After successful careers in television and sales, Cheryl Polk an Omaha native hails as the number two administrator at the 5th largest United Way in the nation, as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.
Before joining the staff she assisted in the growth of the African American Leadership Giving Initiative (now the Charmaine Chapman Society) and the Women’s Leadership Giving Initiative, both national models in philanthropic giving.
Cheryl led more than 500 employees at a facility generating nearly $100,000,000.00 for the American Red Cross Missouri Illinois Blood Services Region and brought blood collections and revenues to record highs during her tenure. She created the Charles Drew Community Blood Donation Campaign that benefits children with Sickle Cell Disease.
She serves on the executive, audit, finance, strategic planning, human resources or nominating committees of several boards, including Grand Center, The St. Louis Minority Roundtable, Gateway Center for Giving, Cultural Leadership, KETC Channel 9, A World of Difference, The St. Louis Forum, the Professional Organization of Women and the Missouri Historical Society. She serves on the President’s Council of the Girl Scouts and was appointed to the State Library Council by the Secretary of State.
Cheryl has raised millions of dollars for a multitude of non-profit organizations in the area and has been recognized as one of the Most Influential Business Women, amongst many other awards—making her THE go to person for making things happen for the region.
She often provides guest commentary on several networks and is a member of the Links, Civic Entrepreneurs Organization, WGGN, Jack & Jill and Political Strategists, Inc.
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