Berkshire Bank has an exciting awards program to recognize employees who exemplify outstanding volunteerism in the community outside the Bank. This annual award celebrates employees who have made outstanding contributions to their communities. One award winner is selected annually from each region and the Foundation makes a $500 donation to the non-profit organization selected by each winner.
The 2011 Employee Volunteers of the Year are:
 | | Ryan Melle is the Information Security Officer for I.T. in Pittsfield and is very active in the Berkshire County community. Ryan serves on the Employee Volunteer Council, participated in the Morningside Community School Lunch Buddies Mentoring program, Morningside Character Education Day, and in the Relay for Life. Ryan has also helped lead volunteer projects at the Christian Center in Pittsfield. Outside of work Ryan is active with Berkshire Young Professionals, is a board member of Glady’s Allen Brigham Center, and serves on the Pittsfield Airport Commission. |
 | | Nicole Cowlin is the Retail Lending Administrative Assistance in Pittsfield. She has served as a scholarship reader for Berkshire Bank Foundation’s Scholarship Awards Program, helped carry the Berkshire Bank Banner at the July 4th Parade in Pittsfield with her daughters and she serves on the Herberg Middle School Parents Advisory Committee. She is a board member of Pittsfield Girls Softball Inc, a volunteer softball coach, and helps with the all-star cheerleading program at the Catholic Youth Center. |
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Brandon Kot is the Branch Manager in Clifton Park, NY and serves on the board for the Saratoga Academy of the Arts. In addition to this Brandon has been very active with volunteer activities at Berkshire Bank including serving as a liaison for our annual company-wide food drive and United Way campaign. He has participated in the Relay for Life, Light the Night Walk, WMHT Pledge Night, and the Junior Achievement Bowl-a-thon. Brandon also has volunteered at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York in Albany helping to sort food. |
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Dawn Russ is the Branch Manager on Main Street in Manchester, Vermont. She has previously served on the Employee Volunteer Council helping to organize various work day projects and volunteer activities. She has served as a liaison for the Care Package Drive and United Way Drive, organized volunteers for Norman’s Attic, and collected food for the Arlington Food Shelf. In addition to her involvement with Berkshire Bank she also spends an additional 360 hours a year of her own time volunteering with Project Against Violent Encounters. |
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Gary O’Grady is the Municipal Banking Officer maintaining an office in Westfield and Pittsfield, MA. At Berkshire Bank he volunteers as a scholarship reader for the Berkshire Bank Foundation Scholarship Awards Program. Outside of Berkshire Bank he volunteers with the Westfield Homeless Cat Project, Westfield Parks & Recreation Basketball League, Westfield Girls Lacrosse team, Westfield Youth Football, and participates in both Mercy/Berkshire Health Systems Blood Drives. |