Cheryl has over 25 years experience working in central government, including leadership roles in economic, fiscal, and environmental policy. She received a Public Service Medal in 2022 for her leadership role in the COVID-19 pandemic response. Cheryl founded and runs a professional organising business in Wellington as well as doing voluntary work in the local community.

She started as a volunteer food sorter at Kaibosh, and joined the board after experiencing first-hand the important work being done for both the environment and food security. Cheryl has two teenage daughters.