A native of Carbondale, Kathi Bankes has spent most of her life living and working in northeastern PA. Currently, she serves as the Director of Catering & Events for Culinary Creations by Metz & The Venue In her role, Kathi has had the distinct pleasure of creating memorable experiences and moments for her guests and clients and has forged countless relationships that have impacted her charitable work in the community.

After moving to Luzerne County in 1999, Kathi became involved with the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. Since that time, she has held numerous leadership and committee roles with the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA, American Heart Association, Dinners for Kids, Northeast Sight Services, American Red Cross, Wyoming Valley Children’s Association, and Back Mountain Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, the Times Leader named Kathi to their Distinctive Women Series, and in 2016 she was named the Volunteer of the Year by the former Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to her current positions, Kathi was the General Manager of Lucky’s SportsHouse and Bar Manager of TGI Friday’s Wilkes-Barre. She also held roles with Genetti’s Best Western, Falcone Beverage, and Nestle/General Mills.

During her downtime, Kathi enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband Dave, her three adult children, John Baldino, Shauna Baldino, and Kelsey Tyson, and her five grandchildren, Brady, Meryn, Caroline, Sawyer, and soon-to-born Luca, who bring her more joy than they will ever know. She enjoys visiting local wineries and breweries and cooking at home for immediate and extended family and friends.

Kathi’s greatest pleasure, outside of her family, is having the opportunity to mentor young adults in Luzerne County and helping others to reach their fullest potential.

Please join us for an educational and interactive discussion from our area's most inspiring women. The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber's Women's Network will host the ATHENA Panel Luncheon on September 27th at The Westmoreland Club! Lunch will be provided, and our panel of ATHENA honorees will discuss topics from career advice to professional advancement. Register here!