Community Foundation’s new directors
SPRINGFIELD — Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts has appointed four professionals to its board of directors: Sylvia Callan of Hatfield, Jessica Holloway of Feeding Hills, Traci Talbert of Springfield, and Danielle Williams of Wilbraham.
The foundation’s mission is to expand equity and opportunity and improving the quality of life for people in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties.
Callan is a senior portfolio manager at Gage-Wiley & Co. with over two decades of experience in investment management, spanning hedge funds, institutional investment, and wealth management. Throughout her career, Callan has developed an understanding of financial markets, starting with formative internships at the Wharton School and the UCLA Anderson School of Business. Callan serves as a member of the Ned Davis Research Advisory Board. Since 2024, she has also dedicated her time as a volunteer for the Investment Committee at the Community Foundation.
Holloway joined The Jamrog Group in 2014 after working as an investment consultant at MassMutual’s corporate headquarters. As a certified financial planner she specializes in helping high-net-worth families navigate complex financial decisions. Holloway received the MassMutual Foundation Community Service Award in 2025 in recognition of her long-standing contributions to Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts, where she now serves as board chair.
Talbert is an adjunct professor at Bay Path University and Cambridge College, where she teaches courses in diversity in the workplace, operations management, business leadership and business ethics. She currently serves as the racial justice community engagement director at the Franklin County Community Development Corporation, where she partners with community leaders and businesses to advance racial equity by examining and reshaping policies and practices.
Williams is the presiding justice of the Holyoke District Court. She is the second woman and the first Black woman to hold this position in Holyoke. She first took office as a district court judge in 2020. Williams earned her juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law. She began her legal career in the office of the Hampden County District Attorney as a victim-witness advocate and later served as assistant clerk-magistrate in the Springfield District Court. She has also served as an assistant attorney general in Attorney General Maura T. Healey’s Government Bureau; as an associate with the Northampton law firm of Fierst, Bloomberg, Ohm LLP; and as an assistant district attorney in Hampden County.
Deerfield Inn names new innkeeper
DEERFIELD — The Deerfield Inn, situated amidst the landmark houses of Historic Deerfield, has named Jeffrey L. Bierly as its new Innkeeper. A hospitality professional with more than 40 years of experience, Bierly — an alumnus of the University of Massachusetts Amherst — is returning to western Massachusetts to lead the beloved 24-room inn.
Bierly brings extensive experience across resorts, full-service hotels, and regional operations. Most recently, he oversaw dual Marriott properties in State College, Pennsylvania, where he managed all aspects of operations, marketing, and capital planning for two bustling hotels serving Penn State University visitors. Before that, he spent seven years as general manager of Cove Haven Resort in the Pocono Mountains, a renowned couples’ destination known for its unique accommodations and active guest programming.
The Deerfield Inn is open year-round, offering accommodations and Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern.
Marcotte Ford donates $20K to Holyoke Boys & Girls Club
HOLYOKE — Marcotte Ford, Marcotte Ford Employees, Ford and Ford Credit recently gave $20,000 to The Holyoke Boys and Girls Club to help support the club’s mission of empowering youth through education, enrichment and mentorship. The contribution will help expand programming and provide critical resources for people in the Greater Holyoke community.
In addition to the financial support, employees from Ford and Ford Credit spent a day volunteering at the club, engaging in hands-on-projects, and helping to enhance the club’s facilities.
Suzette French Crêperie, Herrell’s partner
NORTHAMPTON — The owners of Suzette French Crêperie in Thornes Marketplace and neighboring business, Herrell’s Ice Cream, recently announced a new partnership. The crêperie, which opened last December on Level 1, will offer Herrell’s Private Stock Vanilla ice cream as an add-on to their sweet crêpes, including special limited-offer crêpe The Great Pumpkin Spice during the month of October in conjunction with The Great Northampton Haunt.
The newest culinary addition to Thornes was founded by Jean-Luc Wittner and his wife, Evelyn Darling, in Worcester in 2020. The pair expanded their successful crêperie with a second location in Northampton. Suzette French Crêperie is located in the small first floor space most associated with florist shops Forget Me Not and Many Graces. The restaurant makes crêpes, including gluten-free friendly, vegan and vegetarian options; handmade macarons; and classic French meals, such as beef bourguignon, packaged in portions for two to serve at home.
Tech Foundry taking applications for training programs
SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry is accepting applications for two workforce development
programs for western Massachusetts residents. Applications for both programs are open on the organization’s website.
Interested people can apply for the upcoming cohort of Tech Foundry’s IT workforce training program, now called Tech Launch, which prepares students for careers as help desk specialists, network and field technicians and other tech-related roles. Tech Launch includes 14 weeks of classroom instruction followed by a four-week internship that empowers individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the tech industry. The Spring 2026 Tech Launch cohort will run from Feb. 19 through June 12.
In addition, Tech Foundry is also recruiting for its new Tech Bridge program, a college readiness and tech career training program for recent graduates of Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield public schools. Tech Bridge prepares students for career paths in information technology, audio-visual and low-voltage electrical work, as well as for full-time college.
Tech Bridge applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning Sept. 26 for admission in May of 2026. Tech Bridge’s first day of classes will be Sept. 7, 2026, with orientation activities occurring in August.
To apply to Tech Launch and/or Tech Bridge, visit https://thetechfoundry.org/the-program/apply-now/ and complete your application. The deadline to apply for the Tech Launch program is Dec. 29.