The Rotary Club of New Kingston is deeply honoured to present the Gary Grant Vocational Service Award to Chorvelle Johnson Cunningham. This award is reserved for those who do not merely occupy a profession, but who elevate it – individuals who use their vocation as a vehicle for societal transformation, embodying the Rotary ideal of "Service Above Self."
Chorvelle’s path to the pinnacle of Jamaican banking began not in a boardroom, but in a classroom. The “Teacher-turned-leading banker” started her career at Kingston Technical High School. This foundational experience as an educator defined her leadership style: she is a servant-leader who views her role not just as a manager of capital, but as a steward of people.
Since taking the helm as Chief Executive Officer of Sagicor Bank Jamaica Limited in 2018, Chorvelle has been described as a trailblazer and a changemaker. Under her stewardship, Sagicor Bank has seen record-breaking growth, but more importantly, it has seen a radical shift toward inclusivity. Throughout her storied career – which includes senior leadership roles at PROVEN Wealth, First Global Financial Services, and Scotia-DBG – she has mastered the delicate art of balancing strategic risk with exceptional client experiences.
Under her guidance, leadership is defined by results, but also by character. She has consistently demonstrated that a "results- oriented" approach does not have to come at the expense of integrity. Whether leading the Bank or heading the Group IT Steerco Committee, Chorvelle remains focused on the "Service Above Self" ethos, ensuring that the financial industry remains a pillar of stability and opportunity for all Jamaicans.
Her academic pursuit of excellence is as impressive as her corporate ascent. A graduate of Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program, Chorvelle also holds a Master of Business Administration from Bangor University and is a Chartered Banker through the Chartered Banker Institute based in the United Kingdom. These accolades are not merely titles; they represent her commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards in an ever-evolving global economy.
Chorvelle’s vocational service transcends the boardroom. She is a fervent proponent of female empowerment, dedicated to helping women shatter societal expectations. As Jamaica’s first International Women’s Forum Fellow, she brought the insights gained at Harvard and Institut Européen d'Administration des Affaires (INSEAD) back to our shores to lift others as she climbed.
Her work as a past Chair and Director of the United Way of Jamaica, and her current leadership within the Women’s Leadership Initiative, highlights a career spent using professional success to fuel social progress.
Beyond her corporate and philanthropic endeavours, Chorvelle advocates for a holistic lifestyle. Her 2012 publication, ‘Simply Vegan – The Jamaican Way’, reflects her belief that personal wellness is the foundation of professional effectiveness. By sharing her passion for a plant-powered life, yoga and athletics, she reminds us all that to serve our vocation well, we must first care for the vessel through which we serve.
In her professional conduct, Chorvelle Johnson Cunningham asks the four essential questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Her answer, written through three decades of service, is a resounding yes.
For her dedication to the dignity of work, her pursuit of high ethical standards, and her unwavering commitment to the community and beyond, the Rotary Club of New Kingston is honoured to present her with the Gary Grant Vocational Service Award on this the Thirtieth day of January in the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Six.