BOSTON, July 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Berkshire Hills
Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: BHLB) announced the appointment of
longtime community organizer and activist, Malia Lazu, to the newly created position of
Executive Vice President, Chief Experience and Culture Officer of
Berkshire Bank. This is another step reflecting the Bank's
commitment to deepening relationships with the communities it
serves.
Reporting directly to CEO Richard
Marotta, Ms. Lazu will be responsible ensuring that
corporate social responsibility, diversity, inclusion and belonging
are reflected across all aspects of the Company. Ms. Lazu's work
will include the implementation of the Company's Be FIRST
Initiative and development of storefronts as well as the Bank's
Corporate Social Responsibility program and corporate
communications efforts. She will also be heavily involved in
the activities of the Bank's Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Ms. Lazu previously served as a consultant for the Bank,
spearheading diversity and inclusion initiatives at Berkshire. "In her time working with us as a
consultant Malia put her mark on our efforts to truly connect with
the communities we serve. She was critical in the launch of our Be
FIRST initiative where we are building programs that include high
school internships, our storefront initiative, and more to better
connect with our neighbors. This new role ensures that Malia and
Berkshire build on that
foundation," commented Mr. Marotta.
Ms. Lazu added, "I am tremendously honored and excited to begin
this new phase of my career. It is not often that people make the
transition from the field office to the corporate office. I see my
new role as critical and integral to the mission I've invested the
last 20 years of my life to, which has been and continues to be
building stronger and more empowered communities." Ms. Lazu earned
her Bachelor's degree in Political Communication from Emerson College and completed a two year fellowship
with the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning.
About Berkshire Hills
Berkshire Hills Bancorp is the parent of Berkshire Bank, a
premier regional bank distinguished by its local responsiveness and
engagement. With corporate headquarters in Boston, the Company operates in six
Northeastern states, with $13.9
billion in assets and 132 banking offices. Berkshire Bank is
recognized for its entrepreneurial approach, relationship customer
experience, and distinctive culture embracing and celebrating the
diversity of all customers, employees and, suppliers.
Contacts:
Investor Relations Contact
Erin E. Duggan, Investor Relations
Manager; 413-236-3773
Media Contact
Cassandra Giovanni, Corporate
Communications Manager; 860-465-8659
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SOURCE Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.