Cheryl A. Branch, MS, CRC, PHR

Executive Director,  Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches

Cheryl Branch is a seasoned community leader dedicated to empowering underserved communities in Southern California. Her passion for creating positive change has made her a visionary strategist and catalyst for urban development. With a career spanning over three decades, Cheryl has been a driving force in uplifting communities of color. Her journey, which began in Southern California, has been enriched by her educational pursuits that took her across the globe. From Cambridge University in England to earning a Master's in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University, Cheryl's global experiences have complemented her solid foundation in public administration, which she achieved at USC. This unique blend equips her with the skills to tackle complex community challenges from a local and national perspective.

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Cheryl has become a leading voice in public policy formation, government relations, asset-based community development, and community participatory research. Her pioneering work in urban planning and addiction and behavioral health policy has garnered nationwide recognition, establishing her as a leading authority in these critical areas. Through her innovative co-design process framework, Cheryl has been instrumental in advancing health services, economic development, and educational opportunities through local, state, and federal projects as a trusted advisor to private businesses, nonprofits, and governmental agencies. With over three decades of experience, she has established herself as a visionary architect of positive urban development and social policy change. Her expertise in securing funding, building strategic partnerships, and implementing impactful programs has raised over $100 million for BIPOC communities in California. ​Cheryl's career is marked by her dedication to bridging policy and service. Her efforts have been pivotal in advancing health services, economic development policies, and educational opportunities for minority communities. Cheryl's passion for minority empowerment is evident in every project she undertakes. Her unique ability to forge partnerships across corporate, public, ecumenical, and community sectors has created collaborative models that are emulated nationwide. Her work in culturally competent health services and civic resource distribution has opened doors for countless individuals in urban communities, demonstrating her leadership and influence in these sectors.

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Cheryl's contributions extend beyond her professional endeavors. She is a published co-author of two textbooks currently used by California Alcohol and Drug Program Educators and UCLA's ISAP ATTC Program. Her love for backgammon, a strategic game, mirrors her approach to community development—thoughtful, strategic, and always forward-thinking.

Today, Cheryl Branch stands as one of the country's most recognized urban planning strategists and addiction and behavioral health policy practitioners. Her life's work has established corporate, public, ecumenical, community, and private participation levels modeled nationwide. Cheryl's latest endeavor, leading CRSSLA, an Accountable Community for Health initiative, is a testament to her commitment to creating systemic change. Working in partnership with community-based organizations (CBOs), lifelong community leaders, and trusted colleague organizations, she is spearheading efforts to establish a wellness fund dedicated to improving health outcomes for Black Californians in South Los Angeles. This innovative project aims to build a fair and equitable community for health by fostering deep community engagement, securing sustainable funding, and implementing holistic health programs. Cheryl's visionary leadership continues to pave the way for healthier, more equitable communities, proving that with dedication and strategic action, lasting positive change is achievable.

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