Cancer Connection in Northampton announces two new members of the nonprofit’s board of directors: Rebecca Finkel and Malaika Ross.
Finkel has been a part of Cancer Connection’s events for the past two years, volunteering at Bed In, Harvest Dinner, Camilla’s Extravaganza, the Mother’s Day Half Marathon and the Grateful Bed Tour, among others.
In 2024, Ross created and led Shadows and Light, an art workshop for breast cancer survivors, culminating in an exhibit at Northampton Center for the Arts, in partnership with Cancer Connection. She also served on a panel about the arts and healing which Cancer Connection held at Bombyx in April 2024, with a screening of the documentary “American Symphony.”
Finkel is a clinical therapist specializing in grief education and counseling. A resident of Whately, she spent 15 years working in the nonprofit sector in New York City.
Drawing from her background in soil microbiology, Ross creates two-dimensional artworks inspired by microscopic life and the flora of Western Massachusetts. In 2023, following a breast cancer diagnosis, her practice expanded to include The Visibility Project and Novel Bodies, Novel Landscapes.
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Michael F. Fitzpatrick, a longtime educator and recently retired school superintendent with over three decades of service, has been recognized for his exceptional career in public education and community service.
The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents recently honored Fitzpatrick, a Monson resident, with a special career tribute, spotlighting his extensive contributions to education leadership across the commonwealth. In addition, the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators presented him with its highest distinction, the Dr. David F. Cronin Award, named in memory of the former State Commissioner for Vocational Technical Education.
During his time as assistant superintendent at Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School, he played a key role in establishing essential transportation and nutrition programs for senior citizens in the area. Fitzpatrick was instrumental in securing grant-funded service projects, ranging from educational initiatives to community-focused programs.
He helped obtain major grants from the Bureau of Institutional Services, which supported the transition of clients from the Monson Developmental Center and Belchertown State School into the community. His commitment to preserving local heritage also led to a state historical landmark renovation grant that enabled era-sensitive restoration work on the Monson Town Hall, an important civic building. Fitzpatrick remains actively engaged in public life — frequently volunteering as a toastmaster for community events and serving as a public service moderator for local cable television programming.
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Baystate Health has announced the appointment of Abdul Al Hamamsy as vice president and chief risk officer.
Al Hamamsy will lead Baystate Health’s enterprise risk management and insurance operations, including clinical risk management, corporate and captive insurance programs, and claims and loss management.
Al Hamamsy brings over 25 years of health care experience, including leadership in risk management, claims and insurance.
He joins Baystate Health from The University of Kansas Health System, where he directed risk and insurance operations and co-led the creation of two high-performing captive insurance companies. He also previously held senior leadership roles at The Risk Authority, Stanford Health Care’s captive insurance company.
He holds a Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law, a Master of Public Health in Health Administration and Policy from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Cairo University Faculty of Medicine.
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Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts announced the appointment of two new executives: Noah Stahl, of West Springfield, as chief financial officer and Lesley Ryan Miller as chief of staff.
Most recently, Stahl held an executive leadership role at City Year Greater Boston.
