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ATHENA Recipients

The Greater Pittsburgh ATHENA Awards Program recognizes exceptional women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, contribute to their community, and help other women and/or girls to succeed through mentorship.

 

 

2025 ATHENA Award Recipient

The Greater Pittsburgh ATHENA Award recognizes exceptional women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, contribute to their community, and help other women and/or girls to succeed through mentorship. 

Beth Bershok, Chief Marketing Officer, Louis Plung & Company

Beth Bershok serves as the Chief Marketing Oficer at Louis Plung & Company (LPC), a CPA firm that’s been serving clients in Pitsburgh for over 100 years. She joined the firm in October 2021 to develop marketing strategy, firm branding, strategic growth planning, staf development and pipeline management. With Beth’s help, the firm doubled in size and revenue in three years and was named a Fast 50 company by the Pitsburgh Business Times in 2024 and a Fast 50 accounting firm by Inside Public Accounting (IPA) in 2024.

Prior to her career in professional services marketing, Beth earned a degree in Speech Communications (radio & TV) from California University of Pennsylvania (now PennWest California) and went on to a 26-year career in radio. From 1990 to March of 2008, Beth served as co-host and producer of “Gary & Beth in the Morning” on Lite Rock 92.9 FM. In 2005, she was awarded Best Pitsburgh On-Air Personality by the Pitsburgh Radio and Television Club.

Beth uses this background in public speaking to serve as emcee and host for various community and nonprofit events including, in 2025, the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) Neuroscience Next and Professional Services Marketing Association (PSMA).

In 2019 and 2020, Beth served as the Chair of the Pitsburgh Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Vice Chair in 2018. The 2018 and 2019 Walks both raised over $500,000. Additional involvement in the Pitsburgh community includes serving on the Pitsburgh ATHENA Host Commitee (Vice Chair in 2013, 2014 and 2018-2020 and Chair in 2015 and 2016) and the Pitsburgh Symphony Soiree Commitee (2014 - 2017).

As a member of Women of the (Duquesne) Club, Beth served on the planning commitee for a one-of-a-kind immerse theater fundraiser held at the Duquesne Club in February 2020 and April 2022 – both of which raised close to $100,000 for the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. In March 2025, Beth was named a Woman of Influence by the Pitsburgh Business Times.

In July 2023, Beth was named Co-Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pennsylvania, an Association that serves 59 counties in western, central, and northeastern PA. She joined the Board in July 2021. Beth also currently serves as Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Greater Pitsburgh Arts Council. She joined the Board in 2018. 

 

2025 ATHENA Young Professional Award Recipient

The Greater Pittsburgh ATHENA Young Professional Award recognizes an emerging leader age 35 or younger who demonstrates excellence in her profession and who dedicates her time and talent to helping other women and/or girls thrive.

Madeline Adamczyk, Senior Marketing Strategist, Schneider Downs

Madeline Adamczyk is a strategic marketing professional and passionate advocate for public speaking excelence and meaningful mentorship, commited to creating a lasting positive impact in both her professional and personal spheres.

She is currently a Senior Marketing Strategist at Schneider Downs, a leading accounting and business advisory firm, where she develops and executes highimpact marketing campaigns that drive brand awareness, engagement, and measurable results. With seven years of experience in content strategy and development, she blends creative vision with tactical precision to help the firm achieve its strategic marketing goals.

Before joining Schneider Downs, she contributed to business planning and content strategy at BNY, supporting the Risk & Compliance department of the global financial services leader. Her earlier career included roles as a Digital Content Specialist, project contractor, and intern with Crown Castle, a wireless infrastructure provider, where she created digital content for IT-related learning and development initiatives.

A graduate of the University of Pitsburgh, she studied business and nonfiction writing, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Nonfiction Writing and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Her writing background continues to influence her marketing approach, alowing her to craft messaging that is both engaging and results-driven.

Beyond her professional role, she is deeply commited to leadership development and communication excelence. As the Vice President of Membership for the BNY Pittsburgh Toastmasters Club—and proud member for four years—she has served in four oficer positions, including Club President, honing not only her public speaking abilities but also her capacity to inspire and mentor others. She believes in the value of reciprocal mentorship, continuously seeking opportunities to learn from peers while sharing her own expertise. Guided by her introspective nature and personal commitment to chalenge herself beyond her comfort zone, she strives to make a positive impact in every professional and community endeavor she undertakes.

Previous Athena Recipients

 

Cathy Battle, 2024

 

Beth Marcello, 2023

 

Luz Blandon, 2022

Kristin Wells, 2021*

 

 

Angela Reynolds, 2020

 

 

Lisa Scales, 2018

Sylvia Fields, 2017

 

Audrey Dunning, 2016

Lynn Banaszak, 2015

Diane Holder, 2014

Laura Ellsworth, 2013

Kim Berkeley, 2012

 

MJ Tocci, 2011*

Bernadette Eyler Smith, 2010

Mary Ann Dunham, 2009

Kate Dewey, 2008

Cynthia Baldwin, 2007

 

Leslie Braksick, 2006

Judie Donaldson, 2005

Beth Buchanan, 2004

Gwen Elliot, 2003*

Katherine Henderson, 2002

 

Michele Fabrizi, 2001

Anita Brattina, 2000

Irma Goertzen, 1999

Barbara Mistick, 1998

Doreen Boyce, 1997

Cynthia Certos, 1996

Canice Dolan, 1995

Delorese Ambrose, 1994*

Barbara Moore, 1993

Beth Adams, 1992*

Sherl Clark stoll, 1991

  

Previous ATHENA Young Professional Award Recipients

Gina Govodjean, 2024

Yaqi Wo, 2023

Aleta Heard, 2022

Aleta Heard, 2022

Sophia Fang, 2021

Sophia Fang, 2021

Sharnay Hearn Davis, 2020

Toni Murphy, 2018

Andrea Stanford, 2017

Marteen Garay, 2016

Josie Badger, 2015

Amelia Papapetropoulos, 2014

Amein Mahsoob, 2013

Christy Uffelman, 2012

Jennifer Cairns, 2011

  

 

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