BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Stephanie Skinner
Stephanie is a lifelong media professional and a serial entrepreneur. In 2006 she and her husband Roland found the perfect property in Otis for a weekend and summer home. In 2019 they decided to make Otis their permanent home. In addition to leading OPT, Stephanie serves as Otis Library Director and writes for the Otis Observer. She is working on a book about the Specialty Food Industry, specifically the cheese industry, and those people who put the special in specialty.
Secretary: Geoffrey Pigman
Geoff is an academic historian and policy/strategy consultant by profession, focusing on international trade politics and diplomacy, and is passionate about historic preservation. Geoff's great-grandfather, Westfield carriage whip manufacturer Louis Robert Sweatland, built one of the first cottages on Otis Reservoir. Geoff is a descendant of the Revd Ethan Allen, second rector of St. Paul’s Church, the future home of the Otis Cultural Center at Historic St. Paul's. Geoff chairs the executive committee of the St. Paul’s congregation.
Treasurer: Tricia Smith
After a rewarding career as the EVP of a men's wear manufacturer and importer in New York City, Tricia took a break to raise her twins. Life then took her to Chicago, where she continued to work in the importing industry. Since 1989, Tricia has cherished her home in East Otis, and in 2012, she made the wonderful decision to move here permanently. This move allowed her to take on a fulfilling role at Canyon Ranch, where she worked until her second retirement. Now, Tricia is happily serving as a volunteer in Otis.
Board Member: Celeste Watman
Celeste is a retired director of Levittown Public Library in NY is a full time resident of Otis. She is a board member of the Otis Historical Commission, and the Otis Preservation Trust. Furthermore, she is on the board of the Otis Library & Museum, and a regular contributing writer on the Otis Observer staff.
Board Member: Hilary Harley
Hilary is an author, teacher, life coach, and veteran volunteer. She has held leadership positions in educational, community and women’s service organizations. Additionally, Hilary brings her professional experience with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation. Hilary leads the Notice Otis events series for OPT.
Board Member: Amanda Tepper
Amanda is Managing Partner of Chestnut Advisory group, a management consulting firm dedicated to investment managers. Prior to founding Chestnut, she held senior investing and management roles at several leading investment firms. Amanda and her family have been enjoying their East Otis home since 2009, and Amanda is happy to help give a bit back to the town by supporting OPT.
Board Member: David Modzelewski
David has been a seasonal resident on Otis Reservoir since 1953. He has a keen and continuing interest in the history of the area. He and his family are long time residents of Springfield, Massachusetts and love their summers on the Reservoir. Dave is a graduate of the University of Vermont, and after graduation in 1967, he served for two years in the Peace Corps in the Republic of Panama. He is an avid photographer and fly fisherman, and the Berkshires help him to enjoy these pursuits.
PAST PRESIDENTS
Lauretta Harris
Lauretta has been a resident of Otis since 1983. As a marketing professional, she enjoys using her skills to benefit local cultural organizations. After serving on the Otis Historical Commission, she joined OPT to assist in fundraising efforts. She is also a Trustee of the Berkshire Botanical Garden, President of their Volunteer Association, and Past President of the Hudson Valley Direct Marketing Association.
Lynne Geane
A native of Montréal, Lynne worked in multiple industries, including running her own dance instruction studio in Connecticut. A longtime resident of Otis, Lynne used her networking and communications skills and talents to grow OPT and to identify and attract new sources of grant funding. Lynne was pivotal in developing OPT's communications strategy toward the community and the world at large.