New vice president at Berkshire Taconic

Sheffield, Mass. — Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation has welcomed nonprofit executive A. J. Pietrantone to the foundation as vice president for finance and administration. In this role, he will serve as the foundation’s chief operating and financial officer and will provide high-level support to its finance and investment committees, which oversee its annual operating budget and $117 million in assets.“A. J. brings a wealth of relevant experience and proven strategic skills, making him the perfect choice to lead our growing finance, grants and gifts management and investment operations,” said Jennifer Dowley, president of Berkshire Taconic. “We are a center of philanthropy for our community and for donors who seek a trusted partner to help achieve their charitable goals. A. J. will help us meet our commitments to operational excellence and to inspiring charitable giving to help our communities thrive. We are thrilled to have him join our team.” Pietrantone, who now lives in Millerton, comes to Berkshire Taconic with 25-plus years of experience as an executive at a broad range of nonprofits. He has held senior finance and administrative positions with organizations focused on the arts, social services, civil rights and the environment, including national nonprofits Environmental Defense Fund and The Human Rights Campaign.“I was drawn to Berkshire Taconic not only for its scope of services and mission, but also its management values and high performance standards,” said Pietrantone. “I look forward to building on its legacy, enhancing efficiency and increasing revenue that will allow additional resources to be devoted to charitable giving.” Based in New York City since 1997, Pietrantone served as executive vice president of KidRo Productions, the production company and charitable foundation of actress and TV personality Rosie O’Donnell, and most recently spent five years as executive director of Friends of Hudson River Park, the fundraising and advocacy arm of the longest waterfront park in the U.S., on the city’s west side. His volunteer activities include serving as board chair of Liz Lerman Dance Exchange and treasurer of Earth Share of New York. A graduate of the Catholic University of America, he earned his M.B.A. in finance and investments at George Washington University.Hannah Schiff is a communications associate with the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.