Cooley Dickinson names chief nursing officer
NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital has named Chika Anueyiagu as its chief nursing officer after an extensive search.
As chief nursing officer, Anueyiagu will partner with Dr. Sunny Shukla, associate chief medical officer, and the entire CDH team to further advance quality, safety, patient experience and the practice environment for providers and clinical staff.
A seasoned health care champion with more than 20 years of experience in nursing leadership, Anueyiagu has most recently served as director of nursing/patient services at Yale New Haven Hospital. An advocate for quality and professional development, she played a key leadership role in advancing her team’s performance in patient satisfaction and quality, reflecting significant reduction in pressure injuries, falls and length of stay.
Anueyiagu began her nursing career as a certified nursing assistant, earning her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in nursing from the State University of New York, Brooklyn, followed by her doctorate in nursing practice from Fairfield University.
Sbriscia appointed to 2 regional education boards
HOLYOKE — Amanda Sbriscia of Granby, vice president of institutional advancement at Holyoke Community College, has been appointed to two regional education boards.
In July, she began serving a two-year term on the District 1 Cabinet of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), alongside advancement leaders from colleges, universities, and high schools in the Northeast and Canada, including Yale, Harvard, MIT, Brown, Tufts, the University of Vermont, and the University of Montreal.
Serving more than 3,700 member institutions, CASE is a global nonprofit dedicated to educational advancement — alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and fundraising. At HCC, as vice president of the division of institutional advancement, Sbriscia oversees the development, marketing and communications, alumni relations, and grants offices and serves as executive director of the HCC Foundation Inc., the college’s nonprofit fundraising corporation.
Also in July, Sbriscia began serving a three-year term on the board of the American Council on Education Women’s Network (Massachusetts). The ACE Women’s Network is a national system of networks within each state, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia whose goal is to advance and support women in higher education.
Sbriscia holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Cedar Crest College, a master’s degree in higher education from Drexel University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University.
Investment firm opens in Northampton
NORTHAMPTON — One Day In July, an investment firm focused on fiduciary advice, low fees, and long-term results, has opened its newest office on Crafts Avenue in Northampton.
The new Northampton location strengthens the firm’s ability to offer personalized, local service to clients and prospective clients in the Pioneer Valley. One Day In July advisors work with individuals, families, and institutions throughout New England and across the country. The firm currently operates six offices in the region.
From IRAs and brokerage accounts to pensions, inheritances, and endowments, One Day In July advisors provide guidance across a broad spectrum of financial needs. The firm constructs portfolios primarily using low-cost, tax-efficient index funds, and maintains client relationships that prioritize transparency and simplicity.
John Bass is One Day In July’s Northampton-based financial advisor.
Talbot top loan originator for MassHousing program
HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union’s mortgage loan officer Gary Talbot has been recognized as a Silver Level MassHousing Loan Originator for fiscal year 2025.
UMassFive became an approved MassHousing lender in 2023, and in his very first year, Talbot was recognized at the Bronze Level. Advancing to Silver this year reflects not only Talbot’s dedication to serving UMassFive members, but also the strong momentum of a program that is making a meaningful difference for homebuyers across Massachusetts.
MassHousing, an independent agency established in 1966, provides financing for affordable housing throughout the commonwealth. Its programs offer valuable tools such as down-payment assistance, affordable loan terms, and unique mortgage insurance. Fiscal year 2025 marked a record-breaking year for MassHousing, with 3,768 loans funded.
The MassHousing program offers the following unique benefits: down payment assistance up to $30,000; loans with affordable rates, fixed for the life of the loan; and MIPlus, a unique mortgage insurance that includes job-loss protection.
Herrell’s wins excellence award for service
NORTHAMPTON — Herrell’s Ice Cream of Thornes Marketplace, Northampton, and The Mill District, Amherst, is being honored as a winner of the City Beat News 2025 Spectrum Award for Service Excellence.
According to City Beat News, Herrell’s provides consistently great service and places great service as a top priority of its business, earning the highest annual rating for service by City Beat’s Spectrum Award. Annually, out of the hundreds and thousands of businesses that City Beat News research, only a small percentage performs to the level that Herrell’s has reached. This is the second year Herrell’s has received a Spectrum Award from City Beat News.
Founded in 1980, Herrell’s boasts over 400 flavors of ice cream and frozen desserts made using only locally sourced rBGH hormone free dairy and other locally sourced premium ingredients.