JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WELCOMES CHERYL KUNKLE AS NEW CEO
FORT MYERS, Fla. – January 8, 2026 – Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida is pleased to announce that Cheryl Kunkle will join as its CEO and President. With more than 23 years of experience, Kunkle is a seasoned leader in strategic growth and mission impact, recognized for building high-performing teams and securing impactful corporate alliances with mission-driven organizations.
“We are excited to welcome Cheryl to lead Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida in its next chapter,” said Jason Brewer, Chair of the Board of Directors. “The Board is confident that her leadership, experience, and commitment to the mission will be instrumental as we look ahead and continue to grow our impact.”
Prior to joining Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, Kunkle served as Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at the ALS Association, leading national corporate revenue strategy and launching two new revenue campaigns. She previously oversaw operations at the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), where she managed large teams, coordinated mission programs, and directed fundraising efforts, while also spearheading new business units and securing seven-figure partnerships.
Kunkle stated, “I am deeply honored to join Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, an organization that is critically important to preparing the next generation for a successful future. I am eager to partner with the Board, staff, and dedicated volunteers to champion the mission and Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida’s role as a premier partner for students, educators, and the entire community.”
About Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement (JA) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA learning experiences are delivered by corporate and community volunteers and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, Junior Achievement is expanding its reach to 18-to 25-year-olds to provide young adults with critical life skills, as well as to pre-K youth to ensure children get a solid head start. Today, JA reaches more than 4.4 million students per year in 102 markets across the United States as part of 12.5 million students served by operations in more than 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. For more information, visit www.ja.org.
Locally, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida partnered with classroom business volunteers during the 2024-2025 school year to provide 233,402 hours of instruction to 20,592 students throughout Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties. For more information on Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, visit their website, call (239) 225-2590, or email [email protected].