Berkshire United Way welcomes three community leaders – Stephanie Ham, Jennifer Kerwood, and Bethany Kieley – to its board of directors.
“At a time when our neighbors are facing growing challenges and uncertainty, the mission of Berkshire United Way is more important than ever,” offered BUW Interim President and CEO Katherine von Haefen. “The leadership, experience and commitment that Stephanie, Jennifer, and Bethany each bring to the table will be invaluable in ensuring that everyone in our community has an opportunity to thrive.”
Stephanie is an assistant branch manager and digital banking guru for Adams Community Bank. She has nearly two decades of experience in retail banking. As a member of the bank’s Culture Committee and ACB Impact Committee, she has led the annual sock drive for Morris Elementary School as well as efforts to support POPCares, The AYJ Fund and The Alzheimer's Association.
“I have a passion for giving back and volunteering in the Berkshire community. BUW’s and ACB’s approach to supporting our community are very much aligned and I look forward to representing both organizations. I hope to inspire others to get involved and make a meaningful impact in Berkshire County,” said Stephanie.
Jennifer is the director of philanthropy at Miss Hall’s School. She has almost 30 years of experience advancing the missions and fundraising for local organizations including Berkshire Community College and Berkshire United Way. Prior to her development career, she worked in Massachusetts government and politics, mostly campaigning with Jane Swift from North Adams, the first woman to serve as governor of the Commonwealth. She is an appointed member of the Board of Registrars of Voters in Pittsfield and formerly served as a director and treasurer on the board for Berkshire Arts and Technology (BART) Charter Public School in Adams.
“I love my community and I am honored to join this team as we work to help more of our neighbors thrive,” said Jennifer.
Bethany is the CEO of Community Health Programs and has nearly two decades of leadership experience in the healthcare field. She once served as a table captain for a United Way Women United’s Power of the Purse event and has volunteered with a food pantry in Connecticut and Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut.
“Serving on the Berkshire United Way board is a perfect extension of the community impact we have at CHP Berkshires. I’m inspired and motivated by BUW’s work providing financial support to critical community resources and bringing together organizations, volunteers and other community members to tackle some of our biggest problems,” said Bethany.
The board also includes Krystle Blake (chair), Melissa Orazio (vice chair), Jaime Campbell (treasurer), David Reinhart (clerk), Dr. William DeMarco, Laurie Gallagher, David Harrington, Rachel Melendez Mabee, Arthur Milano, Chris Montferret, Tiffany Moreno, Michael Obasohan, Timothy O’Donnell, Kristin Pedrotti, Stephanie Storie and Daltrey Turner. To learn more about the board, visit www.berkshireunitedway.org/board-directors.