Financial Expert's Volunteer Commitment to Charlotte Goodwill Spans Two Decades

Charlotte, NC. — Cheryl Keller retired from the board of directors for Goodwill Industries® of the Southern Piedmont in 2007 after almost 18 years of service, but she has since “doubled her efforts,” using her financial, analytical and strategic planning skills to improve programs and services at the Goodwill®. Due to her efforts, Keller is being honored by Goodwill Industries International with the 2010 Elsine Katz Volunteer Leader of the Year Award.
During the past two decades, Keller served as the chair of the Goodwill’s board of directors as well as a member of several committees. She has an extensive background in the banking industry. While at Bank of America, she was a passionate champion for Goodwill, recruiting bank colleagues to volunteer in the agency’s training programs and as members of the board.
“One of Cheryl’s strengths is her ability to combine passion and intellect to inspire change,” said Michael Elder, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “She is always looking for new opportunities for Goodwill. Cheryl is not afraid to ask tough questions about what we can do to better ourselves.”
Most recently, Keller invested her energy in the Goodwill’s family strengthening initiatives, helping the agency rethink how it delivers services to consumers as well as Goodwill staff. Today, the organization has personal financial training at all Goodwill locations and a loan fund for employees with special needs. Outside of Goodwill, Keller was instrumental in creating an e-mentoring program for a high school in an impoverished area of Charlotte. She recruited volunteers and managed the program for many years. Keller personally mentors two young women and is committed to helping them complete high school and go on to college.
“Cheryl has taken volunteerism to the next level, making her commitment to Goodwill a life-long endeavor,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Community business leaders like Cheryl are valuable assets to Goodwill, and we value their talents and insights.”
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Elsine Katz Volunteer Leader of the Year Award is given to a local Goodwill Industries volunteer in recognition of outstanding leadership and service to a member Goodwill Industries organization. The award is designed to focus attention on the expanding role of the volunteer in Goodwill Industries. It is named for the late Mrs. Elsine Katz, a past president of Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services (GIVS) at Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee (Nashville) and former GIVS International Executive Board member, who endowed the award.