NewsLearning & Development - Kelsi Gerholdt & Emily McCormack

When employee owners think about what it means to “Create Your Future,” they often assume it means pursuing a new role with new responsibilities. However, Creating Your Future at VGM Group can take multiple forms. For many, it’s simply about taking that next big step in developing professionally.   

Women in Leadership (WIL) is a strategic program designed to support, motivate, and empower women by fostering a strong professional network and creating opportunities for growth and connection. Current WIL Chair Kelsi Gerholdt, Director of Safety in VGM Fulfillment, and employee owner since 2016, and Incoming WIL Chair Emily McCormack, VP of Operations in VGM Insurance, and employee owner since 2012, reflect on their overall goals for WIL as well as their role transition over the next year. 

Kelsi Gerholdt 

WIL members are chosen through nominations. When Kelsi found she was nominated as a member, she said it was a little bit of a shock. Though she had experience as a people leader, much of her work lived behind the scenes, so the nomination made her feel seen.  

“Knowing all of the powerhouse women in WIL at the time, it was kind of a ‘whoa’ moment for me,” Kelsi said. “It meant a lot to be recognized and to be seen as a leader.” 

When the opening for the Chair position became available, Kelsi applied and was selected. As she stepped into the role, she saw the program had room to evolve, grow, and expand the support it offered women beyond their cohort year. And she set out with goals already in mind. 

One of her top priorities was increasing male advocacy within VGM. She wanted male leaders to hear honesty from women about the unique barriers they face—not to point fingers, but to build understanding.  

Her second major goal focused on strengthening alumni engagement. Traditionally, once someone graduated from WIL, their formal involvement ended. Kelsi wanted to fix that. She revamped the WIL membership directory and built a SharePoint site that centralized documents and resources. Her vision was to create a lasting network that alumni and current members could use to connect, support one another, and continue growing as leaders. 

“This role has helped me with my confidence when it comes to public speaking,” said Kelsi. “And it’s helped me network internally and externally. The biggest thing I’ve learned is the similarities we all share.”  

Emily McCormack 

Emily was originally part of the 2019-2020 WIL cohort. Despite her experience in both HOMELINK and VGM Insurance at this time, Emily still felt that she had a small network bubble. Being nominated was a huge honor for her, and she saw it as an opportunity to grow and develop professionally and build her network. 

After her year in the cohort was over, and many years after, Emily had been encouraged to apply for a leadership role within WIL. However, due to the responsibilities of her position within VGM, she wasn’t able to make time for anything extracurricular. 

But Emily’s goals through 2025 and into 2026 were to enhance her leadership skills and focus on emotional intelligence. To bolster this, she began reengaging with WIL and applied for the Chair position. 

“It can be tough, especially for women, to self-promote,” said Emily. “Applying for the Incoming Chair was my way of doing that, and I’m grateful that I was chosen.” 

A Smooth Transition 

As Incoming Chair, Emily shadows and receives mentorship from Kelsi to make the handoff process smoother.  

Kelsi wanted to set up Emily for success right out of the gate. Kelsi has focused on giving Emily detailed resources, clear processes, and one-on-one time. Kelsi is part of the Cedar Valley Women Connect Executive committee outside of VGM and has included Emily in those meetings to get her more exposure. 

“Any lessons I’ve learned during my time, I’m passing on to Emily,” said Kelsi. “I want to make her first months as Chair as easy as possible while trying to not overwhelm her.” 

With this support in place, Emily is confident about stepping into the Chair role when the time comes. 

“The simple things are taken care of, and I know how to handle them,” said Emily. “With that being less of a concern, I’ll be able to lean into that creativity and create that environment of trust and hit the ground running.” 

Making An Impact 

The creation and continued evolution of WIL reflects VGM’s commitment to supporting women in key positions. Emily applauds the steps VGM has taken internally and externally to address gender gaps in leadership roles. 

“VGM had already been successful, and it could’ve been easy to just stay the course,” said Emily. “The fact that a company like VGM cares enough about its people to recognize that imbalance, and then take strides to develop and grow, and to help close that gap means a lot. All while helping individuals achieve their own personal goals and greatness…that’s the kind of company I want to be a part of.” 

WIL is always about moving forward, with the goal for members and alumni to inspire rising talent at VGM. And anyone, whether you are or were part of WIL or not, can offer ideas to help improve and evolve the program. 

Thank you, Kelsi and Emily, for sharing your stories! 

VGM has many opportunities to Create Your Future like Kelsi and Emily. Check out our Careers page to check for current openings.