Cherie Buckner-Webb

Cherie Buckner-Webb, a fifth generation Idahoan, chose to effect change in a new arena by running for public office in 2010. She was elected to the Idaho legislature and served for ten years until her retirement; two years in the Idaho House of Representatives and eight years in the Idaho Senate. Cherie was the first African American to elected to serve in the Idaho legislature. Her message in the Statehouse reflects the same collaborative and visionary goals she emphasizes in the entirety of her life and work.

Cherie is the founder and principal of Sojourner Coaching, a consultancy focused on organizational development and executive coaching. Her professional background includes positions in banking, business management, social work, timber and wood products operations, sales and marketing, human resources, diversity and inclusion, e-commerce, organizational and leadership development, human resources and operations. In addition, Cherie is a talented vocalist who shares the gift of song internationally, an author and frequent contributor to local publications.

Cherie’s credo, “leave a legacy,” underscores her work in every area of activity and to that end she donates countless hours to a variety of community organizations. Cherie is a founding member of the Idaho Black History Museum, and she serves on the boards of the Andrus Center for Public Policy, Wassmuth Center, Women and Children’s Alliance, College of Western Idaho and Blue Cross of Idaho Care Plus. Previously, Cherie served on the State of Idaho Mental Health Advisory Council and the boards of Planned Parenthood, St. Paul Baptist Church, Girl Scouts of the Silver Sage, Junior League of Boise, St. Luke’s Hospital’s Woman’s Forum, Idaho Commission on the Arts, Boise State Foundation and Northwest Area Foundation. 

Her leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Governor’s Award in the Arts, Zion’s Bank Civic Leadership Award, Gandi-King-Ikeda Award, Idaho Historical Society Esto Perpetua Award, Idaho Business Review ICON Award, College of Idaho President’s Medallion and Cherie Buckner-Webb Park in the City of Boise.

Cherie holds a B.S. in management and organizational leadership from George Fox University and a Master of Social Work in management/community planning/social work administration from Northwest Nazarene University.