A robust and diversified regionaleconomy that offers high qualityjob opportunities for all.
Build and grow innovation-driven enterprises. Attract revenues to the region and create jobs. Expand our ecosystem for entrepreneurs, innovators, and young people.
- We invest in people, first and foremost. Human capital is our most precious resource.
- We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- We believe young people are essential to creating innovative and enduring companies.
- We believe our success depends on the strength of our network.
- We believe in success through collaboration.
- We act like entrepreneurs.
Since its 2014 launch, Lever has led the development of the Berkshire region’s entrepreneur ecosystem.
Supported 100+ entrepreneurs
Helped launch 46 new companies
Helped 17 companies grow
Helped 15 students secure employment at Berkshire companies
Helped 60+ intrapreneurs innovate from within
Placed 125 college students in paid internships
To date, Lever-supported startups:
- Raised more than $10M in equity investment
- Realize more than $20M in aggregate revenues
- Created more than 200 jobs
BRENT FILSON
Head of Innovation
In addition to running the entrepreneurial programming at Lever, Brent focuses on finding and coaching entrepreneurs that are seeking to fund their startups. Prior to Lever, Brent led a team of consultants at MassMutual that employed Lean Startup methodologies to accelerate innovation. Brent holds an M.B.A. from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University and is an 8-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Head of Innovation
In addition to running the entrepreneurial programming at Lever, Brent focuses on finding and coaching entrepreneurs that are seeking to fund their startups. Prior to Lever, Brent led a team of consultants at MassMutual that employed Lean Startup methodologies to accelerate innovation. Brent holds an M.B.A. from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University and is an 8-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Brent Filson
Head of Innovation
AVRIL LEVESQUE
Communications Manager
Avril creates and manages Lever's digital media marketing, social media posts, and program materials. She supports fundraising, grant development, and various Lever events. A Berkshire County native and a recent college graduate, Avril holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Communications Manager
Avril creates and manages Lever's digital media marketing, social media posts, and program materials. She supports fundraising, grant development, and various Lever events. A Berkshire County native and a recent college graduate, Avril holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Avril Levesque
Communications Manager
JADE SCHNAUBER
Workforce Programs Manager
Jade oversees all aspects of Berkshire Interns and Berkshire Entry and she is the chief architect of our workforce programs. She is a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and graduated in May 2020 with a B.A. in Sociology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Workforce Programs Manager
Jade oversees all aspects of Berkshire Interns and Berkshire Entry and she is the chief architect of our workforce programs. She is a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and graduated in May 2020 with a B.A. in Sociology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Jade Schnauber
Workforce Programs Manager
JEFFREY THOMAS
Executive Director
Jeffrey co-founded Lever in 2014 and has served as its Executive Director since then. He focuses on fundraising, community engagement, and startup funding. His career began in scientific research which led him to biotechnology and entrepreneurship. Jeffrey holds a B.A. from Wabash College and M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from Indiana University.
Executive Director
Jeffrey co-founded Lever in 2014 and has served as its Executive Director since then. He focuses on fundraising, community engagement, and startup funding. His career began in scientific research which led him to biotechnology and entrepreneurship. Jeffrey holds a B.A. from Wabash College and M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from Indiana University.
Jeffrey Thomas
Executive Director