About

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and members, Springfield Public Forum brings authors, scientists, artists, educators and political figures to Springfield. These speakers share eye-opening insights and thought-provoking perspectives with Western Massachusetts audiences.

The Forum hosts speakers like Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Senator Cory Booker at no charge to you. Free admission. No RSVP. All we ask is that you show up, sit back and stay inspired.

We purposefully offer free access to our speakers. We believe change starts with ideas. As the late Robin Williams once said, “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” Let’s get started.

A Brief History

Programming

87 years ago, Springfield Public Forum started hosting inspiring speakers for the public’s enlightenment and enjoyment. In 2006, we realized if we expanded the opportunity for people to engage with speakers and to extend conversations out into the larger community, we could have a greater, more lasting impact on our community. We invite you to explore all three opportunities.

The Team

Amy Roberts, President

Amy Roberts, SPHR, SHRM-CHR is Senior Vice President/CHRO at PeoplesBank. She oversees all human resources and employee engagement activities for more than 300 employees spread over 21 banking centers and additional locations under development in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Ms. Roberts has extensive experience in leadership development and coaching, change management, performance improvement, organizational learning and development, and employee engagement, as well as over 20 years of experience serving in leadership positions in human resources. A resident of Wilbraham, Ms. Roberts holds a Master of Arts in human resource development from American International College in Springfield, MA, and a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA. She also has earned certificates in Leadership Development and Succession Planning, Talent Development and Retention, and Human Capital Management Principles from the Human Capital Institute. Her volunteer service includes having served as a board member for the Center for Human Development, the United Way of Hampshire County, Leadership Pioneer Valley, and the STCC Foundation, as well as serving as an advisory board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters and a Read Aloud volunteer for Link to Libraries.

Ed Kubosiak, Jr., Vice President

Tricia Canavan, Treasurer

Tricia Canavan is the CEO of Tech Foundry where she brings a background in management, recruiting, education, and workforce development to her role at Tech Foundry, including experience as a business owner, nonprofit executive director and as a high school and community college instructor.  She is passionate about innovative and collaborative approaches to learning, training, economic and community development. A graduate of Trinity College, Hartford, Tricia serves on several boards including the Economic Development Council of Western MA, Mass Business Alliance for Education, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Education and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family as well as reading, hiking, and biking.

Hugh Barrett, Ex-Officio

Hugh Barrett is Vice President, External Affairs with Prudential. Mr. Barrett joined Prudential in 2019. In this role, Mr. Barrett is responsible for advocating for Prudential’s legislative and regulatory positions with regulators, legislators and other policymakers in multiple states. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Springfield College and received an MBA from the Western New England College School of Business. In addition to his role with the Springfield Public Forum, Mr. Barrett has served on the board of several local non-profit organizations with a particular focus on the arts and community engagement.

Michelle Morash, Executive Director

Prior to becoming Executive Director in March of 2015, Michelle was the Director of Development and Marketing for the Public Forum for five years. A graduate of Boston College, she has worked in nonprofits for more than 25 years as both a fundraiser and grant maker.

The Board of Directors

Officers

Amy Roberts, President
Ed Kubosiak, Jr., Vice President
Tricia Canavan, Treasurer
Hugh Barrett, Ex-Officio

Directors

Jean Canosa Albano
Lisa Doherty
Nora Gerard
Brian Hetzel
Paul Hetzel
Jamie Manning
David Martel
Siobhan Matty
Susan B. Monks
Kayla Monroe
Adam L. Peck
Gordon Quinn
Phil Riegel
Peter Stasz

Staff

Michelle Morash, Executive Director
Jess Dockendorff, Membership Coordinator
Jessica Tuttle, Administrative Coordinator

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