From the Desk of TOwn Administrator Michael Canales

Commonwealth Finance Fellowship: Andrew Gillman

The Local Finance Commonwealth Fellowship, a fantastic internship program for Massachusetts community college students, recently allowed Andrew Gillman, a student at Berkshire Community College, to make his mark here in Stockbridge.

For those unfamiliar, the Fellowship is a paid opportunity where 30 lucky participants get a hands-on crash course in municipal finance. It's all about prepping them for future careers, thanks to a training program managed by the Division of Local Services (DLS). The program gets extra backing from the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association and the Massachusetts Municipal Auditors' and Accountants' Association. And the best part? These students get to dive into real-world experience through partnerships with towns and cities across the state.

Andrew, who wrapped up his studies at Berkshire Community College last year, took full advantage of this opportunity. He's now pursuing an accounting degree at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, but not before leaving a lasting impression here in Stockbridge. During his time with us, Andrew rolled up his sleeves and dug into some pretty important work—specifically developing the financial data and presentations for a potential shared EMS/Fire service with our neighbors in West Stockbridge and Richmond. His knack for Excel and his ability to break down complex numbers has been nothing short of impressive.

But what really stood out was Andrew's critical thinking and his ability to approach problems from a fresh angle. It's rare to find someone who not only gets the numbers but also knows how to think creatively about them. My discussions with him made it clear that he's got a bright future ahead.

We're all cheering for Andrew as he continues his journey, and we have no doubt that success is on his horizon!

Photo: Lionel Delevingne