Berkshire Bank Hires Scott Schiff, Senior Vice President, and Promotes Charles N. Leach, III to Senior Vice President

PITTSFIELD, Mass., Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its commitment to hiring exemplary individuals and promoting from within, Berkshire Bank - America's Most Exciting Bank(SM) - has hired Scott E. Schiff as Senior Vice President and appointed Charles N. Leach, III to Senior Vice President  in  its Wealth Management Group.  Scott Schiff will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Berkshire's client relationships, business development and operations and Charles Leach will oversee investment strategy, portfolio management and research.

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"Scott Schiff is bringing his expertise in client service and relationship development to his position in our wealth management and investment team," said Berkshire's President and CEO Michael P. Daly. "Scott's outstanding track record of client service combined with Charles' demonstrated success in our clients' portfolios will further strengthen our wealth management division."

Schiff grew up in Berkshire County and attended Berkshire County Day School and The Hall School. He attended the University of Hartford in West Hartford, CT. An active member of the community, Scott has served 14 years on the Pittsfield Rotary Club, having achieved Paul Harris Fellowship status. He also served as Corporator for the Boys and Girls Club of Pittsfield.

Leach earned his bachelor's degree from Colby College and his MBA from the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University.  Leach is currently a board member of Berkshire Children and Families.    

Based out of Berkshire's 66 West Street, Pittsfield office, Schiff and Leach will lead in their respective  areas within Wealth Management across the Berkshire Bank footprint.  Berkshire's Wealth Management Group provides investment management strategies that meet customer's needs, creating optimized portfolios tailored to meet the financial objectives of each client. The asset management team also offers trust administration and estate planning services, helping customers conserve and protect their assets.

About Berkshire Bank

Berkshire Hills Bancorp (Nasdaq: BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank - America's Most Exciting Bank(SM).  The Company has $2.8 billion in assets and 41 full service financial centers in Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont.  Berkshire Bank provides 100% deposit insurance protection for all deposit accounts, regardless of amount, based on a combination of FDIC insurance and the Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF).  For more information, visit www.berkshirebank.com or call 800-773-5601.

SOURCE Berkshire Bank