our mission is to:
Empower.
The Cory Holt Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 organization. Our mission is ‘dedicated to changing communities and uplifting the youth through Education, Recreation and Outreach. We aim to have each youth we serve be inspired, educated and empowered through the programs and events we create and expose them to’.
About Me
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention."
- Oscar Wilde
Cory Holt is a strategic HR leader and community advocate with a passion for youth mentorship and healthcare transformation. Originally from Lexington, NC, Cory is a proud graduate of Lexington Senior High School. After high school, he attended Hargrave Military Academy before continuing his education at Virginia Tech University, where he earned a B.S. in Apparel Housing Resource Management. As a four-year letterman on the football team, he contributed to three ACC Championship victories. He later earned an MBA with a focus in Human Resources Management.
Now residing in Kernersville, Cory serves as Director, HR Business Partner at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, where he oversees strategic HR initiatives for North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Davie Medical Center, and High Point Medical Center.
Outside of work, Cory is deeply committed to community service and youth mentorship. He serves on the boards of the Charles and Julia England Foundation and Leadership Winston-Salem, and previously served on the board of Hospice of Davidson County. An alum of Leadership Winston-Salem, Cory is passionate about fostering youth development and community engagement. He also participates in the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation’s Diverse Mentorship Program. In this role, he collaborates with hospital executives across the state to create healthier communities.
Driven by his own positive experiences and a desire to give back, Cory founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, recreation, and outreach. He is an active member of Elevation Church in Winston-Salem, where he supports the eKidz service and participates in various outreach initiatives.
Cory continues to lead with purpose, driven by faith, family, and a commitment to building stronger, healthier communities.
Inspiration
Cory is very passionate about the youth and giving back to his community. He was fortunate growing up, to have his father to look up to as a male role model. As a kid, Cory was exposed to numerous opportunities that led him to having a successful career. Throughout his journey, he has seen the negative impact of those who did not have a positive role model, which drove him to start this foundation.
Cory is a proud father to his daughter, Cailyn. When they’re not off on an adventure, you can find them spending time at church or enjoying father-daughter dates—making memories and sharing laughs wherever they go.
Our Impact
The ‘Stay Lame’ Entrepreneur Scholarship
The ‘Stay Lame’ Entrepreneur Scholarship is given in memory of Antwan King. Cory and Antwan both graduated from Lexington Senior High School. Antwan went on to become CEO of 2 Deep Global Magazine and Stay Lame clothing apparel. He was passionate about many things, but none more important than his dedication to having a positive impact on the youth. ‘Stay Lame’ was Antwan’s way of telling people it’s okay to be YOU or “different”. The Cory Holt Foundation will be awarding this $1,000 scholarship to one Lexington Senior High School senior annually to honor Antwan’s ‘Stay Lame’ vision.
All applicants can pick up applications at the Lexington Senior High School front office or contact Cory Holt directly at thecholtfoundation@gmail.com.
Foundation Partnership
In March 2020, The Josh Bush Foundation and The Cory Holt Foundation joined forces to help raise money for each high school in the Davidson County district. The initial goal was to raise $10,000- distributing funds evenly between Lexington, Thomasville, North Davidson, South Davidson, East Davidson, West Davidson, Central Davidson, Oak Grove and Ledford High Schools. The two foundations jumpstarted the fundraising process by each donating $2,500. Combining this initial investment with the support from community contributions, Cory and Josh were able to deliver just over $1,000 to each high school. This financial support is put towards the school’s “emergency funds”, offering help to students who are in need.