Cherry Republic names Sara Harding VP of Climate & Community Impact
From staff reports
Cherry Republic has announced that Sara Harding will fill the company’s new role of vice president of Climate and Community Impact. Harding will be a member of the company’s leadership team and will lead Cherry Republic’s newly formed impact department.
In her new post, Harding will manage the cherry retailer’s projects relating to government, philanthropy, advocacy, sustainability, business engagement, and social change networks. She will act as a representative on behalf of Cherry Republic to promote a positive model of influence in our state and community, as well as work with organizations, lobbyists, and other groups or individuals who align with the company’s mission to deliver meaningful impact.
“My staff and I are delighted to bring someone of Sara’s caliber to Cherry Republic,” said Cherry Republic president Bob Sutherland. “Her experience, connections, values, and attitude will make a tremendous difference in our company. Yet this position is a gift to our community and to Michigan, as well. So, with the $500,000 Sara can give away each year, with her skills at leveraging even more money and good in the community, I believe she will make a tremendous difference in our community. Our focus over these next 3 to 5 years is climate action and housing. Those are huge undertakings, but Sara is up for the challenge.”
A Traverse City native, Harding has been leading various dynamic organizations for over 20 years. She has led the media company Spirituality & Health Media, Yen Yoga & Fitness, FIM Group, and Utopia Foundation, and has curated and organized TEDx Traverse City. Her passion for the community is shared in current board positions with Traverse Connect and TART Trails.
“I’m excited to take on this new role because it not only aligns with my experience, but also with my mission to work in a servant leadership role for an organization that is doing good in our community,” Harding said.
About Cherry Republic
Founded in Glen Arbor in 1989, Cherry Republic sells more than 200 cherry-based products and employs more than 150 year-round workers. The company has retail stores in Glen Arbor, Traverse City, Ann Arbor, Holland, Frankenmuth and Charlevoix. The company donates one percent of its annual sales to nonprofits that positively impact the environment and communities throughout Michigan.
