Freedom Credit Union donated $194K in 2024

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout 2024, Freedom Credit Union contributed to dozens of local charities throughout the four counties of western Massachusetts, donating more than $194,000. Additionally, Freedom Credit Union employees recorded more than 600 hours of volunteer time in 2024.

“Our members and staff are passionate about supporting our community,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said in a statement. “In 2024, we were proud to increase our donations over 2023. This year, we’re asking our members to deepen their engagement by nominating local charitable organizations for us to support.”

The 2024 donation total includes:

■More than $130,000 through corporate giving initiatives.

■More than $11,000 in member and employee donations through the Month of Giving campaigns.

■More than $53,000 through local branch and department discretionary fund donations.

Supported organizations include: the Alzheimer’s Association; Baystate Foundation — Rays of Hope, Baystate Health; Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicopee, Ludlow and Springfield; Children’s Advocacy Centers — Franklin County and Hampden County; Clinical & Support Options; Cooley Dickinson Hospital; Elms College; the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts; Gandara Center; The Gray House; Greater Springfield and Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity; Greenfield Community College; Make a Wish; Miracle League of Western Massachusetts; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; New North Citizens Council; Ronald McDonald House; Shriner’s Hospital; Spirit of Springfield; Springfield Jazz Fest; Springfield Museums; Springfield School Volunteers; Stanley Park of Westfield; Ludlow’s 250th celebration; West Springfield’s 250th celebration; Western New England College; Westover Galaxy Community Council; and the YMCAs in Springfield and Greenfield.

Freedom Credit Union has branches across western Massachusetts, including in Greenfield and Turners Falls.

Job fair postponed due to inclement weather

GREENFIELD — The MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center’s multi-industry job fair has been postponed a second time this month due to inclement weather. The new date for the job fair is Thursday, Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and it will be held at Greenfield Community College.

Advance registration is not required. Call 413-774-4361 with questions.

Businesses sought to participate in Construction & Trades Career Day

GREENFIELD — The MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board’s School-to-Career Team, in partnership with other regional workforce boards and community partners, is seeking businesses to participate in its Construction & Trades Career Day on Thursday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.

The event was first held in 2023 with a goal of increasing the number of workers in the construction industry in western Massachusetts. Construction & Trades Career Day is designed to introduce high school students to the wide range of career opportunities available to them in the construction industry in a hands-on environment.

Equipment operators are particularly needed to showcase their equipment to the students. Participating businesses are welcome to host an activity station on any topic related to their company or industry, provide equipment or other displays, and/or host an exhibit table to promote their company and services to prospective young employees. Donations, such as water, gift certificates or food for the volunteers, are also appreciated, as well as swag to include in student gift bags.

Businesses are asked to register at tinyurl.com/TradesCareerDay2025 by March 18.

BHN announces new appointments, promotions

SPRINGFIELD — Behavioral Health Network Inc. (BHN) has announced new appointments and promotions to its Executive Leadership Team: Lisa Yin, to the position of assistant vice president of addiction and recovery services; Jessica DeFlumer, to the role of chief operating officer; and Toni Hendrix, to the job of senior vice president of human resources.

Yin has been with BHN for more than six years, having been initially hired in 2018 as program director of the Franklin Recovery Center and then promoted to senior program manager in 2020. As assistant vice president of addiction and recovery services, Yin will oversee all 400 substance use disorder residential treatment beds in programs in Franklin, Hampden and Suffolk counties.

Yin played a key role in helping restructure substance use disorder programs on the Greenfield campus, ensuring treatment options remained accessible during the pandemic and the ever-changing opioid epidemic in the fentanyl era. Prior to her employment at BHN, Yin worked as a behavioral health navigator at Athol Hospital, clinical supervisor of crisis services at Clinical & Support Options, and psychiatric technician at Cheshire Medical Center.

DeFlumer, who was previously executive vice president, has assumed the role of chief operating officer. DeFlumer has served BHN in various leadership roles since she was hired in 2017 as the senior program manager for population health, with the responsibility of overseeing BHN’s integration and care management departments. DeFlumer’s responsibilities have grown steadily in her time at BHN, taking on a vice president role in 2019, then senior vice president in 2020 and executive vice president in 2021.

Her current role includes oversight of all BHN operations, including operational management, alignment and process improvement across administrative departments of Human Resources, IT/IS, Project Management and Performance Improvement, and Facilities. DeFlumer offers oversight of integrated care initiatives, child and family service programs, and outpatient and community behavioral health programs, plus the Access/Central Intake Department.

Hendrix, who has been promoted to senior vice president of human resources, originally joined BHN as vice president of human resources in September 2023. In her new role, she will continue to lead the development and execution of HR strategies to support BHN’s expanding workforce, while also overseeing recruitment and the enhancement of employee engagement and wellness programs.

Hendrix’s professional background includes service in the U.S. Army, roles at The Loomis Communities, American Cancer Society and Baystate Health, and entrepreneurship as co-owner of Smokey Joe’s Cigar Lounge in Springfield. Hendrix was also named Springfield’s 2024 Veteran of the Year, an award given annually to a local veteran who selflessly volunteers to improve the community. In recognition, the mayor declared Jan. 20 as Toni D. Hendrix Day in Springfield.

Real estate licensing course starts March 3

Beginning March 3, the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley will host a 40-hour, 14-class, in-person sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real estate salesperson license exam. The course will end on April 3.

Tuition is $425 and includes the book and materials. For an application, call the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley at 785-1328 or visit rapv.com.

Gagne Wealth Management Group named to Forbes’ Best-In-State list

GREENFIELD — Gagne Wealth Management Group, founded by Merrill Gagne, has been named to the Forbes 2025 Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list, a recognition that highlights the top financial advisory teams across the country.

Since founding the firm 15 years ago, Merrill Gagne has developed Gagne Wealth Management Group to have a client-centric approach that emphasizes goal-oriented financial planning, personalized investment strategies and risk management. The firm creates customized portfolios tailored to each client’s aspirations, ethical values and risk tolerance.

“This recognition by Forbes is an incredible honor and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” Gagne said in a statement. “Our goal has always been to help our clients feel confident about their financial future by providing strategic guidance that aligns with their personal values and long-term objectives.”

Merrill, who now leads a team of financial advisors, has a history of industry accolades, including being named a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor last year, along with being featured on Forbes’ Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors list. Earlier in his career, he was recognized as a top producer at Northwestern Mutual, achieving No. 1 in the Platinum Category for the Eastern Region.

The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list recognizes firms that demonstrate exceptional client service, innovative financial planning and a commitment to excellence in wealth management. The selection process is based on industry research, client retention and qualitative criteria.

For more information about Gagne Wealth Management Group, visit northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/m-gagne.