We are pleased to continue the Distinguished Lecture Series, now in its 18th season, on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., with Tom Bernard, President and CEO of the Berkshire United Way.
2024 marks the 100th anniversary of Berkshire United Way. Officially organized on April 7, 1924 as the Pittsfield Community Fund Association, the organization has grown alongside the community. As times and needs have changed, Berkshire United Way has adapted and evolved to remain relevant and effective in responding to the most pressing challenges facing people in Berkshire County. During this lecture, Berkshire United Way president and CEO Tom Bernard will guide the audience through the organization’s 100 year history of harnessing the spirit and generosity of people in the Berkshires and the current vision of a bright, equitable, and vibrant future where everyone in our community can thrive.
Tom Bernard joined Berkshire United Way as President and CEO in January 2022. He previously served two terms as mayor of the City of North Adams, MA, and as chair of the school committee of the North Adams Public Schools. Earlier in his career Tom served as director of special projects at Smith College, in various administrative roles at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), and as a development officer at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA).
The son of public school teachers, Tom learned by example about service to the community and the importance of civic engagement and giving back. In addition to his leadership role with Berkshire United Way, he is co-chair of the Council of Massachusetts United Ways (COMUW) and a member of the United Way Worldwide Council of States. Locally, Tom serves as a member and vice chair of the Berkshire Arts and Technology (BART) Charter Public School Board of Trustees, as president of the Rotary Club of Pittsfield, and as a member of the advisory board of EforAll Berkshires.
Prior volunteer experience includes service as a member and chair of the City of North Adams Human Services Commission. He was a founding board member of Develop North Adams and the North Adams Chamber of Commerce, and previously served on the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition board of directors.
Tom is a graduate of Williams College and Westfield State University as well as of the Berkshire Leadership Program.
The Distinguished Lecture Series is organized and hosted by Dr. Jeremy Yudkin. Dr. Yudkin is a resident of the Berkshires and Professor of Music and Co-Director of the Center for Beethoven Research at Boston University. Every summer he presents the Lenox Library’s pre-concert lectures for the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Tanglewood season.