Clifford Yee is a member and former chair of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism as well as the treasurer and former chair of the Virginia Service Foundation. He reflects, “I began serving on the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism in 2020 to deepen my commitment to civic engagement, eventually having the honor of chairing the Board from 2022-2024. One of the most rewarding aspects was working closely with staff to develop a new strategic plan, which included launching the Serve Virginia brand and the statewide Volunteer Honor Roll to better amplify volunteerism across the Commonwealth. I also serve with the Virginia Service Foundation, supporting efforts to strengthen capacity and sustain service initiatives across the Commonwealth. It’s been a privilege to help elevate the role of service in shaping stronger, more connected communities.”

Cliff’s journey into service and volunteerism began in his early years as a Boy Scout. He recalls, “Growing up, I learned that leadership and service go hand-in-hand. From organizing local food drives, fixing hiking trails, to taking on my Eagle Scout project, I was immersed in the idea that being part of a community means giving back to it. These early experiences taught me not just how to serve, but why service matters—it builds character, creates connection, and leaves things better than we found them.”

He adds, “One mantra that’s always guided my service is: “Leave it better than you found it.” It’s a simple idea rooted in my Scouting experience, but it applies to everything—from relationships and communities to organizations and systems. Whether I’m volunteering on a nonprofit Board, leading others on a service project, or just lending a hand, I try to make sure my presence contributes to lasting, positive change.”

Cliff’s commitment to service continued to be strengthened during college, through his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He recalls, “Our creed, The True Gentleman, served as a guiding principle in all we did—and for me, it became a personal compass. The True Gentleman calls us to be considerate, to think of the rights and feelings of others rather than our own, and to speak with sincerity and act with integrity. Those words weren’t just recited; they were lived out through our commitment to service. Whether we were raising funds for local charities, volunteering with youth organizations, or organizing campus-wide initiatives, I saw firsthand how service could be a reflection of character. These early experiences undergirded my belief that community leadership isn’t about recognition—it’s about responsibility. It’s about showing up for others, lifting people up when they need it, and using whatever influence you have to make a difference.”

Reflecting on the power of service and volunteerism, Cliff says, “One aspect of service and volunteerism that brings me hope is seeing how people from all walks of life come together around a shared purpose. No matter the differences in background, beliefs, or experiences, service has this incredible ability to unite communities and inspire collaboration. That collective spirit—neighbors showing up for one another, often without recognition—is a powerful reminder that real change starts at the local level, and that hope is built through action.”