Presidential Search Finalists
PITTSFIELD, MA — Berkshire Community College (BCC) has advanced to the next phase of its presidential search, announcing four finalists who will participate in on-campus interviews and forums over the coming weeks.
Following a comprehensive review process, the Presidential Search Committee identified four finalists from a strong initial pool of applicants. Candidates were screened and evaluated using the Presidential Profile, which was developed through extensive conversations and listening sessions with members of the BCC campus community.
The significant interest in the position from highly qualified applicants underscores BCC's reputation as the first community college established in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its vital role in serving the Berkshires. As an Achieving the Dream (ATD) Leader College, BCC is nationally recognized for its commitment to student success, equity, and data-informed decision-making.
BCC partnered with the executive search firm Academic Search to develop the Presidential Profile based on broad campus input and to recruit and promote the opportunity nationally.
Presidential Search Timeline
The search process is proceeding according to the following timeline:
- January – February 2026: Initial interviews
- February – March 2026: On-campus finalist interviews
- March – April 2026: Recommendation to the BCC Board of Trustees and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education
- July 2026: New president begins service
Finalists for President of Berkshire Community College
Members of the campus community are invited to attend open forums with each finalist. Read candidate materials, including letters of interest and résumés.
The finalists (listed in alphabetical order) and their campus visit dates are:
Hara Charlier, Ph.D.
- March 10 – 11
Nicole Esposito, Ed.D.
- March 11 – 12
Karen Hynick, Ed.D.
- March 8 – 9
Albert Lewis, Jr., Ed.D.
- Feb. 23 – 24
During their campus visits, finalists will meet with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local partners, and interview with the Board of Trustees.
A Community-Driven Process
The Presidential Profile was developed through engagement with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community stakeholders. The profile reflects BCC's commitment to equity, student success, workforce development, and deep community partnership.
From the outset, this search has reflected the very best of BCC — openness, collaboration, and deep engagement with our community. I have been incredibly impressed by the strength, experience, and passion of the candidate pool. These four finalists are exceptional leaders, and I am genuinely excited for our campus community to meet them and help us welcome the next president who will guide BCC into its next chapter.
Following the on-campus visits, the BCC Board of Trustees will vote to determine which candidate to recommend as the next President. The selected candidate will then be presented to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education for final approval.
BCC looks forward to welcoming its next president in July 2026 and continuing its work to expand opportunity, strengthen community partnerships, and support student success across the region.
Read updates on the presidential search and review candidate materials.
About Berkshire Community College
BCC, situated on 180 park-like acres, is located four miles from the center of Pittsfield in the heart of the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1960, BCC was the first community college established in the Commonwealth. As a public, fully accredited community college, BCC strives to place higher education within reach of all residents of Berkshire County and beyond, offering associate degree and certificate programs to approximately 2,000 enrolled students per year. The mission of BCC encompasses five core values: integrity and engagement; innovation; diversity and inclusion; service; and sustainability.