Kristy Edmunds
has been director of MASS MoCA, the largest multi-disciplinary contemporary museum in the U. S., since 2021. Kristy continues to be a strong voice in support of the arts as museums face uncertain futures. Throughout her career, as former executive and artistic director of UCLA’ s Center for the Art of Performance and Performing Arts, Consulting Artistic Director for the Park Avenue Armory in New York, and many other positions, she has prioritized creating conditions for people to thrive and grow. Kristy serves on Berkshire Arts Cultural Alliance, Massachusetts Cultural Economy Advisory Council, MA250 Executive Committee, YoungArts, United States Artists, and the board of Berklee College of Music. She also participated in the Green Museums Summit in February.“ Kristy is on a mission to make MASS MoCA more permeable, more interwoven into its community, and more responsive to art, in all forms, as those forms mutate and evolve right before our eyes,“ says Joe Thompson, founding director of MASS MoCA.
Jennifer Glockner
has been director of the Office of Cultural Development for the city of Pittsfield since 2014 and an ex-officio board member of Downtown Pittsfield. She is responsible for Third Thursday; 10X10 Upstreet Arts Festival; First Fridays at 5; and a member of the Let It Shine! Public Art Committee, installing public art exhibits around the city. Jen is also responsible for launching the first ever Cultural Plan for Pittsfield in July. Her office manages Pittsfield’ s Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, which houses working art studios and a rotating art gallery. Three years ago, Jen founded the Red Tee all-women golf tournament, raising money for Berkshire United Way, Elizabeth Freeman Center, the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, and Berkshire Medical Center’ s Breast Imaging Center.“ Jen’ s dedication to finding funding opportunities is truly impressive,” says Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti.“ She is always willing to collaborate with cultural venues and community organizations to bring new events to Pittsfield. Her commitment to this city and the community goes above and beyond.”
Lesley Herzberg
has been director of Berkshire County Historical Society( BCHS) since 2019, with previous positions at Hancock Shaker Village, Bidwell House Museum, and Felinghuysen Morris House and Studio. Lesley passionately leads BCHS in collecting, preserving, and disseminating the history of Berkshire County and Herman Melville’ s Arrowhead through walking tours, historic hikes, birding events, art exhibitions, The Mastheads summer writing residency, and partnering with local businesses and organizations to bring new programs to Berkshire County. As coordinator for BCHS’ s Berkshires250, Lesley works in partnership with Revolution250 and Massachusetts250, highlighting Berkshire County’ s role in America’ s independence. She also serves on the Housatonic Heritage Board, State Historic Records and Archives Board, Berkshire Museum Collections Committee, Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee, Pittsfield’ s Cultural Plan Committee, and Pittsfield’ s Tourism Committee.“ Lesley does a phenomenal job stewarding Pittsfield’ s past,” says Massachusetts State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier.“ Her work ensures that our history is not overlooked as just part of Massachusetts history.”
Maria
Encalada is a leader in the Pittsfield community, not only connecting immigrants with vital resources, but supporting seniors and those suffering with debilitating illness by bringing them food and other necessities. She is a vital volunteer with the Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market in Pittsfield, helping Spanish-speaking customers access fresh, local food, and making sure they understand the tiered payment structure, including the free food pantry option. She knows that asking for help can be especially hard when people don’ t speak the language. Maria is a former board member of Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds and uses her connections and experience to help others thrive in Pittsfield and Berkshire County.“ Without help,” says Maria,“ it’ s hard to move up.” Margaret Moulton, executive director of Berkshire Grown, says this about her:“ Maria so deserves this honor. She quietly works behind the scene but is a true leader.”
William“ Bill”
Heaphy has been a basketball coach in the Berkshires for 45 years, leading Boys Varsity Basketball at Taconic High School since 2001. Over his long career, he’ s won 16 league titles, four Western Mass championships and two Mass State championships, and his team was Berkshire County Team of the Year in 2018 and 2020. As assistant coach at St. Joseph Central High School, his team won Western Mass and Mass State championships. Coach Heaphy is admired for being not just a great coach but an amazing person, caring about connections and relationships. In the words of a former player,“ Coach Heaphy teaches players to put their families first, instilling confidence and respect.” Heaphy founded the Skill Improvement Summer Basketball Camp in Pittsfield for players in grades 3-12, now in its 20th year. His day job is director of inmate education at the Berkshire County Sheriff’ s Office in Pittsfield.
Christine
Hoyt balances her role as director of member services for 1Berkshire with her responsibilities as a three-term Adams’ Selectperson with dedication and skill. Both positions showcase her commitment to her community, and her ability to build strong relationships. At 1Berkshire, she manages a network of over 700 businesses and nonprofits and steers their Berkshire Leadership Program. Her vision as selectperson has built civic pride and boosted small business visibility with numerous initiatives. Christine serves as president of the Berkshire County Select Board Association, is on the board of directors of both Massachusetts Municipal Association and Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, and is a member of the Massachusetts Select Board Association.“ Her leadership is inclusive and hands on,” says Christina Wynn, vice president and CFO at Berkshire Community College.“ Christine’ s commitment to Adams and the Berkshires runs deep.”
Fall 2025 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 37