Cheryl is a senior public sector executive with more than 25 years’ experience across emergency services, local and state government, and military service. She has extensive expertise in governance, risk, organisational reform, disaster and climate resilience, and the delivery of major programs and emergency-services infrastructure. Throughout her career, she has led multi-agency disaster response and recovery operations, working closely with volunteers and communities across Queensland, alongside board service 3across community, education and not-for-profit organisations.

Cheryl is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds post-graduate qualifications in strategic leadership and public sector management, a Bachelor of Arts, and formal qualifications in emergency management and project management. She was awarded the Emergency Service Medal in 2021.