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ABOUT NORTHERN BERKSHIRE UNITED WAY

Northern Berkshire United Way (NBUW) gathers funds for priority community programs through grant writing and local fundraising in constituent communities. These fundraising efforts support major initiatives to provide foundation funding and improve outcomes for the people our 19 local health and human service agencies serve. Our fundraising campaigns provide over $450,000 each year for North County programs. Approximately 12,500 Northern Berkshire residents are served annually by these programs.

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Northern Berkshire United Way recognizes that emergency and crisis situations can affect any of us at any time. In addition to providing funding to member agencies that provide health, education and financial stability programs, we are committed to providing funding in the area of safety net services.

Community Partner

In order to illustrate our  critical work, we produced this video in 2021 showing the impact on agencies that support the most vulnerable in our community.

The Red Feather: A Legacy of Giving

Once a symbol of generosity, civic pride, and shared responsibility, the red feather has always signaled something special: you are part of the solution. It’s a reminder that giving isn’t just about charity — it’s about investing in the strength, resilience, and well-being of the community we call home.

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When you give — whether it’s $25, $50, or $400 — you join a legacy of care that spans generations. Your generosity at this level is a vital thread in the fabric of change, helping keep essential programs strong and responsive to the community’s most pressing needs.

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For individuals able to give $500 or more, we acknowledge you with membership in the Red Feather Society. While this recognition highlights those giving at a higher level, make no mistake, every donor, at every level, is an essential part of this story and we are grateful for each and every contribution.

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Today, as community needs grow and challenges evolve, every single gift matters. Your investment — large or small — creates ripples of hope and opportunity, ensuring Northern Berkshire not only meets today’s challenges but thrives today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

2026-2027 Board of Directors
Officers

  • Kelly McCarthy, President

    •      Community

  • Tyler Bissaillon, Vice President

    •      Smith Bros.-McAndrews Insurance

  • Jacob Dabrowski, VP Campaign

    •      Leader Bank

  • OPEN, VP Finance

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  • Marissa Main, Clerk

    •      Greylock Investment Group

  • Randall Kinnas, VP Board Development

    •      United Cerebral Palsy of Western Massachusetts

  • Thomas Rumbolt, Esq., Past President

    •      Rumbolt Law, LLC

  • Leah Thompson, VP Community Needs & Special Grants

    •      BART Charter School

Directors

  • Laura Baran

    • BFAIR​

  • Deborah Foss, Ph.D

    • Community​

  • Peter Mirante

    • Adams Community Bank

  • Iris Moresi

    • Berkshire Bank

  • Celia Norcross

    • Berkshire Community College

  • Annie Pecor, Ed.D

    • North Adams Public Schools​

  • Erik Ray

    • Adams Community Bank

  • Daniel Sadtler

    • Specialty Minerals​

  • Rachel Tomkowicz

    • Berkshire Health Systems​

Meet the Team

Small in number, mighty in impact.

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At Northern Berkshire United Way, our dedicated professionals work side‑by‑side with a growing network of volunteers to fuel big change in our community. Our lean structure keeps overhead low and decision‑making nimble, so every donated dollar goes further.

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Patti Messina

Executive Director

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Named Executive Director in 2024 after serving as Interim Director, Patti has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and dedication to the mission and values of our organization.

“Patti has proven herself to be a strong and capable leader during her tenure as Interim Director.  Her strategic thinking, collaborative approach, and commitment to our organization’s mission has earned the trust and admiration of the board and stakeholders,” said Kelly McCarthy, President of the Board of  Directors.

“I am deeply honored and excited to continue serving Northern Berkshire United Way in the role of Executive Director,” said Patti Messina.  “I am grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by the Board, and I am committed to leading our organization with integrity, innovation and a commitment to our mission.”
 

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Liz Baker

Administrative Associate

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Liz Baker brings many years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, program administration, and youth development.

 

A longtime North Adams resident, Liz has a strong connection to the Northern Berkshire community and loves being part of work that brings people and organizations together.

 

She holds a master’s degree in Communication & Information Management and a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from Bay Path University.

 

Outside of work, Liz enjoys spending time with family and friends and staying connected to the community she calls home.

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