Heather Putnam Boulger
is Executive Director of the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board. She launched Berkshire County’ s School-to-Career initiative, serving every local middle and high school. A pioneer in workforce training, Heather designed programs for healthcare, manufacturing, education, technology, and hospitality. Her leadership generated over $ 20 million in workforce investments, creating opportunities for more than 8,500 residents. Heather works on statewide policies, was a longtime member of North Adams & McCann School Committees and serves on Council on Aging and North Adams American Legion Auxiliary. Business owner David Moresi notes,“ Heather leads with integrity, inspires collaboration, and consistently delivers innovative solutions.”
James Brosnan
has served as superintendent at McCann Technical School for over 30 years offering unwavering stability for Northern Berkshire families, and as a 36-year member of the U. S. Army Reserve representing unwavering service to country. He sits on the Board of Directors for Berkshire Innovation Center, the Governor’ s STEM Advisory Council, Berkshire Compact for Education, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Child Care of the Berkshires, and MassHire Berkshire Workforce.“ His enduring dedication to education, the military, and the Berkshire community exemplifies a life of service and enrichment,” says Heather Boulger, Executive Director of MassHire and fellow Berkshire 25 winner.
Gina Coleman
fronts the band Misty Blues, performing across New England and NYC. They have recorded 17 albums and earned Independent Blues Music Award nominations. Author Peggy Kern notes,“ Gina brings us world class music.” Beyond music, Gina was Williams College’ s Associate Director of Admissions / Director of First-Generation Recruitment and Associate Dean of Students. She is still Head Coach of Women’ s Rugby at Williams— her 30th year! Through Gina Coleman Consulting, she helps entities like Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and the City of Pittsfield navigate workforce engagement. She leverages her deep leadership experience to champion cultural intelligence, education, and devotion to a more equal world.
Genée Coreno
builds womencentered, womencreated stories. As WAM Theatre’ s Artistic Director since 2024, she maintains its regional prominence through productions, play readings, and new works residencies. Genée pioneers WAM as a catalyst for connection, civic engagement, and cultural change. She recently launched Ballot Ballad: Youth Voice, Civic Power, and the American Songbook, empowering girls ages 11 – 15 through theater to build visibility, connection, and confidence. A recent participant shared that the program made her feel strong for the first time. WAM’ s Victoria Bokaer notes,“ So much of the world tells women to doubt their own story. Genée cuts through that.”
Shaun Cusson
is President & CEO of Hillcrest Educational Centers. His work heavily impacts youth advocacy and local workforce stability. Joining Hillcrest 33 years ago as a childcare worker, Shaun continues to contribute to the community not only by his leadership at Hillcrest, but also by his membership on a number of boards, including Berkshire Health Systems, 1Berkshire, Berkshire Business Roundtable, Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, and Massachusetts Association of Chapter 766 Approved Private Schools.“ If you give a child enough support a miracle can happen,” says Cusson.“ They shouldn’ t be defined by the darkest moment in their lives.”
Mariah Forstmann
owns Casita restaurant at MASS MoCA with her husband, Justin. Every day, she tackles food insecurity and hospitality worker conditions by serving high quality, locally sourced food, and leading with empathy and a commitment to helping others thrive. Mariah is a board member of the Berkshire Food Project.“ She is keenly aware that food is a driving force to wellness and happiness,” says BFP Director Matthew Alcombright. Forstmann founded their popular annual fundraiser, Super Bite, with local-chef crafted“ super bites,” music, and a silent auction. The consensus is that Mariah makes the Berkshires a warmer, stronger, and more supported place to live.
Mike Dell’ Aquila and Sarah Real founded the award-winning Hot Plate Brewing Co. in downtown Pittsfield in 2023, championing community engagement, local agriculture, and inclusive entrepreneurship. The brewery hosts dynamic taproom programming and benefit shows for local nonprofits, including Pittsfield’ s Interfaith Community’ s Fuel Fund. They also host Pride fundraisers, run a DIY music collective, manage popup beer gardens, and craft custom beers for local cultural institutions. Sarah serves on the Massachusetts Brewers Board, the Governor’ s Special Council on Credit Card Fees, and is Vice President of the Pink Boots Society. Mike serves on Berkshire Museum committees and is a former Downtown Pittsfield board member. In just a few years, the couple has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Downtown Pittsfield Community Award and the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ s Community Partner of the Year award. Real was also named to the 2026 Inc. Female Founders 500 list.
Fall 2026 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 59