Cheryl Smith is a professional marketer, consultant, speaker and trainer. With 19 years of professional experience, she has amassed a toolbox of strategies and techniques for effective and efficient marketing communications for businesses, non-profits and the health care industry.  As a certified generational communications expert and customer service trainer, she has combined her marketing expertise with her knowledge of age diversity and generational influences in the marketplace.  The result is the development of Life Stage Marketing.

Her early career began in professional journalism writing for United Press International and the Peoria Journal Star.   She served as the director of marketing for multiple health care companies including Advocate Health care in Chicago and HCA Sunrise Health in Las Vegas.  In 2005, she founded Banyan Communications Group and presently serves as the company's president and managing partner.

Cheryl holds a Master of Arts in Public Affairs Reporting form the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication/Print Journalism from Western Illinois University.  She is also certified in Generational Communication by Louisana State University and is a trained facilitator of adult learning through Development Dimensions International.  She is a member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association; the American College of Healthcare Executives; the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development; the Forum for Healthcare Strategists; and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.