Cami Kahl of Volunteer Center of Sonoma County win Nonprofit Leadership Award
Describe your organization.
Since 1972, the Volunteer Center has been the heart of our community; matching prospective volunteers with local nonprofits to help them help others. We inspire thousands of people from all walks of life to share their skills and talents with worthwhile causes and organizations that help our community thrive.
Finding needs that are not being addressed, we also operate programs that touch thousands of people every day: Volunteer Wheels, 211 Sonoma County and Secret Santa. Our impact can be seen across the entire community as we provide direct services to students, older adults, businesses and other nonprofit organizations.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I consider myself a humanitarian at the core and love people of all kinds. There is no doubt that my baby boomer parents instilled values. And, I have been fortunate to have found a career that fuels my soul in human services. My family is the other core focus of my life and, as everyone warned me, I am in full-throttle mode raising two teenage sons. They are my greatest joy and achievement and I am proud to say that they are on track to be fantastic life partners and quality men.
What is your role in the organization?
Being the Executive Director of the Volunteer Center is a real honor and privilege. The challenges of leading a business with a dual bottom line of mission and financial impact is energizing and can only be done successfully with an outstanding team. We have that at the Volunteer Center.
What achievement are you most proud of?
For 12 years, raising two sons as a single mom and then through an act of online dating bravery met and found my husband.
What is your biggest challenge today?
As I age, I begin to feel even more urgency to make a difference, to be sure my time spent is valuable. I have to remind myself to breathe, to be present in the moment, and to feel satisfied that I have done enough.
What product or service would/or is helping you do your job more effectively?
Our agency is trying new technology to create more feedback between departments and we are excited to learn more about what we have in common and how we can work together.
How do you think your profession will change in the next five years?
Volunteers are more than ever spanning the age wave with multiple generations living together and learning from each other. I can see magical opportunities from young people to share their knowledge with older adults and vice versa. And,
Most admired businessperson outside your organization: Cathryn Couch, ED of Ceres Project
QUICK TAKES
Current reading: ”Real Happiness at Work” and InStyle magazine
Most want to meet: Michele Obama
Stress relievers: Hugs, walks, and BRAVO television shows
Favorite hobbies: Camping, gardening, raising chickens
Social media you most use: Facebook and pushing towards Instagram
Buzz word from your industry you hate the most: The “NON” in nonprofit
Typical day at the office: Whirlwind of positivity
Best place to work outside of the office: Sonoma County Library
Words that best describe you: Energetic, inspiring, funny and determined
