GREENFIELD — The United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region has named local business leaders Peter Albero, president and CEO at Greenfield Savings Bank, and Trace Whalen of Whalen Insurance Agency as the co-chairs of its 2027 community campaign.
The nonprofit explains that rising costs for food, diapers, gas, healthcare, housing and more make it a particularly challenging time for the local community. More and more people find themselves unable to afford such essentials, and it is a situation that has only been exacerbated by cuts and other changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Medicaid. The United Way’s community campaign unites local businesses, nonprofits and individuals in an aligned effort to address these shortages.
Money raised through the campaign directly supports a network of local programs and initiatives that provide critical services to those in need. This year, the United Way is focusing heavily on supporting access to healthy and nutritious food, fostering healthy communities and social connection, and supporting early childhood development and youth mental health.
Albero has spent his entire career in finance. At Greenfield Savings Bank, he said he feels fortunate to work alongside a team dedicated to helping local individuals, families, businesses and organizations succeed. For him, community banking is not just about offering financial services, but also building relationships and helping the region thrive.
“As someone who lives and works in this community, I’ve seen firsthand the strength, resilience and generosity of the people of Franklin and Hampshire counties,” Albero said in a statement. “Through my work and volunteer involvement, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many organizations that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors, which has reinforced my belief in the importance of community partnerships and collective action.”
That’s where his new role as United Way campaign co-chair comes in. Albero said he will consider the 2027 fundraising campaign successful if he can help increase engagement, strengthen partnerships and generate the resources needed to support the nonprofit’s mission.
Whalen is currently a sales associate at Whalen Insurance Agency, as well as a property manager and a board member for the Downtown Northampton Association for just over two years. After having served for some time on the United Way’s Campaign Committee, he said he feels he has the experience and perspective needed to succeed as a campaign co-chair. His hopes in this new role are to continue the momentum of previous successful fundraising campaigns and to help it grow even further to help community members in need.
“Having been on the Campaign Committee already, I was familiar with how it functioned and what it entailed,” Whalen said in a statement. “I’m honored to be a campaign co-chair and to step into the role that I have seen other inspirational figures of our community take on.”
To donate, volunteer or learn more about United Way, call 413-584-3962 or visit uw-fh.org.