Holyoke Community College recently welcomed Derick Santos, of Manchester, Conn., as its veterans benefits and financial aid counselor.
Originally from Lajas, Puerto Rico, Santos holds a bachelor’s degree in computational mathematics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he also worked in the military and veterans services department for the university’s online campus. His father is an active-duty serviceman with the Puerto Rican National Guard.
Santos is the school-certifying official (SRO) and will process all benefits for U.S. veterans and military-affiliated students. He will also counsel prospective and returning students through the financial aid process and serve as part of the counselor on-call rotation.
He splits his office hours between The Bunker veterans resource center and study lounge in Donahue 105 (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday mornings) and the Financial Aid office on the second floor of the Frost Building (Wednesday afternoons, Thursday, Friday).
The Bunker is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
***************************************************
Eastern States Exposition announces that Bridget Kelleher, of Springfield, has joined the marketing department as the assistant director of marketing. Jeanne A. Tippett, of Chicopee, has joined the marketing department as the administrative assistant to marketing and Sam Roberts, of Wilbraham, has joined the sales department as the Hooplandia event coordinator.
Kelleher completed her degree from Westfield State University in June 2015, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and a minor in graphic design. After graduating, Kelleher worked with the amazing team at The Spirit of Springfield. In 2017 Kelleher joined the Springfield Business Improvement District as the marketing and project manager.
Kelleher most recently worked with Amherst Brewing and The Hangar Pub and Grill, managing brand initiatives, marketing, social media presence, producing content, beer label design and assisting on the branding and execution of the “Dill with It” Pickle Ale brewed exclusively for The Big E each year. She also assists her father, John Delaney, on marketing projects and community outreach for the annual Ride to Remember, a charity bike ride that raises awareness and funds for fallen police officers.
Kelleher will be responsible for marketing communications, public relations, media events, publications, brand initiatives and graphic design for the Big E and Hooplandia.
Tippett earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in business studies from the University of Massachusetts University Without Walls in May of 2010. She’s finishing her master’s degree in communications and information management at Bay Path University, slated to be completed in 2024.
Tippett serves on various committees including the Hampden County 4-H Youth Fair, Camp Howe in Goshen and the Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs Association, among others.
Her background includes roles at Elms College, the American Red Cross and PeoplesBank.
Tippett will be responsible for database management, overseeing the operation of the front desk and information services, maintaining marketing department finances and more.
A recent graduate of Lasell University, Roberts earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in sports communications with double minors in business and marketing in May 2023. Roberts was an intern with New England Sports Network and Blue-Sky Sports and Entertainment.
At Blue Sky Sports and Entertainment, Roberts played a key role in leading a marketing campaign for Bruins Captain Brad Marchand’s cereal, Marchy Munch. The campaign successfully generated revenue through sponsorship for the annual Travis Roy Wiffle Ball Tournament in support of the Franciscan Children’s Hospital. Roberts managed former Patriots running back James White’s Sweet Feet for Strikes Charity Bowling event.
Roberts will be assisting with promotion, sponsorship, community outreach, local engagement and event activation, and the execution of Hooplandia, while also helping on various Big E and ESE projects.
*****************************************************
The Care Center in Holyoke announces the appointment of Oona Cook as its new executive director.
A graduate of Mount Holyoke College and the University of Connecticut School of Law, Cook spent many years working as a family law attorney and served as the chief operating officer for the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association. A resident of the Pioneer Valley for the last 30 years, Cook has an extensive history of community engagement, including being a member of The Care Center Board of Directors and former chair of the Tapestry Health Board of Directors.
At The Care Center, Cook will lead the organization’s efforts to provide educational and support services to young mothers.
Oona succeeds Anne Teschner, who has led The Care Center for the past 25 years.
