Robbins elected as Northampton Chamber president
NORTHAMPTON — The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) board of directors at its December meeting elected Taylor Robbins as its new board president. Robbins brings extensive business experience and team leadership, as well as a rich history with the GNCC and a deep commitment to its mission.
Robbins has previously served on the GNCC’s Ambassador Committee, Nominating Committee, and Annual Meeting Committee. Both Jennifer Ewers, financial advisor at Edward Jones Investments, and Doug Gilbert, vice president, commercial team leader at Florence Bank, will continue their roles as vice president and treasurer, respectively.
Robbins is vice president, business banking relationship manager at M&T Bank, where she supports business owners through business lending and deposit solutions. Previously, Robbins was business relationship manager at UMass Five College Federal Credit Union, where she maintained a loan portfolio of over 500 businesses.
Robbins represents the next generation of business leadership in the region. Her voice and vision mark an exciting moment for the GNCC as the organization continues to evolve, welcome new perspectives, and strengthen the region’s economic future. To learn more about the GNCC’s leadership and key initiatives, visit www.northamptonchamber.com.
Viability welcomes Murphy to board of directors
SPRINGFIELD — Viability Inc., a human services organization dedicated to building a world in which individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages realize acceptance, inclusion, and access, has added Paul Murphy to its board of directors.
Murphy is a retired attorney with more than 30 years at the Boston law firm Foley Hoag, after which he served as legal and administrative counsel of Amherst College, his alma mater. He has served on the board of directors or board of trustees of numerous nonprofit organizations, including New England Public Media, Baystate Health, and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
Viability provides employment, job training and placement, vocational, life skill-building, and other community-based services to nearly 4,300 individuals with disabilities or disadvantages annually. With a staff of 430, Viability serves individuals across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island.
Northampton resident joins NE Foundation for the Arts
BOSTON — The New England Foundation for the Arts announces that Emma Sheridan of Northampton has joined the organization as grants coordinator and co-accessibility coordinator.
In this role, Sheridan partners with the New England Presenting and Touring team and the Technology and Data team to support NEFA’s portfolio of regional grant programs, assist regional constituents, and work with staff to execute events and initiatives. The grants coordinator is a key contributor in promoting, evaluating, and enhancing NEFA’s commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in program and grant-making practices.
Sheridan has several years of experience in nonprofit grant administration, program management, and customer service, with a strong focus on advancing equity and accessibility. Most recently, she worked as a program coordinator for Preserve Rhode Island, where she helped to expand their grant-making while streamlining processes for applicants and grantees. Prior roles honed her operations, project management, and advocacy skills. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and history from the University of Rhode Island.
Founded in 1976, NEFA’s work is made possible through support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the six New England state arts agencies, private foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
Diversified names Ransdell a partner
Renae Ransdell, managing partner at Diversified LLC’s Northampton office, has earned partnership at the firm, which reflects her leadership, values, and long-term commitment to clients, colleagues, and the Diversified culture.
Ransdell has played a pivotal role in driving growth, developing colleagues, and delivering an authentic personal and comprehensive client experience. Her elevation to partner underscores Diversified’s commitment to a partnership model that rewards contribution, leadership, and alignment with the firm’s long-term vision.
Under Ransdell’s leadership, the Northampton office has experienced sustained growth and has been recognized for its collaborative culture and commitment to client service. Most recently, the office was named a finalist for the InvestmentNews Women to Watch award in the Fastest Growing Female-Led Advisory Team category, highlighting the team’s momentum and leadership within the industry.
Diversified LLC is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, with offices across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. The firm provides comprehensive wealth management services, including financial planning and investment management, supported by integrated tax capabilities.