Cormekki Whitley is a seasoned nonprofit executive with nearly three decades of experience leading mission-driven organizations toward sustainable impact and operational excellence. As data.org’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Cormekki leads financial inclusion capacity-building initiatives in the United States and Asia Pacific regions. She also oversees the organization’s strategic operations, financial management, human resources, and program implementation, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and mission alignment.
Cormekki is pivotal in long-term strategic planning, fostering a culture of collaboration, and driving key initiatives in capacity building, fundraising, inclusion, and impact measurement. Her expertise in financial oversight, organizational development, fundraising, and change management has been instrumental in strengthening operational infrastructure and expanding the organization’s reach.
Prior to joining data.org, Cormekki served as Interim Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), where she secured multimillion-dollar funding, improved operational efficiency, authored new policies, and spearheaded high-impact organization initiatives. Her leadership has consistently increased efficiency, stronger financial sustainability, and enhanced programmatic outcomes.
Committed to advancing financial inclusion and innovative solutions, Cormekki champions data-driven decision-making, community impact, process improvement, and leadership development within the nonprofit sector. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from NC State University and advanced degrees from Meredith College and Northcentral University.
Cormekki also serves on the finance committee for Volunteers of America, Inc., chairs the audit committee on the board of Code for Science & Society, and volunteers with organizations dedicated to youth and community development.
Outside of work, Cormekki enjoys mentoring emerging leaders, advocating for financial inclusion for underrepresented communities, and spending time with her family.