Cheryl Mason

The Honorable Cheryl L. Mason is a strategic executive, consultant, motivational speaker, and thought leader. She served as the fourth Presidentially appointed Senate-confirmed and the first woman and military spouse Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) at the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

With over 30 years of dedicated federal service, coupled with her role as a USAF military spouse, Ms. Mason held various challenging positions in the legal and administrative domains. Her accomplishments include establishing an educational program for service members and their families in Germany, managing a diverse range of USAFE support programs encompassing contracts, personnel, budget, and IT, and spearheading a large-scale complex legal operation at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Throughout her career, she has earned a well-deserved reputation as an inspiring and relational leader, placing utmost importance on her team, their families, and the successful accomplishment of their mission.

At Catalyst Leadership Management, Ms. Mason offers consultancy and training on VA practices, leadership strategies, and workforce transformation. As a keynote and TEDx speaker, she shares insights on leadership and overcoming obstacles. She’s a guest author in online journals and has been quoted on leadership, workforce strategies, and veteran and military spouse issues. Her book, Dare to Relate: Leading with a Fierce Heart, highlights the importance of strong work relationships.

Ms. Mason earned her BA in Political Science and Psychology from Ohio Northern University and her JD from Creighton University School of Law. She is the spouse of a retired USAF veteran and serves on various boards in the nonprofit and corporate sectors.