Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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CHERYL PAVELLA

Summary

Experienced communications and education support professional with a B.A. from the University of Michigan. Diverse background in public education, nonprofit leadership, and government policy work. Skilled in evaluating academic materials, managing sensitive documents, and distilling complex information with clarity and fairness. Solid understanding of high school transcripts, grading systems, and standardized test coordination from a decade of school-based experience. Strong written communication, policy analysis, and editorial skills. Enthusiastic about supporting Boston University's holistic, student-centered admissions process.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience

Work History

Administrative Support (Media Clerk)

Wando High School – Charleston County School District
09.2014 - Current
  • Support students and faculty in a busy high school media center with over 3,000 students.
  • Assist with locating academic resources, managing circulation, and maintaining a welcoming learning environment.
  • Proctor standardized exams including ACT, SAT, and AP, ensuring adherence to testing protocols.
  • Offer general guidance to students regarding course selection tools and college resources, including transcript access.
  • Maintain accuracy in handling academic records and sensitive student information.
  • Promote access to information and student engagement through organizational and digital tools.

Development Director / Office Administrator

New Jersey Health Decisions
05.1995 - 01.2000
  • Led grant research, proposal writing, and donor development for a nonprofit focused on healthcare ethics and policy.
  • Wrote and edited fundraising materials, event materials, and reports for foundations and public stakeholders.
  • Planned public conferences and educational forums in coordination with medical and academic institutions.
  • Managed operations and supported board-level communications and governance.

Executive Assistant & Policy Advisor

State of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection
09.1991 - 05.1995
  • Served as executive assistant and policy advisor to the Assistant Commissioner for Policy and Planning.
  • Conducted research and drafted policy memos, white papers, and correspondence for state leadership.
  • Liaised with stakeholders, advocacy groups, and the public on environmental issues and planning initiatives.
  • Prepared speeches and official statements for the Governor, DEP Commissioner, and senior leadership.
  • Coordinated multi-agency state and regional conferences and events, overseeing communication and logistics.

Director of Development / Assistant to the President

Center for Analysis of Public Issues
09.1987 - 09.1991
  • Oversaw all fundraising and public communications activities for a think tank producing a monthly magazine and TV series.
  • Authored direct appeals, promotional content, and grant proposals.
  • Coordinated logistics for workshops and roundtables on public issues.
  • Provided production support for monthly public affairs television show.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Economics

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI

Skills

  • Effective written communication
  • Experience with transcript evaluation
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Effective time management
  • Records confidentiality management
  • Policy research and analysis
  • Content editing
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office/Google Suite
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Multimedia content creation

Timeline

Administrative Support (Media Clerk)

Wando High School – Charleston County School District
09.2014 - Current

Development Director / Office Administrator

New Jersey Health Decisions
05.1995 - 01.2000

Executive Assistant & Policy Advisor

State of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection
09.1991 - 05.1995

Director of Development / Assistant to the President

Center for Analysis of Public Issues
09.1987 - 09.1991

Bachelor of Arts - Economics

University of Michigan
CHERYL PAVELLA