Anthony Gulluni, Jeffrey Sattler, Kevin Vann Named 2024 Pynchon Medalists

SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts’ trustees of the Order of William Pynchon announced the selection of three local residents as this year’s Pynchon Medal recipients: Anthony Gulluni, Jeffrey Sattler, and Kevin Vann.

“This year’s recipients all embody what this award is about: community enrichment, selfless acts, and a longstanding determination to better Western Massachusetts,” said Kelly McGiverin, chairperson of the Pynchon trustees.

Gulluni is now serving his third term as Hampden County district attorney. He has promoted a vision of safer communities through community outreach, crime prevention, and education — as well as through the smart prosecution of violent offenders. Furthermore, he has shown commitment to compassionate and effective rehabilitation.

Gulluni’s notable accomplishments include spearheading the Emerging Adult Court of Hope, a one-of-a-kind program in Massachusetts designed for criminal defendants ages 18 to 24. Instead of incarceration, the court provides intensive support and programming focused on the participants’ physical and mental health, behavior patterns, housing, and other factors, and ultimately develops a pathway for careers through education and job training.

He also developed a cold-case unit, the first in the Commonwealth to use cutting-edge technology like DNA phenotyping and forensic investigative genetic genealogy to assist law enforcement in generating leads and narrowing down suspect lists.

Inspired by his humble beginnings, Sattler has spent his lifetime dedicated to service over self. After putting himself through school to earn a bachelor’s degree from Springfield College, he went on to found a bank in Springfield. When he was 18 years old, he became a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council; 47 years later, he is still a member.

Throughout Sattler’s professional life, public service has been a mainstay. A partial list of organizations for whom he has volunteered and supported includes the Western Massachusetts Boy Scouts of America, the Chicopee Rotary Club, Springfield Technical Community College, the Chicopee Boys and Girls Club, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the American Cancer Society.

For each organization he serves, he has shown heart and commitment, with particular passion in fighting the impact of cancer in his community. When the American Cancer Society’s 2021 fundraiser was canceled due to COVID, he was instrumental in launching the Men in Pink event in its stead.

A native of Springfield and a lifelong resident of the Pioneer Valley, Vann has made serving his community a lifetime commitment, particularly for those who can’t help themselves. The many organizations to which he has dedicated his time and resources reflect a strong affinity for supporting the youth of our region. His involvement with the Chicopee Boys and Girls Club spans decades and includes multiple capital campaigns, including chairing its current campaign to build a new teen center.

Vann’s service has included, but is not limited to, the Chicopee Boys and Girls Club, the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, the United Way of Pioneer Valley, the St. Christopher’s Capital Endowment Fund, the American Cancer Society, the National Conference on Community and Justice, and the NFIB Governors Guardian Council. In addition to his nonprofit and charitable activities, he has been a life mentor and coach to countless young people.