Goodwill of the Berkshires Names New President and CEO

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Goodwill of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont's board of directors approved a management transition plan whereby David Twiggs has succeeded Frank Engels as the next president and CEO of the organization.

Twiggs, a Lenox resident, had most recently served as Goodwill's chief operating officer. He joined the organization in 2012 and has served in other senior management roles at Goodwill, including director of logistics.

"David Twiggs brings a wide range of experience from both the operations, retail, and social service sectors," said President of the Board of Directors Heidi Higgins. "His commitment to our community and personal approach to those needing a hand up are in keeping with Goodwill's philosophy and vision as a community focused organization."

Twiggs said he is honored to take the position.



"Goodwill is a dynamic, well-run organization with terrific employees," he said. "Frank Engels, the board of directors, and the entire staff did an amazing job at Goodwill during his six-year tenure. I look forward to building on the solid foundation they have established while continuing to focus on the needs of the local community."

Before joining Goodwill, Twiggs served as director of operations at Macy's. Prior to that he served on Target's executive retail team and as district manager for Perry Ellis stores. In addition to his career in the retail industry, Twiggs worked with youth in special education programs for more than a decade.

Twiggs also volunteers his time and talents to the community. He is currently serving on the Mass Alliance of Commissions on Disability, the Pittsfield Commission on Disabilities (including as community access monitor), an ombudsman for the executive office of Elder Services of Berkshire County and as a volunteer at the Berkshire Immigrant Center.


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Habitat For Humanity Modular Homes Coming to Robbins Ave.

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

The homes will be available for residents earning between 55 and 65 percent of the area median income. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The first of two below-market modular homes arrived on the West Side on Thursday, and both are expected to be move-in ready this summer.

The other is expected next week.

Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity is building two below-market condominiums at 112 Robbins Ave. for families earning between 55 percent and 65 percent of the area median income. Monthly costs for the three- and four-bedroom units are expected to be less than $1,500 with Habitat's subsidies.

Modulars allow for quicker construction to get more families into quality, affordable housing.

"Just because we have such an aggressive schedule this year, we are doing many modulars in addition to the stick-built that we usually do," communications manager Erin O'Brien explained.

Just this year, the nonprofit is constructing five homes in Pittsfield and 10 in Housatonic.

The two homes at 112 Robbins Ave. will come to $148,000 for a three-bedroom with the 20 percent subsidy and $156,000 for a four-bedroom. Similar homes in the Pittsfield area are valued between $225,000 and $250,000.

While prices are subject to change, the three-bedroom condo will cost owners about $1,430 per month and the four bedroom $1,495 per month, compared to renting in the city for more than $1,800 per month. Habitat noted that this provides a potential annual savings of $4,500 to $6,000, while building equity and long-term financial security.

The eligibility range between 55 percent and 65 percent AMI is said to support families who earn too much for most housing subsidies but still struggle to afford market-rate homes.

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