Theresa Yocum of Brodheadsville received the prestigious Athena Award at the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet on Nov. 4 which was held at the Terraview of Stroudsmoor Country Inn in Stroudsburg.

The Athena Award is presented annually by chambers of commerce, women's organizations and universities.An Athena sculpture is awarded to an individual in the community who meets specific criteria: demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession; provides a valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community; actively assists women in realizing their full leadership potential.Yocum is a 1982 graduate of Pleasant Valley High School and received a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Adminstration from Bloomsburg University in 1986 with a major in marketing and a minor in communications.She has served on numerous ourganizational boards of directors including United Way of Monroe County, Pocono Builder's Association and Leadership Pocono.She is a graduate of Leadership Pocono in 2001 and is currently a member of the Monroe County Planning Commission Board and President of the West End Rotary Club for the 2009-2010 term.She serves on two advisory boards to the Pleasant Valley School District, one for the Tech Prep Program and the other for the Business Curriculum Course of Studies and was recently appointed to the Funds Distribution Board for the Pleasant Valley School District.Yocum is employed by the Community Bank & Trust Co. in Tannersville with over 20 years of experience in sales and banking.She loves traveling, skiing, cooking, football and most adventureous outdoor sports.She has two children, Brad, a senior at Rider University in NJ, and Kelsey, a senior at Pleasant Valley High School.By honoring exceptional leaders, like Yocum, the Athena Award seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives.