AmeriCorps Leader Shares Story

Savannah Taylor, September 2019
Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School


After being told he would never have what it takes to become the CEO of a company, Chester Spellman persevered to become Chief Executive Officer of Volunteer Florida. This position led to his current Presidential appointment as the National Director of AmeriCorps at the Corporation for National and Community Service. CNCS is the federal agency for volunteering and service. Mr. Spellman educated us about the distribution of federal funds to nonprofit organizations that are grantees of AmeriCorps, as well as their affects across the country. The pillars of the organizations they work with include education, a healthy future for America, economics, environmental protection, outreach to veterans and their families, and disaster relief. 

Additionally, Chester Spellman emphasized the importance of work ethic, persistence, kindness, and humility as we pursue our educational and professional endeavors. I found both his presentation about the organization and personal advice to be very helpful regarding potential opportunities and challenges. I loved speaking with someone so knowledgeable on outreach on the national, state, and local levels.