an enduring philanthropic leader in the Pioneer Valley

SPRINGFIELD—After collaborating with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) for 29 years, the Bank of America in May transferred three trusts totaling over $22 million to the Valley-wide grant funder.

The move brings CFWM’s total earned assets from roughly $153 million to $175 million and bolsters its role as an enduring philanthropic leader in the Pioneer Valley.

“That the Bank of America has enough faith in us and what we can do, and in our ability to effectively administer funds, acknowledges that we are truly a leader of philanthropy in the Pioneer Valley,” said Elizabeth H. Sillin, trustee chair of CFWM.

She said the increase in assets will help CFWM to better position itself to attract funds from partners and other granting entities outside the region to support its work. “The more internal muscle they see that we have, the more confident they will be in investing their dollars with us,” said Sillin, a partner with the law firm Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP. “The bigger and more effective you are, the more likely it is that you are going to attract other dollars.”

Founded in 1990, CFWM administers a charitable endowment consisting of over 600 separately identified funds totaling approximately $175 million. Some of these charitable assets are unrestricted and are used to meet emerging and changing needs in our region. Others support named nonprofit organizations or provide financial support to college-bound students. Still others are donor advised, offering flexibility to donors in timing, amount, and beneficiary of their giving. Last year, CFWM awarded $7.3 million in grants to nonprofits, and $2.2 million in scholarships and interest-free loans to over 770 area students.

The Bank of America funds will continue to support a wide variety of organizations for generations to come, from grassroots community food pantries to region-spanning arts programs—and will preserve the original donors’ wishes to support their communities in perpetuity.  

Serving Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, CFWM is fueled by over 150 active volunteers who take on tasks ranging from reviewing scholarship applications to serving on committees focused on finance, investing, education, and philanthropy. 

At the end of its first fiscal year in 1991, CFWM reported assets of $830,730, representing the first group of donors and contributors. “The transfer marks the largest, single gain in its assets,” said CFWM Trustee George Arwady, the publisher and CEO of The Republican. “Generations of local families will benefit.”

Arwady explained, “By adding these new assets to CFWM, the foundation increases its ability to meet the needs of the community while also increasing its visibility and attractiveness to other donors who are looking for the right vehicle for their funds to make the most difference.”

The three trusts transferred from the bank to the foundation are: The Eugene A. Dexter Charitable Fund, established in 1944; The Nan and Matilda Heydt Fund, established in 1960; and The Valley Charitable Trust Fund, established in 1960. All three were originally created to support and serve charitable organizations and interests with a focus on Springfield and Hampden County.

“This transfer represents decades of a dedicated, collaborative effort between the foundation and the bank and is an inspiring example of how the legacy of philanthropy can have a profound and sustainable impact,” said Katie Allan Zobel, the foundation’s president and CEO. 

Carol Leary, longtime president of Bay Path University and an emeritus trustee of the foundation, said, “This significant act of philanthropy will have a lasting legacy and will certainly signal to other organizations or individuals the trust that Bank of America has in the board and the leadership of the foundation.”

While the bank transfer provides growth for the CFWM, Sillin said another recent advancement for the organization was the well-known Valley Gives Day, which was run from 2012 to 2018.

Valley Gives Day helped area nonprofits increase their giving by using online vehicles for donations, and it also earned trust and visibility for the foundation. “We offered a way for people in the Valley to self-identify as givers, and we served as effective consciousness raisers,” she said. Over $10 million was raised over the six 24-hour giving days. 

Sillin and Arwady both emphasized how community foundations play a key role in any region’s philanthropic endeavors.

Sillin was inspired to get involved with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts 15 years ago because her father helped launch a foundation in central New York, where she was raised. She said community foundations were formed because big donors were creating trusts at banks, and the banks, in turn, were becoming overwhelmed. 

“The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts was formed with a lot of these banking organizations to help administer the trusts and distribute the money effectively,” Sillin said. “There are all kinds of donors in the Valley looking for a place that is nimble enough to achieve philanthropic goals over time, and the Community Foundation is in a great position to do that.”

Arwady said community foundations in general do the most good with donor assets for their communities—forever. “I’ve moved around the country and have four community foundations in my will. They are the best way to use your money for good,” he said. 

About the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts

Founded in 1990, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers a charitable endowment consisting of 609 separately identified funds ($175 million) serving the three counties bordering the Connecticut River in Western Massachusetts (Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties). For more information about the reach and impact of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, visit http://communityfoundation.org.

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