December 5, 2022 Press Releases

Community Foundation Welcomes New Trustees

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) announced the appointment of three new Trustees after its Trustee Meeting held September 28, 2022. Charlie L. D’Amour (Longmeadow), Gregory Thomas (Springfield), and Aaron Vega (Holyoke), each of which began their three-year terms in October, will provide guidance and leadership during a pivotal time for CFWM, which embarked on a national search for its next president and chief executive officer earlier this year.

“We are delighted to add to our Trustees three members of our community with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets who will improve our ability to fulfill our mission and to advance our strategic initiatives,” said Trustee Chair, Paul Murphy.

New Trustees:

Charlie L. D’Amour (Hampden County)

Charlie L. D’Amour is the President and CEO of Big Y where he is responsible for the successful development and execution of long-term strategies for the Company. Throughout his tenure at Big Y, he has been instrumental in the development and growth of all aspects of the business, including its World Class supermarkets, its other retail store formats, distribution and facilities management capabilities, and support functions. D’Amour serves as a member of the Board and is on the Public Affairs Committee for FMI, the national food industry association. He serves on the Board and Executive Committee of Topco Associates, Inc., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. He is also on the Board for Baystate Health and is a former chair of the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts.

Gregory Thomas (Hampden County)

Gregory Thomas serves as Executive Director & Lecturer at UMASS Amherst. Thomas has an extensive background in business as both a strategic manager and a professor. Since 2018 he has been at UMASS Amherst serving in a dual role as a lecturer at the Isenberg School of Management and Executive Director for the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship. Additionally, since 2008, he serves as a Manufacturing Strategy Manager for a multinational technology company. His volunteer experience includes roles on the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, (Northampton MA), Beta Sigma Boule Foundation (Springfield, MA), and the Corning Children’s Center (Corning, NY) where he served as both President and Treasurer.

Aaron Vega (Hampden County)
Aaron Vega was appointed Director for the Office of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Holyokein 2020. Prior to his appointment, he served as State Representative for the 5th Hampden district. Vega continues his focus on providing great constituent services, education policy, and economic development. Over the past 10 years, he has been involved in several local non-profit boards, and volunteer projects.