Still here . . .

Written By Cheryl McCormick

Delmonte, a 138-year-old grocery store staple brand, has filed for bankruptcy.

Like legions of massive corporate antecedents who could not navigate financial crises, shifts in consumer behavior, and technology advancements, Delmonte will ‘blink out’ or be broken up.

And yet, nonprofit leaders are continually told we must ‘run our nonprofits like corporate sector businesses’.

Community trust and transparency have helped scores of nonprofits thrive, many since the 19th century, including my beloved Athens Area Humane Society – now 126 years old and better than ever.

Less than one half of one percent of corporations celebrate a 100th birthday.

Hey, corporate sector, you should run your business like a nonprofit.

GM, PG&E, Worldcom, Washington Mutual, Lehman Brothers. Toys R Us, Xerox, and Kodak . . . we're still here.

. . . Where are YOU?

Cheryl McCormick

Cheryl McCormick is a nonprofit executive with a passion for fund development, donor relations, board leadership, and strategic planning. Her highest point of contribution is generating excitement and momentum around an inspiring vision that strengthens organizational purpose and attracts donor investment. Cheryl McCormick is the CEO of the Athens Area Humane Society and Founder of Ascend Nonprofit Consulting & Executive Coaching, providing fundraising services, strategic planning, and board training to small and mid-sized nonprofits. She has served as Executive Director of California-based organizations, including AIM Youth Mental Health (Interim, Carmel), Lindsay Wildlife Experience (Walnut Creek), YWCA Monterey County (Salinas), and the American Cetacean Society (San Pedro). She also served as Director of Conservation at the Santa Lucia Conservancy (Carmel). Dr. McCormick received a BA in Environmental Science from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, her MA in Geography (GIS & Remote Sensing) from the University of Georgia, and a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Georgia, where she also received an appointment as Visiting Researcher/Scholar in 2017 at the Center for Geospatial Research. Cheryl received her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in March 2024. Cheryl was certified in 2012 as an executive coach through the International Coach Federation (IFC). She is an active member of the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA). Cheryl is a co-author of Identification and Biology of Nonnative Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas (Second Edition, 2008), and has published numerous literature reviews, statewide invasive species management plans and research articles. She serves as a Board Advisor for Wild Paws Midwest Animal Sanctuary. In her personal time, she enjoys trail running, gardening, and yoga.

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