Freedom Credit Union appoints new vice president of human resources
SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union has named Jennifer McPherson as its new vice president of human resources. She brings more than 20 years of human resources leadership experience in the financial services and healthcare industries to the organization.
“Jennifer’s experience and leadership will help us continue investing in our employees, who are at the heart of the service we provide our members,” said Glenn Welch, president and CEO of Freedom Credit Union. “Her expertise will strengthen our organization as we continue to grow while remaining committed to delivering the personalized service our members expect.”
Before joining Freedom Credit Union, McPherson served as human resources operations manager and human resources business partner at Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc., where she managed compensation, benefits, payroll and employee relations. She also served as total rewards manager at Health New England and spent nearly a decade as an HR generalist at Pioneer Valley Federal Credit Union. A lifelong Western Massachusetts resident, she is pursuing a degree in human resource management at Bay Path University.
MassHire to host mature worker job fair
GREENFIELD — On Friday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center will host a mature worker multi-industry job fair at its offices at 101 Munson St. in Greenfield. No pre-registration is necessary. For more information, call 413-774-4361.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art announces new chair of the Board of Trustees
AMHERST — The Board of Trustees of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst has announced the election of Claudette S. McLinn, Ed.D., as board chair. A member of The Carle’s Board since 2023, most recently serving as vice chair, McLinn follows William P. Gorth, a longtime trustee who served as chair from 2023-2026. The Board also announces new members and roles.
“We are thrilled that Claudette will become our new board chair, as she is one of our nation’s leading scholars of children’s literature, with unparalleled knowledge and enthusiasm about picture books,” said Jennifer Schantz, executive director of The Carle.
McLinn is the executive director of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature in Inglewood, California, and currently concluding her one-year term as President of the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. McLinn was the recipient of the 2014 Dorothy C. McKenzie Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Field of Children’s Literature sponsored by the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California, 2020 ALSC Distinguished Service Award, 2022 Charlotte S. Huck Endowed Speaker Award, and 2023 Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement, among other awards and honors.
In addition to the election of the board chair, Leonard S. Marcus will become vice chair, and Drew Ellis will become secretary. Grace Lin will rejoin the board as a trustee, and Ann Lewinson will join the board as a representative of the Eric and Barbara Carle Foundation. The museum’s board now comprises 18 trustees from around the country.
Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers announce promotion
AMHERST — Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers has announced the promotion of Mallory Nurse, NCIDQ IIDA to senior interior designer and senior project manager, recognizing her exceptional design leadership, client service and growing impact across the firm’s work.
In her expanded role, Nurse will continue to lead interior design efforts across a diverse range of projects, shaping spaces that are both highly functional and deeply resonant with clients’ goals and brand identities.
In a press release, the Amherst firm noted that Nurse’s work has consistently elevated the firm’s design quality through a strong command of materials, detailing and user experience, paired with the ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams, manage complex schedules and deliver projects successfully through construction.
Mass Clean Energy Center welcomes two new members to Board of Directors
BOSTON — Mass Clean Energy Center has announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Chrissy Lynch, president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, and Michelle Schutt, Ph.D., president of Greenfield Community College.
“Chrissy and Michelle bring invaluable perspectives that will help us continue building a strong, skilled workforce needed to lower costs, expand economic opportunity and make Massachusetts more energy independent,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, who serves as chair of the Board.
Schutt has served as president of Greenfield Community College since 2022. She has more than two decades of experience supporting students, staff and faculty through her work in higher education leadership. Prior to leading Greenfield Community College, Schutt served as the vice president of learner and community services at the College of Southern Idaho, the state’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution.
“It is an honor to be appointed to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Board,” said Schutt. “Clean energy is creating tremendous opportunities for innovation, economic growth and workforce development across the Commonwealth. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to help advance a sustainable future while expanding educational and career opportunities for Massachusetts residents.”
Lynch served has president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO since October 2023. Prior to AFL-CIO, Lynch spent time as director of operations for the Greater Boston Building Trades Unions, where she helped lead programs that advanced equity, inclusion and community standards in the construction industry. She is a current member of LiUNA Local 22 and former member and steward of OPEIU Local 6.
“It’s important that leaders from labor and community colleges have a seat at the table as we grow the state’s clean energy workforce and accelerate innovation that improves lives,” said Mass Clean Energy Center CEO Ben Downing. “I’m thrilled to welcome Chrissy Lynch and Dr. Michelle Schutt to Mass Clean Energy Center’s Board — their unique experience and shared commitment to Massachusetts will make us a stronger, more effective agency.”
Beacon Bank recognized among America’s Best Regional Banks
SPRINGFIELD — Beacon Bank has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s best regional banks for 2026, receiving the highest possible rating of five stars. Beacon Bank was selected from more than 8,800 banks and credit unions across the country that are committed to powering local economies by supporting businesses, financing community projects and providing reliable access to everyday banking services.
Results were based on a comprehensive research study that combined, among other metrics, financial benchmarking, a large-scale independent customer survey and millions of digital reviews. Newsweek partnered with Plant-A Insights Group to produce its America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2026 list.