Berkshire Hills Appoints Gary Levante Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility Officer

BOSTON, July 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: BHLB) announced that Gary Levante has been appointed Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Officer, a newly created position within the Berkshire Bank Foundation.

In this role, Levante will work to expand the Foundation's community engagement efforts to implement an all-encompassing CSR strategy. In doing so, Levante will lead Berkshire's efforts to integrate corporate social responsibility into all of the Company's and Foundation's activities, supporting key objectives, such as strengthening communities and engaging employees.  Levante will oversee the development of CSR goals, policies and programs, with a strong focus on establishing a framework of standards and tools for advancing social responsibility.

"Giving back to our communities and focusing on how we impact the world around us are important components of Berkshire's culture and future," stated Lori Gazzillo, Berkshire Bank Foundation's Senior Vice President and Director. "Gary's deep understanding of Berkshire's core values as well as his experience, knowledge and professional networks in the community will be invaluable as we formalize and enhance our CSR strategies and programs," she concluded.

Levante added, "I'm excited and honored to be able to evolve Berkshire's CSR efforts. The Company has a culture of engagement and a commitment to advance our socially responsible practices, which is a win-win for our communities, customers, employees, and shareholders.  I look forward to playing a key role in advancing and communicating our CSR accomplishments."

An employee of Berkshire since 2010, Levante previously held the position of Assistant Vice President, Community Engagement Officer. Levante earned his Bachelor of Arts from Saint Michael's College in Vermont.  He serves on the City of Pittsfield Community Development Board, the boards of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and America's Charities, and is a member of the Corporate Volunteer Council of Greater Boston.  Levante was named the New England Regional Lead for United Nations IMPACT2030. 

About Berkshire Bank

Berkshire Hills Bancorp is the parent of Berkshire Bank, America's Most Exciting Bank®.  Berkshire is recognized for its entrepreneurial approach, relationship customer experience and distinctive culture. The Company has approximately $11.9 billion in assets and 115 full service branches throughout Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey and Pennsylvania providing personal and business banking, insurance and wealth management services.  The Company also offers mortgages and specialized commercial lending services in target national markets. Berkshire Bank was named one of Massachusetts' Most Charitable Companies by the Boston Business Journal in 2017 and 2018.

CONTACTS
Investor Relations Contact
Erin E. Duggan, Investor Relations Manager; 413-236-3773

Media Contact
Elizabeth A. Mach, Senior Vice President, Marketing Officer; 413-445-8390

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SOURCE Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.