Kathleen Gassler
Kathleen “Kathy” Gassler is a community-focused professional, artist, and civic leader based in Altoona, Pennsylvania, whose life and career have been guided by faith, service, and creativity. With early training in fine arts and theological studies, she developed a strong foundation that shaped both her personal values and professional path. After spending three years in Bible school in northern Maine, Kathy carried forward a deep commitment to ethical living, community involvement, and supporting others through both her work and volunteer efforts.
Throughout her diverse career, Kathy has blended artistic talent with strong skills in sales, marketing, and customer service. She taught art in a private studio and contributed to large-scale mural projects, including work in a hospital setting, while also gaining experience in real estate and automotive sales. For over a decade, she has worked at Sam’s Club, where she became known for her ability to build relationships, enhance member experiences, and drive results through her expertise in membership services and technology education. Her adaptability and people-first approach have been hallmarks of her professional journey.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kathy has been deeply engaged in civic and community leadership. A longtime member and past president of the Hollidaysburg Area Women’s Club, she has dedicated decades to volunteerism, fundraising, and advancing community initiatives. Her involvement in local and state political organizations led to her role as a state committee member, and she is now stepping into a new chapter as a constituent liaison in a congressional office, where she aims to serve and support individuals from all backgrounds. Now semi-retired, Kathy continues to pursue her passion for art while remaining an active and influential presence in her community.
• Faith School of Theology- Associate's
• Mt. Wachusett Community College
• Associate of the Month
• General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) / Hollidaysburg Area Women's Club
• Blair County Republican Committee
• Pennsylvania Republican State Committee
• PA State Committee Woman
• PAGop State Committee
• Blair County Republican Party
• Push Back PA
• Blair County Republican Women
• GFWC fundraising for community scholarships and grants
• Republican Party volunteer work
• Discovery garden project
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to surrounding myself with successful, influential people who were safe and going places. I've always stuck by a rule of ethics and kept on the right path. My faith has been central to everything - I came to know the Lord when I was young, and I learned through Bible school that we don't have to depend on ourselves for success if we follow the right pattern and path. I'm a networker by nature, though I didn't realize my sales capability and networking ability at first. I've discovered that I have a real talent in sales and marketing, and I'm not shy about talking to people. Everything I've ever done in my life has transitioned to what I'm doing now - it all connects. I've learned that just showing up and being present is huge in nonprofit and volunteering work. The surprises that come and the serendipity of what you experience when you put yourself out there have opened so many doors. One opportunity has been offered to me after another, and people keep telling me that my new role is perfect for me. That confirmation gives me peace in my heart about what I'm doing.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to be a good listener and to understand the other side's viewpoint, especially when you're working with people in membership and customer service. I've learned not to excuse small things - the small details matter. I've also learned not to underestimate the power of volunteering. Even if you don't get paid, the rewards and the surprises that come from putting yourself out there are incredible. Sometimes you say something and people don't like it and they'll come back at you, and that hurts, but I've learned not to let the hurt overwhelm me - just keep going forward. Failure is a learning tool. The serendipity of what you experience when you put yourself out there has been amazing for me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to get involved in volunteering. Find your passion - whether it's the homeless, your community, gardening, politics, art, or whatever it is - and get involved in helping with that. Get involved in a women's group or a civic group. If you want to volunteer as a docent at an art show at your local college, do it. Take courses to learn in your field and keep pushing towards your passion. Just keep working and learning. The power of volunteering is huge - you can be involved in other things, but get outside and do something different. Just be present and show up. When you go and show up, you learn things and you get to know more people. Try not to get involved in things that are sucking up your time and your energy. If something isn't serving you, it's okay to take a step back like I did with the women's club when there was conflict. But keep getting involved and just being present - that's where the opportunities come from.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I am currently in a period of transition in my career, which brings both uncertainty and opportunity. I understand that challenges exist in every field, no matter the path you choose, and I’ve come to accept that as part of the journey. For me, the key to success is learning how to turn those challenges into meaningful opportunities for growth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is my core value - I was able to be a stay-at-home mom for 13 years with my son, who is now 32, and I made sure hell or high water that I was there 24-7 for him. When I found out he had autism spectrum disorder in first or second grade, I held to my values concerning him and put him first. Because of the crazy childhood I had, I did not want to give that to my son. Faith is central to everything I do - I came to know the Lord when I was young, and I went to Bible school for 3 years to learn more about myself and how we have a pattern and a path to follow. I've always stuck by a rule of ethics and kept on the right path without going down a destructive path. I married somebody that had the same values as me. I'm deeply committed to giving back to my community through my work with the GFWC, where we fundraise throughout the year only to give money back into the community for scholarships and grants. These values of family, faith, ethics, and community service shape everything I do.