The Chamber AcceleratesAction by Celebrating International Women’s Day and Presents the ATHENA Award

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted more than 200 attendees at its annual International Women’s Day Celebration, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank, and presented the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award to Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD, FACP, FAAP, the president and chief executive officer of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education.

Marianne Gilmartin, vice chair/chair-elect, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Robert Durkin, president, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Donna Barbetti, Michael A. Barbetti LLC CPA; Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD, FACP, FAAP, president and chief executive officer, The Wright Center for Community Health and Graduate Education; Mari Potis, director of membership and events, The Greater   Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Deb Kolsovsky, executive vice president and regional director, PNC Bank.

The ATHENA Award, sponsored locally by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants, honors an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. Dr. Thomas-Hemak embodies these characteristics wholeheartedly.

Dr. Thomas-Hemak joined The Wright Center in 2001, became president in 2007, and CEO in 2012. Concurrent with her responsibilities as an executive, Dr. Thomas-Hemak is also quintuple board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, addiction medicine, obesity medicine, and nutrition, and she remains a healer at heart.

Kate Bryant, president and chief executive officer, The Honesdale National Bank; Elizabeth Nagy, vice president, director of marketing, sales, and online banking, The Honesdale National Bank; Katie Desiderio, Ph.D., MBA, principal partner in learning, Proximal Development, LLC; Marianne Gilmartin, vice chir/chair-elect, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Mari Potis, director of membership and events, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Katie Desiderio provided the keynote address. Dr. Desiderio is a tenured professor of management at Moravian University and the principal partner of Proximal Development, LLC. 

In Dr. Desiderio’s keynote, she inspired the audience to define their stories in six words by going on a journey of exploring who they are and who around them helps them achieve that dream version of themselves.

“Today, as we gather to celebrate International Women’s Day, we honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of women who shape our community,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “The presentation of the Athena Award is a testament to the exceptional leaders who inspire us all to dream bigger, reach higher, and break barriers. It is an honor to recognize these remarkable women, whose achievements remind us that the power of leadership knows no bounds.”

The Honesdale National Bank Celebrates William Schweighofer’s 50th Anniversary

Honat Bancorp, Inc., and The Honesdale National Bank are proud to celebrate William “Bill” Schweighofer’s remarkable 50-year milestone with the Bank. Bill’s dedication and expertise have made him an integral part of the bank’s history and growth.

Bill served as CEO for several decades before stepping down in 2013. Since then, he has continued to play a pivotal role at HNB as Chairman of the Board of Honat Bancorp, Inc. and The Honesdale National Bank.

“For the past 50 years Bill has led this Bank not only with a strong business sense, but with heart,” said Roger Dirlam, Vice Chairman of the Honat Bancorp, Board of Directors. “We are truly grateful for the pride and passion with which he continues to drive our Bank and community forward.”

Kate Bryant, CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, noted, “Bill’s consistent dedication and outstanding leadership have been critical to our strength and stability. His commitment to excellence and genuine service to the community has profoundly impacted both the Bank and the region we serve.”

Bill’s leadership has helped navigate the Bank through significant evolution in the financial industry, ensuring that HNB remains a pillar of stability and trust for its customers. His risk-management and service-centric approach have led to numerous strategic initiatives that have driven the Bank’s growth and customer satisfaction.

HNB extends its heartfelt congratulations and deep gratitude to Bill Schweighofer for his 50 years of exemplary service. The Bank is grateful for his continued contributions and leadership into the future. Bill’s legacy at HNB is a testament to his dedication and the high standards he has set for himself and his colleagues.

The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking, and wealth solutions. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.