Cheri Bone
Cheri Bone is a highly experienced broadcast operations professional with over 24 years under her belt, having worked with seven major television networks across various U.S. markets. Her career showcases a profound expertise in areas such as broadcast master control, media management, programming and sales scheduling, as well as leadership in broadcast operations. From live sports to entertainment specials and significant news coverage, Cheri has adeptly managed high-stakes, live events that require precision, composure under pressure, and technical prowess.
Throughout her career, she has focused extensively on live sports broadcast operations, serving as a Master Control Operator for major sporting leagues and international events, including professional basketball, football, baseball, hockey, soccer, and various global sports programming. Cheri has hands-on experience with numerous broadcast automation systems and creative tools, effectively blending operational discipline with a strong grasp of post-production workflows. Her knack for seamlessly merging technical systems, sponsor requirements, compliance standards, and creative execution has established her as a trusted leader in fast-paced broadcasting settings.
Currently, Cheri serves as the Manager of Program Operations at a PBS affiliate in Pensacola, Florida, where she oversees programming, traffic, scheduling, reporting, and on-air execution, often juggling various roles typical of a small but impactful station. Beyond her contributions to broadcast television, she is passionately involved in community service as the founder and president of a nonprofit organization dedicated to local engagement, charitable initiatives, and food distribution. With a foundation of faith, collaboration, and resilience, Cheri continues to seek new opportunities with enthusiasm, creativity, and a deep commitment to excellence in both her professional and community-focused endeavors.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cheri loves the world she lives in, including its culture and natural beauty. She has a thirst for travel and has visited over 14 countries, acquiring more than 40 stamps in her passport.
When Cheri was 25, she began working at a nonprofit organization in Belize called Boneafide Student Aid. Her parents joined as the only volunteer board members. Not knowing exactly what she was doing, she reached out to her direct spheres of influence: her workplace at the Fox Sports Networks Operations Center and her school, The Art Institute of Houston. She asked both organizations if they had any computers they would consider donating to the Stann Creek and Punta Gorda districts in Belize. To her surprise, both offices had just upgraded their desktop computers, resulting in a total of 86 working and vetted computers being donated. Her coworker, Quinton Boutee, covered the shipping costs through the Father's Christian Alliance. It felt like a miracle! That’s enough for 5 to 6 computer labs! Just think of the impact this had! All it took was one person to say, "I WILL TRY to connect the dots"
After her father passed away during the COVID era, Cheri felt compelled to TRY HARDER to make a meaningful impact in her direct community again. I knew I was good at party planning, having fun, and having new experiences! So I innovated these things into new ideas!
She founded and now leads a local nonprofit organization in Pensacola called KeyGulls Corp, which is dedicated to community service, charitable events, and food distribution.
KeyGulls Corporation
Established on October 13, 2021, KeyGulls Corporation is classified as a public charity under 501(c)(3) (#87-3145913) and operates as a mobile agency for Feeding the Gulf Coast (#MP-5768).
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to serve Perdido Key by organizing events, fundraisers, and volunteer work to improve the community. This includes creating our own charitable projects and programs, as well as partnering with existing organizations.
KeyGulls has successfully created several annual community events and charitable initiatives, and we are looking to partner with others to expand our impact even further! Some of our notable fundraising events include:
- Perdido Key Witches & Werewolves Halloween Paddle Ride & Bar Crawl
- Lost Key Krewe :Perdido’s new Mardi Gras Krewe, featuring six parades and multiple parties each year
- KeyGulls Giving Back: A Feeding the Gulf Coast Drive-Thru, where we have purchased and distributed over 53,000 pounds of food within our village.
- Big Lagoon Scallop Search: A citizen science research collaboration with Florida Sea Grant, the University of Florida, and NOAA
- WSRE-PBS TV Festival of Trees
We are always open to new collaborative partnerships to further our mission of "Partying for a Purpose in Perdido Key"
• The Art Institute of Houston - Applied Science of Video Production
• Featured in 100 Most Influential People of Pensacola
• Feeding the Gulf Coast (Mobile Pantry Agency #5768)
• KeyGulls Corporation - Founder
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success primarily to God, curiosity, and courage. I believe these qualities are ingrained in our DNA. While I'm not exactly sure where our natural drive originates, I think we all possess unique gifts in various areas. It’s important to identify and pursue what you are naturally talented at. I'm not claiming to know everything, but I can use my skills and knowledge to make a difference where I am now.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"Reach for the Stars, and you Might Land Among the Moon".
When I was young and attended the Art Institute of Houston—back when email didn’t even exist—I saw a notice printed about an internship with National Geographic Television. I decided to apply, and to my surprise, I was contacted by National Geographic Television and selected for the position! This experience taught me an important lesson: even if something seems like a far-fetched idea and you think you might not be chosen, it’s still worth trying. That’s where the idea comes from—reach for the stars and you might just find yourself among the moon. When you see an opportunity, go for it. You never know, you might just get picked.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you feel inspired, pursue it! Let your creativity shine and don't allow anyone's treatment of you affect your inner attitude or inner guidance to follow your dreams!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges: In 2025, the loss of national funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, combined with reductions in Florida state funding and the withdrawal of local support from State College, resulted in the first closure of a PBS affiliate station in Pensacola, WSRE, after 58 years.
Opportunities: At the same time, the industry's shift from traditional linear cable to digital on-demand and live-streaming platforms offers an exciting opportunity to adapt broadcast operations skills to new media environments.
I'd like combine my professional & personal skills to produce an amazing show one day!
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I have a deep appreciation for corporations and organizations that prioritize employee development by offering training programs that foster personal growth and promote a healthy work-life balance. Encouraging interdepartmental collaboration significantly contributes to a productive and positive work atmosphere.
On a personal level, I like to keep things lighthearted and have fun, and some people even say I have a knack for bringing people together.