Name: Kelli Kozak
Place of Employment: MountainOne Bank
Title: Vice President, Community Engagement
What is your 3 sentence biography? / What is your personal elevator pitch?
I am from the Berkshires and very intentionally chose to move back here after attending college in New York and living around the Northeast – it is an incredibly special place. Professionally, I am so proud to be a part of the team at MountainOne and to be able to work every day to make our communities better. Personally, I love soaking in all of the wonderful opportunities for art and culture in the Berkshires and spending time with my amazing family, especially my two sons who give me hope for the future.
Tell us about the challenges you faced on your path, and what you learned from it.
I developed my role in Community Engagement from the ground up as a new position, which was both a challenge and an amazing opportunity. I had the backing of Senior Management, our Board of Directors, our wonderful staff, and everyone in our communities to promote and grow all of the ways we give back as corporate citizens. It is something I am extremely proud of and definitely could not have done without the support of all of these stakeholders.
What “secret to success” would you share with young women entering the (Berkshire) workforce?
Push yourself outside of your comfort zone whenever you get the opportunity. Practice public speaking. Introduce yourself to someone new. Ask for that promotion. You only get better by reaching for more than you are.
What Berkshire women in business inspire you and why?
I am lucky to work with so many local not-for-profit and community organizations. The women that lead many of these agencies inspire me every day with their drive, dedication, and commitment to the very special people and places here in the Berkshires.
