As a leader on Lockheed Martin’s Global Diversity & Inclusion team, Kern engages with the organization to advance diversity and inclusion in alignment with powering innovative solutions for Lockheed’s customers and driving business success.  

Kern has extensive experience in the manufacturing, distribution and consumer packaged goods industries. Prior to her D&I roles, Cheryl held roles of increasing responsibility in sales, general management, supplier diversity and employee engagement for Xerox, International Paper, Amway and Johnson Controls. Her professional experience includes leadership responsibility for customers such as GM, Eaton, Dow Chemical and Ford. Kern has experience in launching new start-up facilities and led minority business development joint venture strategies. 

A native of Michigan, Kern has been recognized as a Top Diversity Executive in Corporate America by Black Enterprise, is a Champion of Diversity Award recipient, has been honored with the Diversity Salute Award and was named one of 10 Top Global Leaders in Diversity and Inclusion by Diversity Global Magazine. Kern is a published thought leader and has spoken on regional diversity issues in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. 

Kern earned a BBA in Marketing from Western Michigan University and has participated in executive leadership programs at Tuck’s School of Business and Cornell University. She is married and has two daughters.