Cheryl Birch

Background

About Cheryl Birch

After Graduating in 1980 from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Cheryl returned to her hometown of Sacramento, California to practice public accounting at the then “Big-8” firm, Ernst & Whinney. Intrigued by the developments in the world of microcomputers, Cheryl entered UCLA’s MBA program in 1983 to study Management Information Systems. UCLA’s exposure to the bright lights of Hollywood rekindled Cheryl’s interest in the Entertainment Industry, and upon graduation, Cheryl joined MCA Inc/Universal Studio’s network television division. As a member of the Business Affairs Department, Cheryl negotiated deals for such popular series as “Murder, She Wrote,” “Coach,” and “Quantum Leap.” In 1984, after some of the key management team moved to Paramount Pictures, Cheryl joined Paramount’s network television division as a Vice President of Business Affairs, negotiating deals on the popular “Star Trek” series, “JAG,” and “Wings.” Attracted at the opportunity to combine Hollywood and High-Tech, Cheryl joined mentor Richard Lindheim at the University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies, where she serves as Chief Financial Officer and Director of Finance, Administration, and Personnel. Cheryl has always been motivated by her belief that one person truly can make a difference. She co-founded the national nonprofit organization, Compassion in Action, which is dedicated to the mission that no one need die alone. Through that organization, volunteers are recruited, trained, and placed at the bedsides of the terminally ill. Specialties: Negotiations with sponsors and producers of both entertainment projects and federally funded research projects, covering price, intellectual property issues, guild and regulatory issues. Non-profit start-up from establishment of the entity to creation of the administrative and financial support practices and systems.