BFAIR Names New Director of Human Resources

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Berkshire Family & Individual Resources has appointed Michelle Baity as the director of human resources. 

A key member of the senior leadership team at BFAIR, Baity brings great experience and knowledge to the organization. Prior to joining BFAIR, Baity’s extensive human resource experience includes the past 16 years at Berkshire County ARC, most recently serving as the assistant director of human resources. During her tenure at Berkshire County ARC, she worked in all capacities within the human resource field, gaining new responsibilities and skills throughout the years.

Prior to her work in human resources, Baity's career was rooted in a dedication to the field of human services.

"With a strong background in human resources, Michelle will be an asset to the organization," said Rich Weisenflue, executive director of BFAIR. "In the past several years, BFAIR has seen tremendous growth in programs and employee base.  We are looking forward to having Michelle continue to build upon our current employee policies and maintain standards, while evaluating procedure and supporting BFAIR's continued growth throughout the Berkshires and into the Pioneer Valley."

Baity holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from MCLA. She is a 2004 graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program. A lifelong Berkshire County resident and committed to the community, she volunteers for the Berkshire Place as a member of their personnel committee, is the past president of the Reid Middle School PTO and worked on the City of Pittsfield’s Winter Carnival.

Michelle lives in Pittsfield with her husband Tim, owner of Riverbend Millwork, and two stepsons.


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McCann and Taconic Awarded CTI Grants

Staff Reports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $525,482 in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) implementation grants awarded to two organizations in the Berkshires to train 80 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors in the region. 
 
In North Adams, McCann Technical School was awarded $344,871 to provide training to 60 participants for Automotive Technician, Advanced Manufacturing, and Welding positions. They will partner with T&M Auto Sales Inc., Berkshire Bridge & Iron Co. Inc., Haddad GMC, Haddad Subaru, Bedard Brothers Auto Sales Inc., Lenco Armored Vehicles, TOG Manufacturing, Sinicon Plastics, Adams Plumbing & Heating Inc., and Gills Point S Tire.
 
"We are excited to be working with our MassHire team to continue to address our workforce needs and build talent pipelines and career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Welding and Automotive Technician," McCann Superintendent James Brosnan said. "This CTI award will provide hands-on training and support as we continue to expand our skilled talent pool for employers in the Berkshires."
 
In Pittsfield Taconic High School was awarded $180,610 to provide training to 20 participants for Metal Fabrication and Auto Technology positions. They will partner with O.W. Landergren Inc., Lenco Industries Inc., Bedard Brothers, Haddad's Auto Group, and RW's Auto Inc.
 
"Pittsfield Public Schools is incredibly grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Commonwealth Corporation for the CTI award to Taconic High School. This grant will have a significant and lasting impact on our community by providing skilled technicians to address critical shortages in Berkshire County," said Superintendent Joseph Curtis. "We are excited to partner with Lenco Industries, Haddads, Bedards, RW Auto, O.W. Landergren, Northeast Fabricators, and the MassHire Berkshire Career Center. These partnerships will serve as a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that our trainees are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century workforce, while simultaneously strengthening our local economy."
 
The CTI grant program, a state-funded workforce initiative, partners with career and technical education schools to provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers. The program transforms career and technical education schools across the state to become "Career Technical Institutes" that run after dark programs in the construction/trades, manufacturing, and skilled trades career pathways. 
 
"Addressing our workforce needs and building talent pipelines and career pathways in construction, trades and manufacturing sectors is a priority for this administration," said Governor Maura Healey. "CTI offers hands-on training that will support our jobseekers, workers and employers. We're proud to expand the CTI awards to these two schools in the Berkshires to strengthen our workforce and grow our economy throughout the state."  
 
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