Board Members
Each of our dedicated board members is convinced that rowing is an asset to individuals, to groups, and to communities. We love being on the water; we find it beautiful and invigorating. We love the Berkshires, and we’re energized by the prospect that we could be a boon to our home city of Pittsfield and the wider region. We’re equal parts of all three: Berkshires, Community, and Rowing.
Connell McGrath: President
Connell started rowing with BCR on Onota Lake in 2015 as a novice, and he immediately fell in love with the sport. Rowing is equal parts great exercise and mystical experience. Rowing has become a central part of his life. Connell joined the Board in 2021 because of the love of the sport and a desire to give back to the organization that’s given him so much.
Chris King: Treasurer
Chris helped translate his love of rowing into his efforts as one of the founding members of BRASS in 1999, and served as its original Chairman. Previously, Chris rowed with the Carnegie Lake Rowing Association in Princeton, NJ that he joined in 1987.
Jean Marie Stein: Secretary
Jean Marie began her rowing life in July of 2024 to celebrate entering the sixth floor of life! She joined the board because she found Berkshire Rowing to be an incredibly welcoming group of humans and she hopes to increase the reach of Berkshire Rowing in the community.
Randy Oberle: Staffing and Juniors
Randy learned to row at the University of Michigan, and began again as a master rower in 2008. His work is in sales and marketing at Crescent Creamery, but his love is in getting people to row, especially our juniors, which wouldn’t be what it is without his indefatigable efforts.
Ellen Spear: Outreach
Ellen Spear is the editor of Berkshires Week, the art/culture/food website of the Berkshire Eagle. After a career in public broadcasting and leading museums, she found rowing. And she won’t unfind it.