Kimberly Buchanan, 36

By Sarah Roberts

Kimberly Buchanan is an example of how focused goals and hard work lead to success.

Buchanan has always known she wanted a career in corporate communications, and after serving as a communications specialist at local companies and vice president of programs and events for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, she now manages communication efforts for the Americas region of Kerry, a worldwide leader of ingredients, flavors and solutions for the food and beverage industry.

On any given day, Buchanan can be rolling out company benefits changes to thousands of employees across the country, managing online publications, overseeing the strategic communications plan for a company acquisition or preparing for meetings with executives from leading companies like General Mills and McDonald’s.

“I’m naturally a very ambitious person. I’m always willing to learn new things and challenge myself to improve, whether it’s personally or professionally,” Buchanan said. “Professionally, I have a large amount of responsibility at the moment. It means a lot that people see potential in me and trust that I can strategically develop new programs that positively impact the bottom line, provide council and implement important initiatives across America. I’m fortunate to be awarded those opportunities.”

Buchanan, who was born and raised in Rockford, also makes a point to be involved in her community. Throughout her career, she has served on the boards of the Rockford Area Literacy Council, YMCA Black Achievers and the SwedishAmerican Federal Credit Union. She is particularly passionate about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she makes time to mentor teenage girls about the importance of education, staying true to themselves and striving to reach their goals. For the past three years, she has organized a successful scholarship fundraiser for the organization and for her efforts was named Sorority Member of the Year in 2008.