Power of Culture Blog
Governor Healey Addresses Council Members
Her video address charges them with taking bold action to continue the Agency’s work of fostering an equitable and vibrant cultural sector across Massachusetts
Christian Kelly, Public Relations & Events Manager
Former Mayor, Nonprofit Executive to represent Berkshire County on Governing Board
Mass Cultural Council today announces the appointment of Thomas W. Bernard of North Adams as a member of the Agency’s governing body.
Bernard was appointed to the Council by Governor Maura Healey on July 16, 2025. Bernard recently served as the President and CEO of Berkshire United Way. He also previously served two terms as Mayor of the City of North Adams and as Chair of the North Adams School Committee.
“With more than two decades of experience working in our state’s cultural economy sector, Tom is well prepared to join the team at Mass Cultural Council to continue supporting our creative economy across Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “His experience in Western Massachusetts provides him with a vital perspective and insight into the needs for the community’s artists. We look forward to working with him soon!”
“I’m so excited to welcome Tom to the Council,” said Marc Carroll, Mass Cultural Council Chair. “His experience working with Berkshire County decision-makers – as both a municipal elected official and a leader in philanthropy – will be invaluable to my colleagues and I on the Council as we continue to work to support creative communities in all corners of the Commonwealth.
As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector, thereby advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities.
As directed by state law, Council members are appointed by the Governor and have demonstrated scholarship or creativity in, or distinguished service to, the arts, humanities, interpretative sciences, or local arts. Council members serve staggered, three-year terms and reside in every region of the Commonwealth.
“Mass Cultural Council is gaining a true asset in Tom,” said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “As we continue to build cross-sector partnerships and advance municipal support and investment for the arts, Tom’s leadership and guidance will be critical to expanding the creative sector not only in the Berkshires, but all across the state.”
“Through my work in North Adams and throughout Berkshire County, I know firsthand how a commitment to arts and culture can be transformative for a community and a region,” said Bernard. “I look forward to getting right to work with Chair Carroll, Michael, my Council colleagues and the staff team to further advance the sector and uplift the power of culture.”
For more than 25 years, Tom has been a professional communicator, fundraiser, administrator, and leader for organizations in the cultural, education, municipal, and nonprofit fields. Based in the Berkshires and engaged across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and beyond, Tom is passionate about mission-focused work, building community, and intentional collaboration.
Tom is the former President and CEO of Berkshire United Way. He previously served two terms as Mayor of the City of North Adams, Massachusetts, during which he served as the Chair of the MASS MoCA Commission and Chair of the School Committee of the North Adams Public Schools. Earlier in his career Tom served as director of special projects at Smith College; in various administrative roles at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA); and as a development officer at MASS MoCA.
The son of public school teachers, Tom learned by example about service to the community and the importance of civic engagement and giving back. In addition to his leadership role at BART, Tom is a trustee of MCLA, immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Pittsfield, and a member of the advisory board of EforAll Berkshires. Prior volunteer experience includes service as a member and chair of the City of North Adams Human Services Commission. Tom also was a founding board member of Develop North Adams and the North Adams Chamber of Commerce and previously served on the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition board of directors.
Tom is a graduate of Williams College and Westfield State University as well as of the Berkshire Leadership Program. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from MCLA in 2022.
