Christal M. Cherry is a nationally recognized nonprofit consultant, speaker, author, and board leadership expert with over 25 years of experience igniting change across higher education, human services, and faith-based organizations.
She brings dynamic energy and deep expertise to every engagement, having worked with powerhouse clients like Boys and Girls Club of America, YWCA USA, Emory University, the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, United Negro College Fund, and Georgia CASA.
As the Founder of The Board Pro, Christal partners with CEOs, board chairs, and nonprofit leaders to build inclusive, high-performing boards. Her electrifying style and sharp strategies empower organizations to govern with clarity, courage, and compassion.
Christal earned a BA from Hofstra University, an MA from Hampton University, and multiple credentials in nonprofit leadership, coaching and consulting through BoardSource. In May 2025, she completed her certification in Philanthropic Advising, further cementing her commitment to transformative giving and equity in philanthropy.
Christal serves on the boards of several Atlanta-based nonprofits and is the proud Founder and Chair of F3: Fabulous Female Fundraisers Inc. Her voice has been featured in national podcasts, conferences, and publications, including Collecting Courage, a groundbreaking anthology on racism in fundraising. Christal is also a published author of a children’s book series. Mac and Cheez, Being Different is Okay was published in 2021 and Mac and Cheez: I Love Being Adopted in November 2024.
She lives in Atlanta with her son, Mac, and their beloved pup, Charlie—continuing to advocate for bold leadership and joyful service in every corner of the nonprofit world.
At The Board Pro, we believe that the most successful organizations are powered by visionary leaders and strong, supportive boards working in partnership to create meaningful change in the world.
We believe that strong boards partner with CEOs and staff to shape thoughtful, community-centered decisions. At The Board Pro, our mission is to coach and train nonprofit boards to tap into their individual and collective strengths in service of the missions they champion.
Through personalized consulting, we tailor every training and coaching experience to the unique needs of each client. Whether you need:
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One-on-one executive coaching
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Board refresher on roles and responsibilities
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Help with onboarding and culture
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A smart recruitment strategy
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Deep-dive training to assess performance, or
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Ideas to re-ignite your fundraising momentum—The Board Pro is here to guide, counsel, and facilitate the right engagement experience that fits your budget and fuels your impact.
My extensive DEI experience, encapsulated in "Planting the Seeds for Change: A Journey Towards DEI for Boards," can help boards identify blind spots, assess their composition, and recruit and prepare members to engage in collaborative behaviors. This approach fosters a culture of change and creates environments where everyone feels welcomed.
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