Berkshire United Way Welcomes New Director of Development 

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire United Way (BUW) announced that Jennifer Baril has been named its new director of Development. 

“This opportunity feels like a natural and meaningful next step; I’ve always been drawn to work that centers people, partnerships, and real-world solutions, and this has been BUW’s way of being for the past century,” said Baril. “I’m energized to help strengthen partnerships, grow community investment, and advance this important work, and I’m looking forward to learning, listening, and building alongside an incredible community.” 

Baril has more than 25 years of fundraising experience designing and implementing results-driven programs for community service, education, and healthcare organizations. Previous positions include director of Fund Development for Health Equity Solutions, senior director of Fundraising for the Center for Human Development, senior major gift officer at Western New England University, philanthropy officer at Baystate Health, director of Development for Girls Inc. of Holyoke, and at Smith College as assistant director of the alumnae fund followed by major gifts officer. 

She currently serves as president of Holyoke’s only free after-school program, Homework House Board of Directors, and previously served with Volunteers in Service to America in Los Angeles, Calif. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jennifer to the team as we continue to strengthen our stewardship, diversify our funding streams, and build long-term funding resiliency,” said Katherine von Haefen, BUW president and CEO. “We’re excited to hear her ideas and connect her with our incredible supporters.” 

Baril earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her master’s degree from UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management.