Michael Obasohan, Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Pittsfield since 2022, has worked across higher education and local and state government sectors, focusing on racial justice and creating inclusive communities. He oversees the integration and development of Pittsfield’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department for staff, and he fosters strategic partnerships with local businesses to champion DEI for just outcomes for diverse communities. Michael was a leader in student life and academic affairs for over ten years at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams, serving as the Assistant Director of Diversity Programs & Multicultural Education and Associate Director of College Readiness and Success. Prior to that, he was an Academic Advisor at Berkshire Community College in the TRiO program that serves students of color, first-generation, and students with disabilities. Michael also served as an elected City Councilor in North Adams and, during his tenure, worked with Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and U.S. Department of Justice to bring the City-SPIRIT program to Berkshire County. He used this opportunity to create a space for communities of color to participate in civic engagement. Michael earned an M.S. in Higher Education from Bay Path University, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Higher Education and Leadership from UMass Amherst, and a B.A. in Arts Management from MCLA. Michael’s consultancy work includes developing LGBTQIA+ and cultural competency training for local businesses and nonprofits throughout Berkshire County, where he lives.
