1. Years in Western Mass?

Born and raised in Holyoke, moved to Boston for college. Moved back to Holyoke in 2016 & recently bought my first home.

2. Day job?

Manager of Public Affairs at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission

3. Interests & Hobbies?

Hiking at the Mt. Tom State Reservation, bike riding on the Columbia Greenway in Westfield, Manhan Rail Trial in Southampton/ Easthampton/Northampton, or even a longer ride from there up to Belchertown via Hadley and Amherst on the Norwottuck Rail Trail. I stop along the way to hit dive bars pouring incredible local IPA’s and some topnotch, oftentimes locally sourced snacks – both of which are also great passions of mine. I have come to appreciate the number of outstanding acts that come through our region’s music scene from Holyoke’s Gateway City Arts to Greenfield’s Hawk and Reed Performing Arts Center, and all the usual suspects in between.

4. What’s one thing visitors need to know about Western Mass?

There is often this misconception that Western Mass lacks the types of eating, drinking and music options larger metro areas have, but I find that to be far from the truth. Our music venues, restaurants, bars and breweries are authentic, unique and operated from top to bottom with pride. Furthermore, they’re almost always located just a stone’s throw away from a great outdoor recreational opportunity.