Barry County ATHENA Committee Announces 2025 ATHENA Award Recipient: Patricia “Patty” Woods

HASTINGS, MI — The Barry County ATHENA Committee is proud to announce that Patricia (Patty) Woods has been selected as the 2025 Barry County ATHENA Award recipient. Woods, a retired Branch Manager of Highpoint Community Bank, was chosen for her exceptional professional achievements, her lifelong commitment to community service, and her deep dedication to empowering and mentoring women throughout Barry County.

Woods’ distinguished career with Highpoint Community Bank (formerly Hastings City Bank) reflects her exceptional leadership and integrity. As Branch Manager, she was a trusted team leader, mentor, and role model, known for balancing confidence and firmness with unwavering kindness. She set the standard for exemplary customer service and played a critical role in safeguarding senior customers through improved fraud-prevention practices. 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Woods has spent nearly 40 years serving the Barry County community through an extensive range of volunteer roles. Her service includes the Hastings Rotary Club, Barry County United Way, Thornapple Plaza events, the Baum Surgical Center capital campaign, Serenity Village, Lakewood Choral Society, St. Rose Church, and many other local organizations and initiatives. According to those who have worked alongside her, the list of community activities she is notinvolved in would be shorter than the list of those she supports.

“Patty gives tirelessly of herself and does so in such a positive, upbeat, and wonderful way,” said Mark Kolanowski, President and CEO of Highpoint Community Bank. “I have known Patty a long time, and I’ve never seen her slow down. In retirement, she’s actually kicked it into high gear. Everyone wants her involved in their organization because she makes everything — and everyone — better.”

Woods has long been a champion for women in Barry County. She has dedicated decades to helping women develop confidence, skills, and opportunities to reach their full leadership potential. From supporting women through the Friends of the Library book sales, to engaging with the Women’s Giving Circle, to mentoring countless colleagues, Patty has served as a guiding force for women at all stages of life and career.

“Patty’s love and compassion for people make her an extraordinary leader,” said Deb Button of Hodges Jewelry. “Nonprofit groups throughout Barry County have benefited from her accounting knowledge, organizational skills, and wholehearted enthusiasm. She takes great pride in using her talents to support others.”

Woods has previously been honored with numerous recognitions, including the Hastings Rotary Red Rose Citation in 2015, the Rotary Hero Award in 2021, and the Barry Community Foundation Servant Heart Award in 2024.

The ATHENA Award honors individuals who demonstrate professional excellence, provide impactful community service, and actively assist women in reaching their leadership potential. Patty Woods embodies all three pillars at the highest level.

The Barry County ATHENA Committee is proud to celebrate her remarkable legacy of leadership, mentorship, and service.