MCLA Welcomes New Board Members, Thanks Departing Trustees for Their Service

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is pleased to announce that the Honorable Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts, has appointed several new members to its Board of Trustees. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and a deep commitment to the future of the college. MCLA also expresses its sincere gratitude to those trustees who have completed their terms, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to MCLA’s success and legacy.  

 The new members of the MCLA Board of Trustees are: 

• Tom Bernard, President and CEO of Berkshire United Way and former Mayor of North Adams, replaces Frank Reynolds, who resigned in 2024 after serving since October 2021. Bernard’s proven leadership in both the nonprofit sector and local government, along with his connections to MCLA, will be invaluable in helping the College continue to strengthen its ties with the surrounding community.  
• Former State Senator Ben Downing, who replaces John Barrett III (appointed in April 2016) and most recently served on the Enrollment Management Committee. Downing’s extensive experience in state government, public policy, and community development will be instrumental in strengthening MCLA’s engagement with the wider Berkshire community and state leadership.  
• Rachel Hailey, Owner & Transformationalist at The Resonance Collective, replaces Frederick Keator (appointed in January 2018) and served as Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee. Rachel is committed to transforming the outdoor industry to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on creating a more accessible and equitable space for underserved and underrepresented communities. Her expertise in DEI initiatives will be instrumental in advancing MCLA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.  
• W. David Halbert, MPA, ‘03, fills the Alumni Appointment seat vacated by Denise Marshall ’81, who served as Chair of the Fiscal Affairs Committee from January 2018. Halbert’s experience in public administration and his strong alumni ties make him a perfect fit for ensuring MCLA’s continued financial growth and long-term stability.  
• Yina Moore, an Adams-based business owner and developer, replaces Mohan Boodram, former Chair of the Board. Moore is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Adams Theater.  Moore's unique perspective will be a great asset to MCLA, as she brings a deep understanding of community revitalization and the role of the arts in economic growth.  
• In addition to the Governor’s appointments, the student body of MCLA has elected Allie Bayer ’26, a rising senior from Boring, Oregon, to replace William Garrity as the elected Student Trustee. Bayer, a double major in Political Science and Psychology, is deeply involved in student life and brings a strong voice for advocacy and leadership to the Board.  

“I am grateful to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll for appointing such capable people to the MCLA Board. I am excited to welcome this distinguished group of individuals to the MCLA Board of Trustees,” said MCLA President James F. Birge, Ph.D. “Their diverse expertise, commitment to social change, and dedication to our students will help propel MCLA to new heights as we continue to provide an exceptional liberal arts education.”  
 
As MCLA welcomes these new members, the College also takes a moment to express its gratitude to the departing trustees for their service. These dedicated individuals have played a pivotal role in guiding the College and ensuring its success over the years.  

The departing trustees include:  

• John Barrett III, a two-time alumnus of MCLA, former Mayor of North Adams, and current State Representative who has served on the Board since April 2016 and contributed to the Fiscal Affairs, Student Affairs, and Enrollment Management Committees. 
• Mohan Boodram, who has completed his second term as Chair of the Board of Trustees. As Chair, Boodram’s leadership was invaluable in guiding MCLA through a period of significant growth and transformation.   
• William Garrity, who completed his term as Student Trustee during the 2024-2025 school year.
• Frederick Keator, who served as Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee.
• Denise Marshall ’81, who previously served as Chair of the Board and as Chair of the Fiscal Affairs Committee since January 2018 and played a pivotal role in guiding MCLA’s financial strategy.
• Frank Reynolds, who resigned in 2024 after serving since October 2021.  

 
“We are deeply grateful to the outgoing trustees for their dedication and service to MCLA,” said MCLA President James F. Birge, Ph.D. “Their leadership has been vital in shaping the College’s growth, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”  

The MCLA Board of Trustees plays a key role in shaping the College’s strategic direction and ensuring its continued success as a leader in higher education. 

About MCLA 

At MCLA, we’re here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 10 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2025, after earning the No. 7 spot the prior three years. The College’s focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2025 U.S. News rankings: No. 5 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 2 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu.