Karen Sargent Joins Pittsfield Co-op as Dalton Branch Manager

Print Story | Email Story
Karen Sargent
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank has hired Karen Sargent as the new assistant vice president and branch manager of its Dalton branch location. 
 
With a track record in banking and a deep commitment to community engagement, bank officials say Sargent brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her new role.
 
Sargent joins Pittsfield Cooperative Bank with more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her expertise spans branch operations, customer relationship management, business banking, and team leadership at several regional institutions, including Adams Community, Berkshire, Citizens, and NBT banks. In her role as branch manager, Sargent will oversee daily operations, mentor staff, and ensure the delivery of exceptional service to the bank’s valued customers.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the Co-op Bank family," said Dana Robb, vice president of retail banking and operations. "Her extensive experience, customer-focused approach, and passion for fostering community connections align perfectly with our mission. We are confident she will make a significant impact in the Dalton branch and beyond."
 
A lifelong resident of Berkshire County, Sargent is rooted in the community and has been actively involved in various local organizations. Bank officials say her commitment to strengthening local ties and supporting community initiatives aligns seamlessly with Co-op Bank's dedication to serving the region.
 
Co-op Bank has been a cornerstone of the Berkshire County community since its founding in 1889. The bank prides itself on offering exceptional financial products and services while maintaining a strong commitment to local engagement and support.
 
For more information about Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and its services, visit pittsfieldcoop.com.

Tags: pittsfield cooperative bank,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield's Panchos Plans Rebrand, Wander Secures Entertainment License

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Wander Berkshires was approved for an entertainment license. It will host sober evening events in expanded space adjacent its cafe.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A longtime North Street restaurant will change its name, its branding and its menu.

On Monday, the Licensing Board approved the name change of Pancho's Mexican Restaurant to Iztac. The eatery will still operate under Columnna LLC.  

Attorney Loretta Mach explained that owner Gabriel Columna is rebranding, including renovations to the restaurant and some new offerings.

Columna said he would like everything fresh, "and I want to make a little different food, all different." 

He purchased the business in 2022.

The board also approved an entertainment license for Wander Berkshires, a cafe and event space on Depot Street that has been open since November and celebrated with a ribbon cutting last week. It is a queer and transgender-founded, recovery-focused space.

"We are a cafe by day and then in the evenings, we're looking to have just some community events. We did a sober dance party that I got a one-day entertainment license for, we're going to do book readings, book club, nothing wild," founder Jay Santangelo said, adding that it is a sober space that does not serve alcohol.

The cafe will soon host a community darkroom with help from MassDevelopment funds. Wander is a part of the Transformative Development Initiative's Creative Catalyst Cohort that received $125,000 for a Downtown Pittsfield Creative Alliance.

Santangelo said the space is behind Tito's Mexican Bar & Grill and formerly housed the Berkshire Running Center.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories