Cheryl Kunkle was named CEO of youth financial literacy nonprofit Junior Achievement in Fort Myers in January. Prior to this role, she held leadership positions for health care and medical nonprofits, including the ALS Association and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. And prior to getting into nonprofit work, Cheryl was a teacher. On this episode of From the Corner Office, Cheryl and Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon talked about how and why she got into nonprofits; a piece of feedback she received as a young leader that has proved invaluable as she has grown into her career; and a few big goals she and the team at Junior Achievement have for 2026 and beyond.

3 Takeaways:

1. (07:00) Every organization needs to evolve
2. (11:00) Every individual has different priorities but you have to unite them under a common goal
3. (12:30) You don’t have to carry the weight of the organization on your shoulders

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Cheryl Kunkle, president and CEO, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida

(04:45) What is Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida?

(06:25) What is Junior Achievement most known for?

(08:00) Cheryl’s career arch

(10:30) Lessons from mentors

(12:00) Hard to hear feedback

(13:45) Trusting your team

(15:35) What do you look for in new hires?

(16:40) What are you looking forward to in 2026 with Junior Achievement?

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