HCN News & Notes

MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center, Workforce Board Merge

GREENFIELD — The MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center and the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board announced their official merger effective July 1, characterizing the strategic unification as a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to deliver more coordinated, efficient, and impactful workforce development services across Franklin County, Hampshire County, and the North Quabbin region.

The newly merged organization — now operating as MassHire Franklin Hampshire — will streamline operations and enhance services for job seekers, employers, training providers, and community partners. By combining the strategic oversight and policy leadership of the Workforce Board with the direct services and employer engagement expertise of the Career Center, MassHire Franklin Hampshire aims to be positioned to respond to the region’s evolving labor market needs with agility and purpose.

“This merger reflects our shared commitment to strengthening our region’s economy by making workforce services more seamless and responsive,” said Sarah Wilson, executive director of MassHire Franklin Hampshire. “By bringing together strategy and service delivery under one roof, we can better align training and employment pathways with the real needs of local employers and job seekers.”

The merged organization will continue to operate offices in Greenfield and Northampton, while deepening its partnerships with local schools, businesses, economic development agencies, and social service providers. MassHire Franklin Hampshire remains committed to advancing equitable access to high-quality jobs, especially for populations facing systemic barriers to employment.

“The merger is a natural next step in the evolution of our work,” said Allison van der Velden, chair of the MassHire Franklin Hampshire board of directors. “It strengthens our ability to deliver results and ensures that public workforce dollars are used efficiently, effectively, and equitably.”

MassHire Franklin Hampshire will continue to be part of the statewide MassHire network, connecting people to jobs and employers to talent across the Commonwealth.