As an Associate Vice President and SME with KEES, Cheryl Lee brings the combination of executive leadership, strategic vision, operational expertise, and relationship-building skills that brings an unparalleled depth of expertise to executive search and consulting to public health agencies, private nonprofit health centers (FQHC, CHC, CMHC, etc.), and health-related associations. She has achieved success in complex, mission-driven organizations through growth, transformation, and periods of significant change while maintaining a steadfast focus on people, outcomes, and organizational sustainability.

In her full-time role, Cheryl serves as Public Health Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the Whiteside County Health Department and Community Health Clinic, where she provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for a comprehensive public health agency, Federally Qualified Health Center, and county animal control department.

A respected public health leader with more than 30 years of experience, Cheryl’s career spans local, state, and federal public health systems, as well as academic medicine. Her broad perspective and deep expertise in public health administration have positioned her as a trusted leader focused on improving health outcomes, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing equitable access to healthcare services.

Cheryl is passionate about the health and well-being of the communities she serves and is dedicated to building sustainable systems that promote healthier, more resilient communities.

Her life’s proudest accomplishment is four amazing children, one having a rare genetic syndrome. She has become a local and visible advocate for the special needs community. Ms. Lee serves on the Board of Education for her district high school, and a member of the Rock Falls Rotary and a charter Board of Director for Connected Communities, a tri-county not-for-profit focusing on connecting resources to address Social Determinants of Health. Ms. Lee also serves Special Needs Ministry at her church. She holds a Master of Science in Community Health and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.