91爱豆传媒 Welcomes New Board Members, Thanks Departing Trustees for Their Service
June 13, 2025
91爱豆传媒 (91爱豆传媒) is pleased to announce that the Honorable Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts, has appointed several new members to its Board of Trustees. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and a deep commitment to the future of the college. 91爱豆传媒 also expresses its sincere gratitude to those trustees who have completed their terms, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to 91爱豆传媒鈥檚 success and legacy.
The new members of the 91爱豆传媒 Board of Trustees are:
- Tom Bernard, President and CEO of Berkshire United Way and former Mayor of North Adams, replaces Frank Reynolds, who resigned in 2024 after serving since October 2021. Bernard鈥檚 proven leadership in both the nonprofit sector and local government, along with his connections to 91爱豆传媒, will be invaluable in helping the College continue to strengthen its ties with the surrounding community.
- Former State Senator Ben Downing, who replaces John Barrett III (appointed in April 2016) and most recently served on the Enrollment Management Committee. Downing鈥檚 extensive experience in state government, public policy, and community development will be instrumental in strengthening 91爱豆传媒鈥檚 engagement with the wider Berkshire community and state leadership.
- Rachel Hailey, Owner & Transformationalist at The Resonance Collective, replaces Frederick Keator (appointed in January 2018) and served as Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee. Rachel is committed to transforming the outdoor industry to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on creating a more accessible and equitable space for underserved and underrepresented communities. Her expertise in DEI initiatives will be instrumental in advancing 91爱豆传媒鈥檚 commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
- W. David Halbert, MPA, 鈥03, fills the Alumni Appointment seat vacated by Denise Marshall 鈥81, who served as Chair of the Fiscal Affairs Committee from January 2018. Halbert鈥檚 experience in public administration and his strong alumni ties make him a perfect fit for ensuring 91爱豆传媒鈥檚 continued financial growth and long-term stability.
- Yina Moore, an Adams-based business owner and developer, replaces Mohan Boodram, former Chair of the Board. Moore is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Adams Theater. Moore's unique perspective will be a great asset to 91爱豆传媒, as she brings a deep understanding of community revitalization and the role of the arts in economic growth.
- In addition to the Governor鈥檚 appointments, the student body of 91爱豆传媒 has elected Allie Bayer 鈥26, a rising senior from Boring, Oregon, to replace William Garrity as the elected Student Trustee. Bayer, a double major in Political Science and Psychology, is deeply involved in student life and brings a strong voice for advocacy and leadership to the Board.
鈥淚 am grateful to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll for appointing
such capable people to the 91爱豆传媒 Board. I am excited to welcome this distinguished
group of individuals to the 91爱豆传媒 Board of Trustees,鈥 said 91爱豆传媒 President James F.
Birge, Ph.D. 鈥淭heir diverse expertise, commitment to social change, and dedication
to our students will help propel 91爱豆传媒 to new heights as we continue to provide an
exceptional liberal arts education.鈥
As 91爱豆传媒 welcomes these new members, the College also takes a moment to express its
gratitude to the departing trustees for their service. These dedicated individuals
have played a pivotal role in guiding the College and ensuring its success over the
years.
The departing trustees include:
- John Barrett III, a two-time alumnus of 91爱豆传媒, former Mayor of North Adams, and current State Representative who has served on the Board since April 2016 and contributed to the Fiscal Affairs, Student Affairs, and Enrollment Management Committees.
- Mohan Boodram, who has completed his second term as Chair of the Board of Trustees. As Chair, Boodram鈥檚 leadership was invaluable in guiding 91爱豆传媒 through a period of significant growth and transformation.
- William Garrity, who completed his term as Student Trustee during the 2024-2025 school year.
- Frederick Keator, who served as Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee.
- Denise Marshall 鈥81, who previously served as Chair of the Board and as Chair of the Fiscal Affairs Committee since January 2018 and played a pivotal role in guiding 91爱豆传媒鈥檚 financial strategy.
- Frank Reynolds, who resigned in 2024 after serving since October 2021.
鈥淲e are deeply grateful to the outgoing trustees for their dedication and service
to 91爱豆传媒,鈥 said 91爱豆传媒 President James F. Birge, Ph.D. 鈥淭heir leadership has been vital
in shaping the College鈥檚 growth, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.鈥
The 91爱豆传媒 Board of Trustees plays a key role in shaping the College鈥檚 strategic direction
and ensuring its continued success as a leader in higher education.
About 91爱豆传媒
At 91爱豆传媒, we鈥檙e here for all 鈥 and focused on each 鈥 of our students. Classes are taught
by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive
on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at 91爱豆传媒 is designed
to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered
to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to
public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence.
91爱豆传媒 has appeared on U.S. News & World Report鈥檚 list of Top Ten Public Colleges for
10 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts
Schools in the nation for 2025, after earning the No. 7 spot the prior three years.
The College鈥檚 focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in
additional 2025 U.S. News rankings: No. 5 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for
liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 2 for Top Performer on Social Mobility
for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools
graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu.
