Kim Sporrer, a senior public relations account executive at Strategic America, gives a lot of time and energy to public service, but she says the payoff is more than worth the effort. Sporrer, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, spent 10 years working for the American Heart Association.

“Working for a non-profit makes your realize how good it feels to help people,” she said.

Then, the American Heart Association had a national restructuring and consolidated its 50 affiliates into 15.

“My position was eliminated,” Sporrer said. “I was offered a position in Topeka, but I didn’t want to relocate. After working at a non-profit, it was difficult to break out and do other things, but I wanted to expand my career.”

Sporrer landed a position at Strategic America, where she works with the media and performs issues management for clients such as Polk County, the Iowa Events Center project and the Iowa Department of Economic Development.

“It changes every day, and I love the challenge of helping clients to promote themselves and tell others about the great things they’re involved in,” she said.

Sporrer says using her professional skills for good causes continually refreshes her passion for her work.

“It’s amazing how beneficial you can be by sharing your skills and how much you get back for your volunteerism,” she said. “I’m lucky to work for a company that really supports that.”

Sporrer’s work, both professional and volunteer, has been getting notice. In 1999, she received the Extra Mile volunteer recognition award from the Heartland chapter of the American Heart Association, and in 2002 the United Way of Central Iowa gave her its Outstanding Volunteer award for her work with Mentor Iowa.

She has also received several awards from professional organizations, such as the Advertising Professionals of Des Moines. She says the high quality of her clients stimulates her to provide high-quality service.

“I have great clients, which is probably why I’m still here after four years,” Sporrer said. “Most people only last two years in an advertising agency setting. We give as much as we can to benefit the clients. It’s not for everyone. What matters most to me is working in a challenging environment with clients who are trying to make a difference.”