Brian Reid has had an especially busy year. After starting a new job at CAPTRUST Financial Advisors at the end of August, he went on to receive two major community volunteerism awards within the next two months.

In September, the Cary Chamber of Commerce named Reid Cary's Citizen of the Year. In October, the Wake County Board of Commissioners presented Reid with a Commissioners' Award for Volunteer Service. He was one of only seven volunteers recognized by Wake County.

Juggling the activities of his five children, his full-time job and volunteer commitments at the Cary Chamber of Commerce, Cary YMCA, Rotary Club and other nonprofits is no easy feat. Reid said it helps to have the support of his wife, Cheryl, a physical therapist.

People who have worked with Reid and seen him in action describe him as passionate about volunteering. Diane Hillsgrove, the Cary YMCA branch executive director, said, "What impresses me about Brian is his desire to make sure that all children have opportunities." Reid agreed he chooses volunteer projects that have a long-term effect on children.

Q: How do you choose which organizations to support with your time and energy?

A: Volunteering is a big commitment, but I've been fortunate to be introduced to organizations that have honed my skills in a professional and personal way. One of the projects close to my heart is the We Build People campaign, which is a drive to raise funds for both children and adults who might not otherwise be able to afford the YMCA's services. My dad was in Vietnam, and my mom was a secretary, so when I was young, I was the recipient of one of those scholarships.

Q: Why is the Cary YMCA so important to you?

A: Cary is known as a very affluent community. But there is a fairly high percentage of the population that doesn't have access to services we take for granted. We also have some people in our area who make a lot of money but don't want to share it. I believe it is our job to help those who can't help themselves. ...

I got involved in the YMCA's Camp High Hopes, a fully subsidized summer day camp. You can see the results. The kids who go through our program have better results on tests by 20-plus percentage points.

Q: You moved to Cary in 1998. What are some of the other organizations you have helped?

A: I am the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Cary Rotary Club, where I have fun fining people a dollar (which goes into Rotary Club funds) for silly things like having the worst tie, being late for a meeting or having an embarrassing moment.

I was on the Poe Center Board until about a year ago. I am involved in the Capital Area Soccer League Board, because I have three children who are still very active in soccer. I am helping Dorcas with its capital campaign. I help out at St. Michael's; three of my five children go to school there. And I am involved in Cary Visual Arts. There are so many great organizations. I try to sign on for one-, two- or three-year commitments and then give back to another organization. But my constants are the Chamber, Rotary and YMCA.