FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Worcester, Mass.—Two Berkshire County nonprofit leaders were represented at the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network’s (MNN) Stronger Together convention at the DCU Center, October 22, where Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center Executive Director Janis Martinson was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC) Associate Director McCaela Donovan, recently appointed to MNN’s board.
MNN’s Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented to individuals “who have rendered outstanding service to Massachusetts nonprofits and the people they serve,” according to MNN’s website.
The award ceremony was underscored by an address from Massachusetts Attorney General Joy Campbell, who spoke about the state’s vigilance against federal funding cuts that have affected the industry.
“It was an honor to represent the Mahaiwe and Berkshire County nonprofits as a whole,” says Mahaiwe Executive Director Janis Martinson. “The nonprofit industry is a powerful force in the Berkshires and across the Commonwealth, as thousands of professionals amplify resources, face down challenges, and never relent, making our environments healthier, communities more vibrant, and individuals stronger on a daily basis.”
Martinson’s role as Executive Director of the Mahaiwe involves stewarding a historic-register theater that brings national headliners to its small town. In addition to expanding programming and breaking records for sold-out shows, a hallmark of her leadership has been community collaboration, working with local social service agencies to bring Spanish-language speakers and people living with disabilities to the theater, advocating for fair compensation in the sector through the Pay Equity Coalition of Berkshire & Columbia Counties, and bringing the Berkshire Opera Festival in residence as long-term partner. This year, the Mahaiwe launched a second venue, expanding the capacity for presenting community events, emerging artists, and a wider range of genres.
Donovan’s appointment to the MNN board follows her joining NPC this March. At that time, Donovan noted, “It’s an honor to join the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires at a crucial and potent moment for the sector. Nonprofit organizations highlight the best of us, are essential for the health of our communities, and serve as a reminder of our shared humanity. I look forward to supporting the many nonprofits in the Berkshires.”
Donovan has spent the majority of her career in the nonprofit sector, most recently in a consulting role. Multiple leadership roles include managing director of White Heron Theatre Company on Nantucket and Assistant Director of the Boston University School of Theatre. Donovan is an Eliot Norton and IRNE award-winning actress, having worked in theatre, film, and television for over 25 years in both NYC and Boston. She holds a BFA from Ithaca College, an MA from Emerson College and an MFA from Brandeis University. Donovan is also civically engaged and has served on town trusts and public school committees.
About Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires
The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires was founded in 2016 as an infrastructure and support organization working to help nonprofits connect, learn and grow. The NPC serves as a clearinghouse for information and resources, providing a one-stop solution to daily challenges nonprofits face. Core offerings include workshops, publications, referrals, fiscal sponsorship, networking events, and advocacy. Through the Giving Back guide and the Berkshire Nonprofit Awards, NPC shares the good work of the sector with the community at large.
About the Mahaiwe
Located in downtown Great Barrington, Mass., the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is the year-round presenter of world-class music, dance, theater, classic films, Live in HD broadcasts, and arts education programs for the southern Berkshires and neighboring regions. The intimate jewel box of a theater opened in 1905. Since 2005, the performing arts center has hosted over 2,500 events and welcomed over 600,000 people through its doors. More than 28,000 students from 77 different schools have benefited from the Mahaiwe’s school-time performances and residencies. In 2025, the Mahaiwe opened a second performance venue, the Indigo Room. For more information, see mahaiwe.org.
Images:
Group photo (Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires Associate Director and Massachusetts Nonprofit Network Board Member McCaela Donovan, Massachusetts Attorney General Joy Campbell, Mahaiwe Exeuctive Director Janis Martinson, and Mahaiwe Board of Directors Co-chair Alllison Wintner)
Janis Martinson and McCaela Donovan at the conference