Senior Vice President, PNC Bank & Director, Women’s Business Development Program

Nominators: Gay Marie Catania & Marsha MacKinnon
 

Linda exudes a charm, enthusiasm and professionalism rarely witnessed in a person of her caliber. For more than 40 years, she has had an unfailing faith in the advancement of women and has raised awareness about women’s issues. She does not allow politics to impact which women she chooses to help and promote, but rather is dedicated to promoting and advancing all women. She continually encourages women in our community. She initiated the Athena Powerlink® program in Erie County, an organization that develops, supports and honors women leaders, inspiring them to reach their full potential. Linda serves on the board of Athena International and is a chair on the governing body at Erie Athena Powerlink®. She also chairs the Athena Bridge Mentoring Program so that alumnae have continued access to peer-to-peer learning to further grow their businesses. Linda has devoted her entire career and volunteer work to supporting, empowering and promoting other women, encouraging each woman she has touched to reach their full potential. Her professional efforts have put financial resources and expertise within reach of new women business owners. Her commitment to her community also includes bringing people and resources together to mentor the next generation of business leaders and to even turn Erie’s Perry Square Fountain Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month. She serves on many other boards including the National Women’s Business Owners Corporation, The Gannon Small Business Development Center and SCORE, and was appointed by Governor Rendell to the PA Commission for Women. Linda also founded and directed the highly successful Women’s Economic Development Outreach Tour (WE-DO) in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Florida and Ohio. Linda has used her experience, position and connections to advance women in the world of business and in the Erie community. Her enthusiasm is infectious, her social networking skills par excellence and her ability to bring people together for a common cause is unmatched.


Prior recipients of the Woman of the Year Award: