Christal Cherry

hristal M. Cherry is a nationally recognized nonprofit consultant, board leadership expert, speaker, and author with more than 25 years of experience advancing effective governance, equity-centered leadership, and philanthropic impact. As the founder of The Board Pro, Christal partners with nonprofit CEOs, executive directors, and board chairs to build high-performing boards that lead with clarity, accountability, and purpose.
Her work spans higher education, human services, and faith-based organizations. Christal has worked with national and community-based institutions including Boys & Girls Clubs of America, YWCA USA, Emory University, Habitat for Humanity, United Negro College Fund, Georgia CASA, and the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation. She is known for pairing practical governance strategy with values-driven counsel that moves boards from intention to action.
Through The Board Pro, Christal specializes in board recruitment, governance training, executive coaching, fundraising strategy, and equity-focused board development. Her approach emphasizes inclusive leadership, authentic belonging, and shared power between boards and executive leadership—supporting organizations as they govern more effectively while remaining grounded in community impact.

Christal is also the founder and board chair of F3: Fabulous Female Fundraisers, Inc., a national nonprofit network supporting women of color in fundraising leadership. Under her leadership, F3 has grown into a trusted space for professional development, mentorship, and peer support across the nonprofit sector.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University, a master’s degree from Hampton University, and multiple credentials in nonprofit leadership, coaching, and board governance through BoardSource. In May 2025, Christal completed her certification in Philanthropic Advising, further strengthening her expertise in ethical and equitable giving practices.

Christal is a featured voice at national conferences, podcasts, and leadership forums, and a contributor to Collecting Courage, an anthology examining racism in fundraising. She is also a published children’s book author, including the Mac and Cheez series, which celebrates identity, family, and belonging.
Based in Atlanta, Christal serves on multiple nonprofit boards and continues her work advocating for strong governance, courageous leadership, and joyful service across the nonprofit and philanthropic sector.