Member Spotlight

Sherri McKeen, Kiwanis International

There are certain ISAE members that simply brighten my day each time I interact with them and I have a hard time thinking of a better example than the person selected as the March member spotlight, Sherri McKeen. Sherri is the Builders Club Specialist at Kiwanis International.  She was hired at Kiwanis 2 ½ years ago into her current role. She is the association's primary contact for the Builders Club division of Kiwanis. Builders Club is an international student-led organization providing members with opportunities to perform service, build character and develop leadership. Sherri works directly with the volunteers that interact in a middle school setting with middle school age children across the country. Kiwanis employs around 100 people and Builders Club division works with around 1,300 clubs and has an annual budget of a little more than $133,000.

Prior to joining the team at Kiwanis International Sherri received her undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky and her Masters from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. During college Sherri worked as a camp counselor. She took this experience after graduation and began her career. First as a school therapist, then a Director for the Jameson Camp, which works with youth at risk. Her experience working with children lead her to her current position at Kiwanis. Her education and work experience with children is simply an added benefit for Kiwanis. From the moment you engage with Sherri her warmth and excitement infect you. She is a perfect match for any organization that is focused around developing strong youth.  In addition, Sherri is very modest giving credit to the mentors in her life for sharing their knowledge with her to get her to where she is now.

Enjoying what she does is the key to her success. She loves the autonomy that comes with her position as well as getting the opportunity to learn new things and face new challenges while using her knowledge and experience.  Sherri's hard work has paid off. She was recognized as the Kiwanis International Employee of the Year in 2009. In addition to Employee of the Year, Sherri has also been recognized by being awarded the following:

• ISAE STAR Awards Rising STAR recipient in 2008
• ISAE STAR Awards Best Magazine over $500,000 category in 2008
• ISAE STAR Awards Best Newsletter over $750,000 category in 2009

She has no intention on stopping with a few awards. Sherri is currently studying to earn her CAE, Certified Association Executive, designation and will sit for the exam next December. Sherri is a 2010 co-chair of the ISAE STAR Awards Committee and a member of the National Middle School Association.

Sherri isn't all work and no play! Sherri is happily married with a step daughter and two four legged friends. She is also expecting her and her husband's first child together this spring. She enjoys cooking, crafting and reads for pleasure. Her favorite author is Jody Picioult and is anticipating the release of her new book!