Tyer to take position in February 2024 after serving two terms as mayor
PITTSFIELD, MA — Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer, who was elected to two terms as mayor before announcing she would not seek reelection, has taken a position at Berkshire Community College (BCC) as the Executive Director of Workforce Development and Community Education. She will begin her employment at the College in early February.
Berkshire Community College has a proud history of training and retraining the regional workforce for jobs that are unique to the Berkshires, including healthcare, hospitality and advanced manufacturing. A fresh approach to designing new workforce training and community education programs requires deliberate planning and effective implementation.
Tyer continued, "By expanding the network of partnerships to develop customized training and skills advancement in sectors such as nonprofit and government, career training and adult education, Berkshire Community College can be the premier destination for high-quality training programs."
BCC President Ellen Kennedy said Tyer brings "a wealth of experience" to BCC, praising the mayor's focus on workforce development, economic growth and business development.
"Linda's dedication to fostering a thriving community is evident in her creation of the Red Carpet team, designed to attract and support business growth in the region," Kennedy said. "With a keen understanding of regional and statewide economic blueprints and a deep connection to economic partners, Linda is well prepared to expand her efforts countywide. Her extensive knowledge of Massachusetts government and quasi-public organizations supporting community and economic efforts will undoubtedly make her an invaluable partner in our mission to meet the education and training needs of our community."
Tyer has served as an elected official for nearly 20 years. Before being elected mayor of Pittsfield in 2016, she served as city clerk from January 2009 – January 2016 and as city councilor for Ward 3 from January 2004 – January 2009. Prior to her elected public service, she worked for Lenox Public Schools as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Special Education, and Administrative Assistant to the Office of Guidance. She began her professional career as a legal assistant for the law firms of Hill & Barlow and George, Degregorio & Massimiano.
Tyer is a graduate of Bay Path Junior College in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. In 2023, she participated in the Civic Action Project (CAP) Collaboration, a distinguished program promoting better policymaking and the diversity of policymakers from the next generation of civic leaders by building bridges for new strategic, public-private partnerships for innovative policies for the future. In 2013, she attended the Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact – The Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts (2013), a nonpartisan initiative providing women with the tools, mentors and confidence needed to become community leaders and elected officials.
She is a member of the Massachusetts Mayors' Association, the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the Samuel Harrison Society. She also received an endorsement from Women Helping Empower Neighborhoods, a Pittsfield political action committee with the purpose of supporting women and people of color who seek local elected office.