Greenfield Welcomes Amy Cahillane as the New Community and Economic Development Director
Greenfield’s new community and economic development director on Monday, July 31. Cahillane brings an
extensive track record of strengthening a community’s economic and cultural vitality to the position. She will
be replacing MJ Adams, who retired in April 2023.
Cahillane graduated from Smith College in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in government. She then earned her
juris doctorate in 1999 at Suffolk University School of Law before achieving a master’s degree in political
science at the University of Washington in 2005.
Cahillane worked in a multitude of roles across the Northampton community. She was a board member from
2011-2013 and co-president from 2013-2016 of the Northampton Education Foundation. The volunteer board
spearheaded fundraising efforts to procure private and corporate funds to support Northampton public schools.
As part of the Northampton Center of Arts from 2014-2016, Cahillane and other board members worked to
provide affordable and accessible venues for a wide range of arts experiences, including performances, exhibits,
arts education and more. The board also partnered with the Northampton Community Arts Trust to reinvent 33
Hawley St. into a multi-faceted art space.
In 2016, Cahillane was hired as the first executive director for the Downtown Northampton Association. She
guided the association and its volunteer board in initiatives to strengthen the vibrancy of the city’s economy and
culture. Through strong partnerships with the local business community, city government and downtown
stakeholders, Cahillane produced various events, championed beautification efforts and advocated on behalf of
Northampton’s downtown community.
Cahillane also worked as the community liaison board member for the Northampton Jazz Festival from 2019-
2023, which included engaging with municipal departments and local businesses during preparations for the
festival.
“I am thrilled to be joining the city at a time filled with such positive momentum and economic opportunity,”
said Cahillane. “The redevelopment of Wilson’s and the possibilities created by the rezoning of the Route 2A
acreage are just two examples of M.J. Adams’ legacy that I am so fortunate to step into, and I am looking
forward to continuing to build on her great work,”
“My hope is to find ways to both support the incredible business community already here, while working to
attract new employers; to balance increasing our housing stock while preserving the affordability that attracts
people to Greenfield and to celebrate all of the amazing people and places that already exist in a way that
honors the character and uniqueness of Greenfield,” Cahillane added.