MCLA Foundation, Inc.

“I was inspired to become involved with the MCLA Foundation upon hearing from other community members about its good and important work, then observing it myself, especially its support of access to quality higher education for all who wish to pursue the opportunities it affords. I appreciate the importance of MCLA to the northern Berkshire community and its involvement with it, enjoy visiting the campus for lectures, sporting and other events, and appreciate the spirit of exploration and innovation evident in the institution, its faculty, and its students. Participating in the Foundation provides a rewarding connection to the meaningful mission and activities of MCLA.”

Appointed to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners by Governor Maura Healey, Timothy is an experienced executive director with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. He is also skilled in the areas of research, community outreach, academic and public libraries, and public speaking. He is a strong business development professional with a master's degree in library and information science from Indiana University Bloomington.

“I enjoy serving on the Foundation because it provides an opportunity to participate in decisions that impact the student body. This is especially important to me because, as a mom of two daughters who attended and graduated college, I know firsthand the value of having access and resources to a quality education. Through the Foundation, we are able to contribute to our students’ academic journeys in ways great and small, and this is tremendously fulfilling to me.” 

JamieEllen is the Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Greylock Federal Credit Union. She began her career at Greylock more than 30 years ago, serving in an entry-level position and moving on to various roles in lending, retail, and administration.  

Today, JamieEllen is responsible for shaping and managing the brand and organizational culture at Greylock, overseeing human resources, marketing, community support initiatives, and learning and development, and is actively involved with board governance. She served on the Success by 6 committee, a program of the Berkshire United Way. This initiative provided programs and services to at-risk children under the age of 6. Through Sapphire Dimension, JamieEllen provided 1-to-1 Women Mentorship, addressing the stigmas of racism and feminism around African American culture and, most recently, served on the gala committee for BRIDGE. 

"MCLA is genuinely committed to providing a quality education at an affordable cost. As a graduate of MCLA, being on the Foundation Board provides an opportunity to give back to the College."

A graduate of America’s Community Bankers National School of Banking, Mike is vice president and manager of business banking at Greylock Federal Credit Union. Having strong ties to MCLA both as an alum and a previous Foundation Board Director from 2013-2022 (Board Chair 2018-2020), Mike has dedicated many years to the MCLA community. As a committee member, he supported the Endowment and Trust Committee, Executive Committee, and, most recently, the Internal Audit and Finance Committee.  

Mike’s additional volunteer roles include serving as vice-chair and nominating committee member for Berkshire Housing and as a member of the Berkshire United Way board for nine years. 

“MCLA has a long history of providing an affordable, high-quality education to all. It is also a vital part of the economy of the Northern Berkshires and of North Adams in particular. The Foundation allows me to participate with others in providing support to the College.” 

Born in Bombay (now Mumbai, India), Stephen attended Williams College and Boston College Law School. He has been practicing law in Berkshire County since 1981 and has been with Donovan O’Connor & Dodig, LLP for the past 25 years. From 2019 through 2025, he was the Solicitor for the City of Pittsfield. Stephen has also been a member of several boards, including Help Line, Visiting Nurses Association of Northern Berkshire, Northern Berkshire Healthcare, North Adams Regional Hospital, Williamstown House of Local History, Faith Scarborough Community Service Award Committee, Taconic Golf Club, Turner House, Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation, and Adams Community Bank. Stephen is married to Jean Culver. 

“I love helping the future generation of leaders achieve their dreams and am especially inspired to support first-generation college students in their quest for success. Giving back to MCLA/NASC which helped me get to where I am today is a special privilege.” 

Kim is the Chief Human Resource Officer at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance. She has also served as vice president of human resources for AIG, Liberty International Underwriters, and Lexington Insurance Company. Kim serves on the Foundation's Corporate Relations Committee, and is a member of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Council.    

Wende she looks forward to contributing her experience and dedication to this outstanding educational institution. 

Wende co-owns a real estate development company with her husband, David Carver. Since being diagnosed with MS in 1994, she has been deeply committed to advancing research and support for those affected by the disease. In 2006, she co-founded a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education, resources, and support to individuals with MS, their families, and healthcare providers. She currently serves as board president of the MS Foundation, and is an active supporter of the arts community. She served for 15 years on the board of the Williamstown Theatre Festival and is currently a vice president on the Berkshire Theatre Group board. Her passion for the arts is matched by her love for travel—she previously owned a travel agency. 

Her unwavering commitment to philanthropy, community engagement, and professional endeavors continues to make a meaningful impact on those around her. Wende and David are proud parents to three daughters and grandparents to nine grandchildren, who bring them immense joy. 

“As an alum, North Adams community member, and passionate professional focused on the success of the Berkshires, becoming a Foundation member is an investment in helping MCLA to thrive, grow, and contribute to the local, regional, and global landscape for generations to come. Having diverse perspectives, a critical eye, and a core belief in the potential and opportunity that the institution offers has brought me to the table, and I am excited to contribute to the strong legacy that the Foundation already holds.”

Vice President of Economic Development at 1Berkshire, Ben is entrepreneurial focused, an intentional risk-taker, and an clectic maverick with a propensity for creating opportunities for social engagement, ecosystems of communal pride, and organic innovation. He is passionate about advancing the goals of small cities through public service and community organizations, putting social and capital investment in downtown through small main street businesses, improving himself through pursuing a terminal degree, and advancing the field of higher education through engaging as a regional organization leader. 

Committed to economic development in Berkshire County, Ben also serves as Chair of Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and served as a North Adams City Councilor for eight years.

“What inspires me most about working on the Foundation is my ability to give back to an institution that helped blaze the trail of my future. It inspires me to help mentor the next generation of Trailblazers.” 

Michael Muti is a managing director for Natixis Investment Managers. In this role, he leads the firm's Mid-Atlantic Wealth Management Region, which aims to provide investment solutions to Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), Independent Advisors, and Wirehouse Financial Advisors.  

He has over 25 years of industry experience, 20 of which have been at Natixis. Prior to joining the firm, in 2004, he worked as a financial advisor at Signator Investors in Massachusetts. He holds bachelor's degreed in economics and marketing from the MCLA. He is FINRA Series 6, 7, 24, and 63 licensed. Mike has lived in Somerset County, New Jersey, for the past 18 years with his wife, Kate, and two college-aged children. In his free time, he can be found at the beach in Massachusetts, skiing in Vermont, attending concerts, and spending time with his family. 

“I am inspired by MCLA's commitment to providing a high-quality, accessible public higher education that prepares students for success in the future. I am especially impressed with the depth of the College's offerings, along with its impact helping students increase their social mobility. MCLA students and alumni really stand out in our community.” 

A Program Evaluation Consultant for NASH Insights, Mary helps non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and collaborative groups assess needs, evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and implement quality improvements based on findings. 

“I am in awe of all that MCLA does to transform the lives of its students and enrich the Northern Berkshire community. Particularly striking to me is the success that MCLA has had in launching students from low-income families into well-paying jobs upon graduation. Many of MCLA's graduates end up staying in the region, which then benefits from their energy and talents. I am especially appreciative of the education MCLA offers in the health sciences, including the new four-year nursing program, as this rural area needs more health care professionals.”

As a writer focused on the environment and education, Molly has co-authored and edited several books and written articles for academic journals, newspapers, and magazines. She has contributed to The Washington Post, New York Daily News, International Herald Tribune, and other publications. Molly received her undergraduate degree from Williams College and holds a master's degree from John Hopkins University.  

“Supporting young students in our community is my number one inspiration, as I wholeheartedly believe education is the backbone of our society, and being a part of sharing the vision of MCLA is a huge responsibility that brings me joy and pride.” 

Xtina is an African wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and conservationist. She owns ROAM: A Xtina Parks Gallery in Williamstown, Massachusetts, which focuses on African Contemporary Art and fair-trade works.  

“My passion to make significant contributions to the community has led me to plan for an endowed scholarship at MCLA and I have named MCLA Foundation as a beneficiary of my estate plan. The endowed scholarship will be maintained by MCLA Foundation in perpetuity, contributing to the education and lives of endless generations of MCLA students.” 

In 2009, Bernie Pinsonnault received the Francis H. Hayden Memorial Award. Established in 1968, the Hayden Award is given annually by the Northern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce to a local citizen who has volunteered time, made personal sacrifices, and demonstrated leadership while making significant contributions to the economic, social, and cultural improvement of Northern Berkshire communities. 

Bernie graduated from NASC/MCLA with a degree in business administration. In 2019, he retired as owner of Smith Brothers-McAndrews Insurance Agency in Adams. He has worked at Adams Cooperative Bank and at Legacy Bank, and has served as a trustee of South Adams Savings Bank and Adams Community Bank. 
     
Active in local government, Bernie has served as an Adams town meeting representative, a member of the Adams Downtown Development Committee, and a member of the local team that verifies election results.  He used his position at the Berkshire Fund Inc. to found the successful Good Samaritan Home Ownership Program, which provides assistance to low-income families purchasing their first homes.

Bernie’s service to the Berkshire community also includes stints as an assistant basketball coach in the Adams Police Athletic League, treasurer and board member of Adams Little League, and coach and board member of the Adams Youth Soccer League. He is currently serving on the board of the Berkshire Community College Foundation.

A dedicated alumnus, Bernie has served as vice chairman of the MCLA Foundation and on the Foundation’s Endowment and Trust Committee. 

“The students at MCLA are truly inspiring—they are driven, resilient, and full of potential. Many come from diverse backgrounds and face unique challenges, yet they bring a passion for learning and a determination to succeed that’s truly remarkable. The Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting these students, not only by providing scholarships and financial aid, but also by creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. 
 
Through the Foundation’s work, we help open doors that might otherwise remain closed, whether it’s funding for tuition, support for academic programs, or resources to enhance their educational experience. Seeing the impact—students achieving their dreams, becoming leaders in their communities, and contributing to the world in meaningful ways—is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me why this work matters so deeply and motivates me to keep finding ways to support their success.” 

Colleen Taylor is an accomplished event planner, caterer, and co-owner of BayState Hospitality Group Inc., a restaurant group that owns Craft Food Barn, Trail House Kitchen & Bar, Freight Yard Pub & Restaurant, and Berkshire Catering Co. With her expertise in hospitality, she specializes in creating memorable experiences through innovative menus, impeccable service, and attention to detail. Passionate about weddings and celebrations, Colleen works tirelessly to ensure every event exceeds expectations. 
 
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Colleen is deeply involved in her community. She serves as Vice Chair for 1Berkshire and is a board member of the North Adams Partnership. 
 
Outside of her professional life, Colleen is a proud mother of three grown adult children and a loving grandmother to her grandson. Known for her leadership, professionalism, and dedication, Colleen is committed to building connections and making her clients' visions a reality.