Small City, Big Stories

Annie Pecor is Assistant Superintendent of North Adams Public Schools and a respected educational leader with more than 20 years of experience serving Berkshire County students and families. A graduate of Siena College, she earned both a master’s degree in education and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, as well as a doctorate in education from Uni...

Matt was born and raised in North Adams and is proud of calling North Adams home!  After graduating from Drury High School in 2001 Matt attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Piano Performance.  Following his music studies, he entered St. John’s Seminary in Brighton receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and a Master’s Degree in Div...

Hari Kumar is a storytelling coach and former engineer who helps people build confidence and authentic connection through public speaking and communication. He was born in India and grew up in Yemen but has lived here in Massachusetts through 29 consecutive winters. He moved to Williamstown three years ago when he met his wife Corinna, and last year he launched his small business, called Convivo....

Chef Xavier Jones is a culinary entrepreneur, educator, and private chef whose journey from the inner city of Philadelphia to the Berkshires’ vibrant food scene is a testament to the power of resilience, craft, and purpose. Xavier’s introduction to cooking didn’t come through family tradition or gourmet kitchens—it began with survival. Raised in a working-class household, food was often functional...

Vanessa Till Hooper is an architectural designer and installation artist who creates immersive, site-specific experiences that bring meaning, connection, and beauty to public spaces. Her work traverses the overlapping disciplines of art and design. With a masters degree in architecture and a bachelors degree in art, Vanessa approaches each project as an opportunity to engage with a deeper understa...

Andrew Fitch is a community leader, entrepreneur, and North Adams evangelist. Through his work as Vice President of the North Adams City Council and co-owner of Steeple City Social, a bakery/bar/community space in Downtown North Adams, Andrew enjoys advocating for the Northern Berkshires and identifying ways to bring the community together and prepare the region for a bright and successful future....