Greenfield Savings Bank welcomes new first vice president, commercial loan officer
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Savings Bank recently announced that Douglas Gilbert has joined the bank as first vice president, commercial loan officer. Gilbert brings more than 30 years of banking experience and a strong background in accounting and commercial lending.
“We’re excited to welcome Doug to Greenfield Savings Bank,” said President and CEO Peter Albero. “His extensive experience, financial expertise and relationship-focused approach make him a great fit for our commercial banking team and for the businesses we serve.”
Gilbert earned a master of business administration in finance from the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management from Westfield State University. He began his career as a certified public accountant before transitioning into commercial banking.
Outside of work, Gilbert serves as a board member and treasurer of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and treasurer of the Mawaga Sporting Club in Agawam. He enjoys hiking, golf, fishing, pickleball and spending time with family and friends.
Franklin County Technical School to host free adult career information sessions
TURNERS FALLS — Franklin County Technical School will host free Career Technical Initiative information sessions on Thursday, Aug. 6, and Monday, Aug. 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 82 Industrial Blvd. in Turners Falls. The sessions are for eligible Massachusetts adults interested in free career training programs and will include instructor meet-and-greets, shop tours, information on career pathways and eligibility requirements, and assistance with the application process. For more information, visit cts.us/apps/pages/AdultEd.
Franklin County’s YMCA announces new director of development and community engagement
GREENFIELD — Franklin County’s YMCA has announced that Bill Bullock is the organization’s new director of development and community engagement. In this role, Bullock will lead the Y’s fundraising efforts, cultivate community partnerships and help develop opportunities that strengthen our mission and expand our impact throughout Franklin County.
Originally from Michigan, Bullock made Massachusetts his home 19 years ago and now lives in Chicopee with his wife, Nichole. He is the father of six children and grandfather to one grandchild.
Freedom Credit Union announces new hire, promotions
SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union has announced several updates within its Information Technology department, including the hiring of Jason Cutroni as assistant vice president and information security officer, and the promotions of Eugene Marceau Jr. to information technology officer and Luke Sopet to network administrator.
“Investing in talented technology professionals is essential to protecting our members, supporting our employees and positioning Freedom Credit Union for continued growth,” said Glenn Welch, president and CEO of Freedom Credit Union. “Jason brings valuable experience in information security, and Gene and Luke have consistently demonstrated the expertise and leadership that make them deserving of these promotions.”
As assistant vice president, information security officer, Cutroni leads the credit union’s information security program, overseeing cybersecurity risk management, incident response, vendor risk and business continuity planning. Before joining Freedom Credit Union, he managed business continuity, disaster recovery and physical security programs for Workers Federal Credit Union.
Marceau was promoted after 13 years as network administrator. In his new role, he oversees the information technology department, leading staff development, project management and the implementation of technology initiatives across the organization.
Sopet, who joined Freedom Credit Union three years ago as a computer network technician, now serves as network administrator, where he manages the organization’s network infrastructure and helps ensure the performance and security of its systems.
“Jason, Gene and Luke each bring unique strengths to our organization, and we’re excited to see the impact they will have as we continue to enhance the technology and security that support our members every day,” Welch said.
PV Squared earns national recognition
GREENFIELD — PV Squared Solar has once again earned a place on Solar Power World’s 2026 Top Solar Contractors List, recognizing the Greenfield-based worker-owned cooperative among the nation’s leading solar companies.
As part of the publication’s “15th Anniversary: Top Solar Contractors Across America” editorial, Solar Power World selected PV Squared for a special feature illustrating that there is more to a solar company than the kilowatts it installs each year. The anniversary editorial highlights the people, challenges, relationships and acts of resilience that make each company whole.
PV Squared’s feature centers on Rachel Levey, a proud worker-owner, secretary of the Board of Directors, and inside sales and service specialist, whose journey from breast cancer diagnosis to international competitive dragon boat racing reflects the perseverance, teamwork and humanity at the heart of the cooperative. Last year, the International Dragon Boat Federation added a breast cancer division to the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, marking a milestone in the history of the sport. Levey qualified for the U.S. national team and traveled to Brandenburg, Germany, to compete. Her team earned silver and bronze medals in the races.
The feature explores how Levey found her way to both competitive paddling and worker ownership following her breast cancer diagnosis, and how the community surrounding her helped carry her through each new chapter. Levey said the recognition has been both humbling and meaningful.
“Dragon boating and worker ownership may look very different from the outside, but both depend on people moving together with trust, commitment, and a shared purpose,” said Levey. “I am incredibly proud to have represented the United States in Germany, and I am just as proud to be part of a cooperative where my coworkers were watching, cheering, and celebrating alongside me. To have Solar Power World share that story is an extraordinary honor.”