As executive director of the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVCA), Cheryl Kortemeier helps companies across the city engage more meaningfully with nonprofits. In her time at CVCA, Kortemeier has been instrumental in helping employees at more than 110 metro area companies give their time and talent to dozens of organizations.
“Volunteering and service is in my DNA,” she says. “My mother was a Girl Scouts troop leader and we’d collect aluminum cans to raise funds. It’s a way of life for me, so doing this full-time and helping others find their volunteer spark brings me so much joy.”
Kortemeier has a long history of working in the city’s nonprofit sector. After moving to Atlanta from Augusta in the ’90s, she began volunteering in an effort to ground herself and make connections. That led to a successful career in nonprofits and her current role, which she’s had since 2011. There she helps companies with their strategy for civil engagement and social impact through workplace volunteerism. These strategies could manifest as resources, professional development, or networking opportunities. “I help with the business case for civil engagement, but also with finding purpose for employee volunteers so that communities feel connected to the companies based in them,” she says. Her success list includes UPS, The Home Depot, and smaller companies such as Purpose Possible.
“I consider myself a symphony working with wonderful musicians,” she explains. “Every musician is playing a different tune and doing things differently, and it’s my job to bring it all together so we’re playing one piece of music to make Atlanta a better and more wonderful place to live.”
Kortemeier is passionate about giving back outside of work as well. She is on the board of Science ATL, an organization promoting equitable access to science, is involved with the Partnership for Southern Equality, and is the founder of Run with the Dogs, a 5K that supports City Schools of Decatur’s athletic programs.
– LAUREN FINNEY HARDEN
