Cathy Cooper, Senior Director of Community Partnerships and Giving for Meijer, is the inaugural recipient of the Fred Meijer Award. This is the highest-level team member recognition available from Meijer.
“Our family is so pleased to present this award to Cathy,” said Hank Meijer, Executive Chairman of Meijer. “Cathy has been such an amazing ambassador of our company during her 37-year career that it’s only appropriate she is the first team member to receive this annual award.”
She began her career at Meijer in 1982 as a manager at one of the company’s Sagebrush stores and advanced through several roles in the marketing organization prior to her current role directing Meijer’s community partnerships and giving efforts. In her current role, she acts as the company’s primary contact for the numerous philanthropic organizations Meijer supports. She also directs Meijer sponsorships of collegiate and professional sports and serves as the Executive Director of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give.
The Fred Meijer Award is granted annually to one Meijer team member who most exhibits the qualities Fred was known for — leadership through humility, generosity, and passion for serving others.