The Berkshire Leadership Program (BLP) has been preparing leaders in the Berkshires since 1997. BLP seeks, prepares, involves, and sustains leaders from diverse backgrounds who are committed to addressing community challenges and improving the quality of life in the Berkshires. BLP is a program of 1Berkshire, planned by a Steering Committee of 16 volunteers and supported by individuals and businesses in the community who donate their time for our sessions. The Steering Committee carefully reviews each application for the program and selects a wide variety of leaders in Berkshire County.
Kicking off with a two-day retreat at Jiminy Peak this April, 30 individuals began a journey that focused on their leadership styles and working within a team. Following the retreat, the class spent a day on an economic development bus tour highlighting several areas of opportunities and challenges throughout the County; stops along the bus tour included Balderdash Cellars, LENCO, Common Table, the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, and Studio 9.
The weekly sessions focused on the industry clusters highlighted in the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0 – Advanced Manufacturing, Creative Economy, Education, Food & Agriculture, Healthcare, Hospitality & Tourism, and Housing. The committee was appreciative of the many speakers who gave of their time to participate in the sessions and the various locations who hosted the group – Tanglewood Linde Center for Music and Learning, Hancock Shaker Village, Red Shirt Farm, Taconic High School, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, 3West Events at NORAD Mill, and Blue Q.
On June 26, at KJ Nosh – Greenock Country Club in Lee, the Class of 2025 heard from 1Berkshire President and CEO Jonathan Butler and BLP Steering Committee Chair Abigail Allard about how to get involved in their community and information about board service and the opportunities that exist to serve on a board or committee. The Class of 2025 also presented their project as part of the Commencement ceremony.
Throughout the program, the class worked together on a project of their choosing. After much discussion and deliberation, the class chose to focus on youth; specifically resources for youth and families throughout Berkshire County. The Class of 2025 developed, designed and produced a curated and bilingual guide to summer activities and year-round programming in the Berkshires. This guide promotes access to free, low-cost, and inclusive attractions and activities, as well as a directory of essential local resources, services and opportunities. The Berkshire Youth Resource Guide will be distributed widely through schools and organizations that serve youth in Berkshire County.
1Berkshire and the BLP Steering Committee is proud to announce and celebrate the Class of 2025!
BLP Class of 2025
Lauren Beckett (Russo), Berkshire Money Management
Krystal Black, Berkshire Bank
Dan Brien, General Dynamics Mission Systems
Josh Brilliant, General Dynamics Mission Systems
James Capuzzi, Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum
Joanna Case, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
Ethan Coe, MountainOne
Shirley Cruz, Nikjoe Housekeeping & Management LLC
Julie Dieterich, Greylock Insurance Agency
Elizabeth Gates, General Dynamics Mission Systems
Lindsey Gaylord, Hillcrest Educational Centers
Jessica Girard, Berkshire Health Systems
Michaela Grady, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
Cassandra Houle, Adelson & Company PC
Casi Kristant, Drag Story Hour Berkshires, Lenox Community Center, Berkshire Pride
Hari Stephen Kumar, Convivo LLC
Wanda LaFrance, BFAIR
Shawn Mille, Berkshire Coalition For Suicide Prevention (BCSP)
Autumn Murray, Berkshire Athenaeum
Ben Nickley, Berkshire Bird Observatory
Hannah Pimenta, 1Berkshire
Desirée Prairie, Berkshire Roots
Erik Ray, MountainOne
Cheryl Richards, Hillcrest Educational Centers
Ruth Russell, Town of Williamstown
Chloe Rychcik, Berkshire United Way
Alyssa Sakowski, Berkshire County Head Start
Cass Santos-China, Berkshire Pride
Micaela Scapin, Berkshire Community College
Rebecca Wehry, Berkshire Community College
Applications for the Class of 2026 will be made available in November.
For more information about the program please visit 1Berkshire’s website: https://1berkshire.com/berkshire-leadership-program-blp/ .
About 1Berkshire
1Berkshire is a county-wide marketing and economic development organization that works to simultaneously preserve, position, and promote Berkshire County’s profound sense of place. Its mission is to advance Berkshire County’s economy by advocating for the business community and attracting visitors. Powered by membership, 1Berkshire provides programs that connect businesses with resources and potential customers, as well as develop future leaders and support entrepreneurs. For more information, visit 1Berkshire.com.