Volunteer of the Year 2025: who made the shortlist?

This year’s shortlist for our Volunteer of the Year award comprises four talented people who give their time to the cause of promoting high-quality management and leadership, while exemplifying the broad benefits that volunteering can bring.

Let’s meet them.

Jeanne Volschenk CMgr FCMI 

Jeanne is an academic mentor at the University of Exeter who is currently completing an MSc in business psychology. In her professional and voluntary roles, she works with students and peers to support their development, wellbeing and leadership skills.

Jeanne is also communications and social media lead for the CMI South West Regional Board, where she demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and inclusive leadership.

“It’s a role that allows me to give back to a profession that continues to shape my own development,” she says.

The judges highlighted her record-breaking success in transforming the region’s digital strategy – it achieved the highest LinkedIn growth and engagement rates across all nine regions. Her role as an academic mentor for degree apprentices further illustrates her commitment to “sharing evidence-based, ethical management” with the next generation.

I volunteer because I care about supporting others and contributing positively to professional and community development. To have that recognised encourages me to continue giving my time and energy with purpose

Steven Egan fCMgr

Steven is a project manager at InterTradeIreland, supporting SMEs and social enterprises to build commercial links between Northern Ireland and Ireland.

He also volunteers as communications and social media lead for the CMI Northern Ireland  Board – because he believes good management and ethical leadership are fundamental to economic success, social stability and peace across the island. 

The judges celebrated Steven’s “exceptional strategic leadership” and his ability to turn the regional board’s digital presence into a “hub of activity”. They were impressed by his data-led approach, which drove record-breaking webinar attendance and exceeded growth benchmarks by 10%. 

Being shortlisted reflects the collective work of the CMI Northern Ireland Board and the impact a committed group of volunteers can have in strengthening leadership and management across our region