A 35-year resident of Baton Rouge, Cheryl has more than 30 years of experience in and around Louisiana state government. She is highly respected throughout the state and Washington DC. Through a genuine and consistent work ethic, she has built an impressive reputation among legislators, regulators and her clientele. Cheryl’s first government position was with the Division of Administration (the management arm of the governor’s office) as a confidential assistant to the Commissioner. Her last state position was as Special Assistant Commissioner. After the governor’s office, Cheryl spent 15 years with a local law firm in their Governmental Relations department. In this position she managed client issues, worked with six other lobbyists and oversaw the firm’s PAC and political contributions. In addition to her role as a principal at Capitol Partners, she continues to run her own consulting firm, CMC & Associates. She serves as CEO for LCTA - The Internet & Television Association. Cheryl is a passionate art collector, historic preservationist and fund raiser. She, her husband Derrell Cohoon and their two Golden Doodles live in a home built in 1896 that they restored in Baton Rouge. A few fun facts about Cheryl: she received the "Best Teen Dancer Award" from Dick Clark while she was a Miss Teenage America contestant. She later toured the world as a professional singer and dancer before coming to Louisiana.