Published: 9/29/2022 3:18:42 PM
GREENFIELD – The Franklin County Community Development Corporation (FCCDC) recently brought on three new employees as business consultants.
Among its programs, the CDC provides financial assistance to start-ups and existing small businesses. According to a CDC press release, Glenn Ohlund was hired as director of lending in March 2022. He has worked in community economic development and commercial finance for more than 30 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in community economic development, both from Southern New Hampshire University. He is certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council.
As director of the new Massachusetts Agricultural Innovation Center (MAAIC) at CDC, Tricia Wanko will provide commercial assistance and coordinate a network of partners to help Massachusetts farms launch and grow safe, legal and sustainable value-added products. She has over 15 years of experience working with national non-profit organizations, local agricultural and food businesses, and hospitality. According to the release, Wanko earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Boston University and a master’s degree in food studies from Chatham University’s Folk School of Sustainability.
New Communications Director Kate Lawless brings to CDC her expertise in helping people understand the positive impact the organization and its programs have on the communities it serves. According to the release, she worked in print media covering corporate finance, Brooklyn neighborhoods and politics before moving into marketing and communications roles at independent schools. She holds leadership positions in non-profit organizations serving family farmers and local businesses. Lawless earned a bachelor’s degree in English from SUNY Buffalo, a master’s degree in journalism from New York University, and a master’s degree in sustainable landscape planning and design from the Conway School.
After the departure of August technical assistance provider Chris Janke, the CDC is now working with Jack Clemente to provide business advice to entrepreneurs. According to the release, Clement is an entrepreneur with 35 years of experience developing, managing and operating multiple businesses in Western Massachusetts.
“The Franklin County Community Development Corporation is excited to have these new energetic, smart and creative people join our team as we continue to support the entrepreneurs and small businesses that make our region’s economy diverse and vibrant,” Executive Director John White said in a release.
