Roberts joins Western Mass EDC
SPRINGFIELD — Justin Roberts has joined the Western Mass Economic Development Council (WMEDC) as chief marketing officer. Roberts will serve in a fractional leadership capacity, working alongside EDC President and CEO Aaron Vega and the EDC team.
The addition advances Vega’s strategy to strengthen the EDC’s role as a regional convener and increase the value it provides to members and partners. Conversations with business, civic and economic development leaders reinforced an opportunity to more consistently connect and communicate the meaningful work already happening throughout the region.
Roberts will help build a durable marketing and communications system that collects regional news, creates opportunities for collaboration and consistently communicates progress. His initial priorities will include strengthening the EDC’s positioning and regional storytelling, increasing member and stakeholder engagement, and developing the infrastructure needed to sustain measurable progress.
Roberts brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing, growth, communications and community leadership across financial services, municipal government, economic development, professional sports, arts and culture, and the nonprofit sector. He leads Inspired Growth Strategies, providing organizations with senior marketing and growth leadership.
Roberts previously served as vice president of marketing for Country Bank and as head of financial institution marketing strategy for Digital Onboarding. He is the founder of Suit Up Springfield, a graduate of American International College and a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty honoree.
Greenfield Coop Bank to host networking event
NORTHAMPTON — Greenfield Cooperative Bank will host “Building Your Business Community: Networking That Feels Authentic,” featuring Colleen DelVecchio from Maxady, on Thursday, Sept. 3. The workshop will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at GCB’s Northampton branch, 67 King St.
The interactive conversation with DelVecchio will help local small business owners learn how to build authentic relationships that lead to referrals, collaborations, new opportunities and lasting support. Business owners will explore practical networking strategies, ways to stay connected without feeling salesy, and how to intentionally cultivate a community that helps both you and your business thrive.
DelVecchio is a leadership coach, keynote speaker and experienced facilitator with over 20 years of guiding individuals and teams to extraordinary outcomes. Her expertise spans corporate women’s leadership programs, mentoring initiatives, and training for Fortune 500 companies, universities, and small businesses.
The complimentary workshop is open to small business owners and entrepreneurs in the community. To learn more and register, visit greenfieldcoopbank.com/events.
HCC culinary arts instructor honored for innovation
HOLYOKE — Chef Tracy Carter, chair of the culinary arts department at Holyoke Community College, is the recipient of the 2026 Innovation Award from Real Milk California and the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFÉ).
Carter was recognized for expanding educational access, strengthening community partnerships and reimagining how culinary education is delivered.
Carter was recognized for implementing an educational program called the Culinary Learning Hub, a centralized, digital platform designed to reinforce in-person instruction and provide students with widely accessible learning materials.
Beginning this fall, English 101 (Composition) will be embedded within the culinary arts education, allowing students to complete foundational coursework within their learning environment. The course will be taught through a culinary lens, aligning writing instruction with students’ academic and professional interests.
Another innovation example comes from the HCC culinary arts program’s partnership with the United Way of Pioneer Valley, where Carter’s students serve up to 200 free meals during a monthly community dinner. Carter also partnered with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, producing monthly curated platters for musical events.
The Innovation Award was presented at CAFÉ’s July 2026 Leadership Conference in Chicago. The award included a $1,000 prize from Real California Milk and a commemorative plaque.
Carter is a graduate of the International Culinary Schools at the Art Institute in Los Angeles. She grew up in Springfield and joined the HCC teaching staff in 2018 after living for several years in New York City, where she worked as a freelance food stylist and culinary producer at the Food Network on shows such as “Chopped,” preparing the baskets of ingredients for the cooks involved in the on-air competitions, and working alongside famous chefs like Bobby Flay.
Two join board at Stavros Center
AMHERST — Donna Decoteau and Christina Gay have joined the board of directors at Stavros Center for Independent Living.
Decoteau is a retired accounting professional from the Greater Hartford area whose career included many years with Ahlstrom-Munksjö USA Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Accounting and Business Management from Western New England University.
In addition to her professional experience in finance and management, Decoteau brings a personal understanding of disability, caregiving, advocacy, and the importance of supporting dignity and choice.
Decoteau has also served her church for the past 24 years as treasurer and a member of its Board of Trustees. She currently serves as trustee and treasurer for The Gardens of Wilbraham Condominium.
Gay is senior vice president and senior human resources officer at Greenfield Savings Bank. She is also a licensed certified social worker who has lived and worked in western Massachusetts for more than 20 years.
Gay brings considerable experience in human resources, organizational leadership, social work, and community engagement. She previously served on the board of directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County and recently joined the board of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.
As members of the board of directors, Decoteau and Gay will help provide strategic oversight, support the organization’s mission, and contribute to the continued development of programs and services led by and for people with disabilities.