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Cheryl Procter-Rogers is an award-winning PR and business strategist, currently serving as executive coach and associate director for Ernst & Young's Americas Coaching Practice. In this role, she offers personalized coaching and thought leadership to partners, principals, and managing directors at the firm.

Cheryl is recognized as a subject matter expert, having designed and executed strategies in crisis communications, strategic planning, change management, internal communications, and media relations. She is a trusted advisor and coach to C-Suite executives, guiding them through ambiguous and volatile environments to enhance their leadership effectiveness. Her coaching approach focuses on leadership development, corporate presence, personal branding, effective communication, work-life balance, career transitions, and time management challenges. She assists executives in creating actionable plans for both personal and organizational growth.

Previously, Cheryl served as a senior consultant and executive coach at her own firm, A Step Ahead PR Consulting and Coaching. Here, she developed and implemented strategies, advising clients on crisis and executive communications, strategic planning, change management, leadership effectiveness, and business strategy. Cheryl also conducted media training and facilitated board retreats, boasting a remarkable record of coaching over 1,200 C-Suite executives.

Over the span of 44 years, Cheryl has cultivated a remarkable portfolio, working with top executives and Fortune 100 companies during her tenures at DePaul University, Home Box Office (HBO), Nielsen Marketing Research, and Golden State Mutual. As a consultant and coach, she has collaborated with recognized brands such as Coca-Cola, Nissan, Allstate, McDonald's, McCain Foods, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and Magellan Corporation.

Cheryl's contributions to the field are extensive. She was the 2006 National President and CEO of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the profession's leading organization with over 30,000 members. Cheryl holds the distinction of being the first African American woman to achieve the PRSA Accredited Public Relations credential in Los Angeles, and the youngest nationally. She remains the youngest member inducted into PRSA's College of Fellows. Additionally, she received PRSA's prestigious 2011 Gold Anvil award, the highest recognition presented to one professional each year, acknowledging significant contributions to the profession and setting high standards for public relations practice. Cheryl's reputation extends beyond her awards; she has been recognized as one of the top 20 executive coaches in Chicago.

Cheryl's impact reaches far beyond her current roles. She has contributed to a dozen public relations and coaching books, frequently sharing her expertise in media interviews, podcasts, and articles related to business strategy, public relations, and executive coaching.

Cheryl has authored over 100 articles. Her insights are featured in the following books: "Ethical Voices: Practicing Public Relations with Integrity" by Mark W. McClennan and "Diverse Voices: Profiles in Leadership" by Shelley Spector. She has also authored chapters for various publications, including "Perspectives IX: Readiness in Executive Coaching," "Managing Public Relations: Methods and Tools" by Dr. Peter Smudde (two editions), "No Mulligans Allowed: Strategically Plotting Your Public Relations Course" by Dr. Gayle Pohl (two editions), "Public Relations: The Profession and the Practice" by Dr. Dan Lattimore et al, "Souls of My Sisters" by Dawn Lewis and Candace Sandy (two editions), and PR News' "Crisis Management Guidebook."

Cheryl holds the prestigious International Coaching Federation Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential, a distinction shared by a little more than 1,400 worldwide. She currently serves on the editorial board of "Choice," a magazine for professional coaches, is secretary/treasurer for the International Coaching Federation's Global Enterprise Board, and serves on the board of trustees for Bradley University.

Cheryl earned her B.S. degree from Bradley University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and an M.A. degree from DePaul University. Cheryl Procter-Rogers stands as a distinguished figure in the realms of coaching, public relations, and leadership development, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and the professionals she has touched.