Meet Our Team

John is a graduate of Lehigh University. His love of design and searching for the most unique properties began early in his career. Throughout the years he has developed many commercial and residential properties. His development style is one of functionality and modernism. His true joy in life is creating inspiring spaces for people. John strives to keep the integrity of nature and land intact in all he develops. He can’t wait for everyone to enjoy and gather at The Wilbur!

Lynn is a graduate of DeSales University. She is an author, poet, fine art photographer, filmmaker/actress, and speaker. As an actress, she has done many national commercials and hosted on QVC. Her art was featured locally in the Banana Factory and the Bethlehem House Gallery. In 2016, she published her first book, Let The Spirit Move You. Her love of inspiring people led her to create “The Power of a Smile” presentation which was showcased at TEDx Lehigh University in 2016. She has spent her life alongside John designing, dreaming up, and bringing to life their many real estate endeavors. You’ll find nods to her love of smiley faces around The Wilbur.

Jesse started his career in hospitality at a popular Wedding venue in the Poconos at the base of Camelback Mountain. There, he started his career in banquets before being a part of the opening team at Mount Airy Casino. At Mount Airy, Jesse ran the two fine dining outlets, Reds Steak House & Le Sorelle Cuciana. From there, he took his talents to the Lehigh Valley, joining the Sands Casino and, more specifically, Emeril’s Chop House. After the Sands, Jesse joined the already well-established Melt Grille at the promenade in Center Valley. Then the opportunity came to open Notch Modern Kitchen & Bar in Lower Macungie, where Jesse served as General Manager, developing the business and growth of the property. Jesse ventured back into the Poconos this time working at Camelback Resort. Eager to return to the Lehigh Valley, Jesse seized the opportunity to join us in running The Wilbur Mansion. 

“This is a beautiful and historic property in the heart of Bethlehem. I am very grateful for the opportunity and excited to be a part of this great team.”

Born in East Africa and raised across continents, Sundiata White’s love of food and wine was shaped by a life spent experiencing cultures through their kitchens. From Tanzania, Mali, and Kenya to France, England, Mexico, and finally the U.S., he learned early from his New Orleans–born father that food is more than a meal—it’s a way to tell stories, share traditions, and bring people together.

Today, as Food & Beverage Director at Swift at the Wilbur Mansion, Sundiata brings over a decade of fine dining and hospitality leadership to creating unforgettable guest experiences. He oversees all restaurant and bar operations, curates the wine and beverage program, and leads a service team dedicated to delivering warmth, precision, and genuine hospitality. His approach blends the refinement gained from working with world-class properties like San Francisco’s Restaurant Gary Danko, Napa Valley’s Meadowood Resort, and Oregon’s Multnomah Athletic Club, with the personal charm and attentiveness that make Swift a destination for both locals and travelers.

When he’s not in the dining room or crafting the next wine pairing, Sundiata can be found on horseback, practicing his second-degree black belt skills, or fly-fishing for trout—always bringing the same passion and patience to his pursuits as he does to the guests at Swift.

With over 20 years of experience, Yvonne Sears-Banks is a seasoned event professional known for managing events of all sizes, including large-scale gatherings of more than 1,500 guests. Her career spans New Jersey, Virginia, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she began as the original Banquet Manager at Sands Bethlehem Casino and Resort and later played a pivotal role in the property’s successful transition to Wind Creek Bethlehem.

Yvonne is known for building authentic relationships with her clients, taking the time to truly understand their vision and ensuring every detail is executed with precision. For her, the greatest reward is bringing once-in-a-lifetime celebrations to life and creating moments that leave a lasting impression. She now brings her passion and expertise to The Wilbur Mansion, where she oversees weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings with the same dedication and care that have defined her career.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Northeast Pennsylvania near Lake Wallenpaupack, Jimmy Miller discovered his passion for the culinary arts early on. At just 15 years old, he began his career washing dishes at Woodloch Pines Resort before working as a line cook at Ehrhardt’s Lakeside Restaurant throughout high school. His dedication to food service carried him to Johnson & Wales University, where he studied from 1995–1997.

Jimmy’s first chef position was at Crazy Fingers in Hawley, PA, where he spent seven years honing his craft. In 2010, he moved to the Lehigh Valley and continued building his reputation at Florence Italian Grill in Breinigsville. He later served as Banquet Chef at The Palace Center in Allentown for five years, followed by three years leading the culinary team at Woodstone Country Club in Danielsville.

Today, Jimmy brings more than two decades of culinary experience to his role as Banquet Chef at the Wilbur Mansion. With a career rooted in consistency, creativity, and a love for hospitality, he has been an integral part of delivering unforgettable events for the past two years.

Lou Gaudio began his hospitality career with some of the country’s most iconic properties, holding management roles with Westin Hotels & Resorts in Times Square, Philadelphia, and Princeton, as well as with the Ballantyne Resort, The New York Palace, and The Plaza Hotel in New York City. These experiences gave him a strong foundation in both luxury and large-scale hotel operations.

In 2006, Lou joined New Castle Hotels & Resorts as Rooms Division Manager at the Hilton Woodcliff Lake in New Jersey. He was soon promoted to Assistant General Manager of the Sheraton Tarrytown in New York, and by 2014 was named General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Jetport in Maine, where he oversaw the relaunch of the newly expanded 124-room property.

From 2016 to 2023, Lou owned and operated Blackstone’s Café and the Beaufort Bakery & Café in Beaufort, South Carolina. He was later appointed General Manager of the historic Beaufort Inn, supporting tourism growth in the coastal destination.

In 2024, Lou brought his experience and passion for hospitality to The Wilbur Mansion, where he serves as Hotel Manager. Known for his warm presence and meticulous attention to detail, he leads the day-to-day operations of the boutique property, ensuring every guest stay reflects the Mansion’s unique charm and high standards.

Bailey is an accomplished actress who has appeared in more than thirty television shows and films. She is best known for her work in HBO’s True Blood, Amazon’s The Last Tycoon, THEM: Covenant, NBC’s Law and Order True Crime, and most recently, Sean Penn’s Flag Day. On a personal quest to live more sustainably, she started her own natural deodorant company, Bai-li Essentials, in 2019. Her mission is to make plastic-free essentials mainstream. When her parents decided to create The Wilbur, she knew she had to be involved with the design and couldn’t pass on the opportunity to work closely with her family! With the design complete, she now runs social media and email marketing.

Casey is a graduate of Lehigh University. She has worked in the commercial and industrial real estate industry for almost 10 years. She has been responsible for coordinating the land acquisition, development, and construction of speculative buildings and build-to-suit projects. Her notable projects include the development and construction management of a 1.7 million square foot build-to-suit for Procter & Gamble in Pennsylvania, 1.2 million square foot distribution center for Walmart in Pennsylvania, and a 615,000 square foot manufacturing facility for Tempur Sealy Mattresses in Maryland. She is currently working on the Wilbur Mansion renovation as well as The Wilbur 50-unit apartment building in Bethlehem, PA. Her attention to detail is a true driving force for The Wilbur!