Longtime director of operations retires at DA’s office
NORTHAMPTON — After 16 years as director of operations for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, Martha “Martie” Murphy Kane retired at the end of October. Taking over as director of operations is Michelle (Richotte) Palmisano, who has worked in the office since 2000.
Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan hired Kane after he was elected in November 2010. As director of operations, Kane played an integral role in the development of the office culture, workforce and initiatives. She was responsible for personnel management, daily operations and strategic policy implementation, including progressive criminal justice initiatives in line with criminal justice reform, restorative justice and prevention.
Previously, Kane worked for 22 years at the Hampden District Attorney’s Office in a variety of posts that culminated as deputy director of operations.
“There is not a person or an initiative in this office that has not been influenced by Martie Murphy Kane, and that is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the values this office upholds,” Sullivan said in a statement. “She has played an incalculable role in the development of the culture in this office.”
Kane played a central role in the development of the Western Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Court, the opioid overdose prevention coalitions in the region, the office’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and a host of other programs and daily operational responsibilities.
Palmisano, hired in 2000 by former Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth Scheibel, started out as a Superior Court secretary. She later became executive secretary for the district attorney and then executive assistant to the DA. She said she looks forward to the challenge the new position presents.
“I want to continue the great work undertaken by Martie Murphy Kane, whose leadership has been truly exemplary,” Palmisano said in a statement.
Sullivan praised Palmisano as a dedicated and hardworking employee.
“Michelle brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and experience to this new role, and her promotion is well deserved,” he said.
BusinessWest seeks nominations for Difference Makers
SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest, the business journal of western Massachusetts, is now accepting nominations for its 18th annual Difference Makers.
BusinessWest launched the awards program in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, groups, businesses and institutions that are positively impacting the communities of western Massachusetts. As previous honorees have shown, there are many ways to make a difference, such as working on initiatives aimed at improving quality of life; succeeding in business, public service or education; inspiring others to get involved; and making an imaginative effort to help solve societal issues.
Nominations for the Difference Makers Class of 2025 are due by Monday, Dec. 22. They can be submitted at businesswest.com/difference-makers-nomination-form.
Freedom Credit Union raising money for Westover Galaxy Community Council
SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union is spotlighting the Westover Galaxy Community Council as its charitable recipient for the month of November, encouraging members and the public to make contributions at any branch.
The nonprofit is made up of veterans, local businesspeople and community advocates who support the men, women and mission of Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee. Formed more than three decades ago, the council promotes a strong and enduring relationship between the base and the local community, raising funds to assist with events, morale-building initiatives and needs at the Westover Air Reserve Base.
“Freedom Credit Union is proud to highlight the vital work being done right here in our community and to support the dedicated members of Westover Air Reserve Base,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said in a statement. “This is a moment for our members to give back to those who serve and strengthen the deep community connection that has always surrounded the base.”
Monetary donations to the Westover Galaxy Community Council may be made at any Freedom Credit Union branch through Nov. 29. In addition, on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, all in-branch donations will be matched by Freedom Credit Union, up to a total of $2,500.
Freedom Credit Union has branches across western Massachusetts, including in Greenfield and Turners Falls.
New hospice medical director joins Care Central VNA & Hospice Inc.
GARDNER — Care Central VNA & Hospice Inc., a provider of skilled home care, palliative care and end-of-life care across five counties in Massachusetts, has tapped Dr. William McGee is its new hospice medical director.
In his role, McGee will provide medical leadership and oversight for the organization’s hospice and palliative care programs. He will guide interdisciplinary teams, collaborate on care planning and help advance the organization’s mission to deliver exceptional
end-of-life care.
McGee has more than 36 years of experience in health care. Board-certified in internal medicine, critical care and hospice/palliative medicine, he has authored more than 150 publications and earned recognition for innovations in patient safety, vascular access and hemodynamic care. McGee also served as chair of the Baystate Health Quality Council.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. McGee to our leadership team,” Holly Chaffee, president
and CEO of Care Central VNA & Hospice, said in a statement. “His expertise, compassion and deep understanding of hospice medicine will strengthen our ability to serve patients and families with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
“It is a privilege to join Care Central VNA & Hospice,” McGee said in a statement. “This organization has a remarkable reputation for delivering exceptional care and compassion. I look forward to working with our dedicated team to continue that tradition and to expand our impact in the communities we serve.”
For more information about Care Central VNA & Hospice and its services, visit
carecentralvna.org or call 978-632-1230.
Bank collecting nonperishable pantry items
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank is holding a food drive to benefit Stone Soup Cafe, the pay-what-you-can meals program operated out of All Souls Church.
The bank is calling on the community to donate unopened nonperishable pantry items throughout November and December.
“Stone Soup Cafe embodies what makes Greenfield so special: neighbors coming together to take care of one another,” Cindy Gonzalez, branch manager at the Greenfield office, said in a statement. “Our team is honored to support their work and help ensure everyone has access to the food and essentials they need this winter.”
Donations of the following items are appreciated: nuts, dried fruit, rice, lentils, pasta, pasta sauce, protein bars, instant coffee, jerky, shelf-stable dairy, gluten-free bread and shelf-stable microwave meals.
Donations can be dropped off at the Greenfield Cooperative Bank branches at 63 Federal St. in Greenfield or 277 Federal St. in Greenfield, through Dec. 31.
Additionally, at the bank’s Northampton and Florence branches, nonperishable foods are being collected to benefit Manna Community Kitchen. Requested items include protein bars, trail mix, bottled water, dried fruit, nuts and Gatorade.
“Manna Community Kitchen does such vital work here in Northampton, making sure everyone who walks through their doors is treated with dignity and care,” Jenicca Gallagher, branch manager of Greenfield Cooperative Bank’s Northampton branch, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to support their mission and help make it a little easier for them to continue feeding our neighbors.”
For those who prefer to give financially, monetary donations can be made at mannanorthampton.org/donate. Donations will be matched by the bank, up to $10,000.