Junior Achievement Big Bend Welcomes New Board Chair

Author: Elyse Cornelison
Corporate Responsibility
Published: Monday, 03 Aug 2020

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Image caption: Cheryl Thompson takes over as chair on July 1

Tallahassee, FL., August 3, 2020 – Junior Achievement of the Big Bend & its Board are pleased to announce Cheryl Thompson as the Chair effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022.

Cheryl, a Senior Vice President with Capital City Bank, has been a member of the Board since 2013 and has served as a volunteer and on the executive committee as Treasurer & Vice Chair.

“Junior Achievement is fortunate to have someone of the caliber of Cheryl Thompson take over the reins of the board of directors,” said Elyse Cornelison, Director of JA Big Bend. “She’s been with our organization from almost the beginning and I know she has a passion to make sure we succeed so that we can we live up to our purpose - which is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. There will be a lot to negotiate through where the pandemic is concerned and Cheryl is a great choice to lead the organization during these times.”

Cheryl’s excitement to take on this role is deep rooted in her passion for financial literacy. A lifelong banker, she has first-hand experience with families facing economic problems largely due to a lack of financial literacy. This gives her an opportunity to directly impact the Big Bend communities through Junior Achievement’s programs. “My favorite part of being involved with JA is interacting with the students and probing them to think critically,” said Thompson. “As board chair, my goal is to carry on building the foundation of previous chair Ron Miller. I would like to see our community continue to embrace and support this important group. We must prepare our students for the future, particularly during these uncertain times.”

Cheryl joined Capital City Bank in 2004. She is responsible for the Business Support Services division, which includes IT, facilities and building management, purchasing, corporate training and project management for the Bank.

Cheryl received her business administration degree from the University of Florida and is a graduate of the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking. She also earned a Wharton Leadership Certificate.

Cheryl was born and raised in Tallahassee and remains active in the community. She served as Loaned Executive for the United Way. She served as vice chair on the board of the Capital Area Community Action Agency and Treasurer, Vice-Chair and now Chair of the Junior Achievement of the Big Bend board.

About Junior Achievement Big Bend

Junior Achievement Big Bend has reached over 30,000 students in the Leon County area.

JA Big Bend programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers who provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students K-12 knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. In Leon County and the surrounding area, JA programming is coordinated and administered by Junior Achievement Big Bend, who provides the materials, scheduling, and the training needed for JA volunteers and teachers. With the help of hundreds of local businesses and classroom volunteers, JA Big Bend reached nearly 3,000 students during the 2018-19 school year.