Robert M. Curley has been named a director of the Pittsfield-based Berkshire Hills Bancorp, where he will join the company’s subsidiary bank, Berkshire Bank, as chairman of its New York region.

Curley will work with the bank’s current leadership team to direct growth opportunities in that market, according to a statement.

From 2005 to 2009, he served as chairman and president for Citizens Bank in New York with approximately $20 billion in assets and more than 200 branches throughout the state. Prior to joining Citizens, Curley served as Charter One Bank’s president for New York and New England. He also worked at KeyCorp., where he rose to the position of vice chairman of KeyBank, and served as president and CEO of four subsidiary banks.

"We are delighted to have Bob Curley join Berkshire’s board of directors and the bank’s New York Region team as Chairman. Bob knows the Albany region as well as anyone, and throughout his career he has been a successful leader of bank teams that have excelled in serving their markets and building market share," Berkshire President and CEO Michael P. Daly said. "The New York region is our fastest growing region and an important priority for our company. Bob will work with Mike Carroll, our New York commercial executive and Kimberley Riggs, our New York retail leader, in business development and executing the bank’s growth plans."

"I’m pleased to join Berkshire’s board of directors and I look forward to working with our strong New York team to expand our banking presence in this attractive market. It has been my privilege to serve this market for many years, both personally and professionally through active community involvement," Curley said. "Berkshire Bank has the people, energy, and attitude that come together in a unique brand and culture to engage with and serve our communities."