With dozens of successful New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) transactions exceeding $1 billion in project value under her belt, Cheryl boasts more than 20 years of experience spearheading impactful development finance initiatives. This seasoned professional has empowered nonprofits, businesses, and community development entities across the United States by leveraging her expertise in tax credits like NMTCs and Historic Tax Credits, as well as financing tools like USDA loans, TIF (Tax Increment Financing), CPACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy), and other crucial federal, state and local programs.
Cheryl’s impressive track record includes securing some $5 billion in total financing, ranging from $5 million to more than $1 billion for individual projects. Her comprehensive skill set encompasses complex multi-incentive capital stack development, ensuring clients access to the resources they need to thrive. This expertise was honed during her tenure as partner and practice group leader at McAfee & Taft, Oklahoma’s top law firm. There, she played a pivotal role in closing the first NMTC transaction in Oklahoma and represented all parties involved in subsequent NMTC deals. Prior to that, Cheryl honed her legal acumen as a corporate associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison, assisting clients with mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and securities offerings.
Today, Cheryl leverages her extensive experience and legal background through Forked Pine Consulting, offering strategic guidance and project management support to clients navigating the intricacies of NMTCs, USDA OneRD “Twinned” Loans, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and other vital incentive programs. Her keen ability to build comprehensive capital stacks and locate optimal financing sources – coupled with her unwavering commitment to project success – has earned her numerous accolades. These include recognition as a Best Lawyer in America for real estate, project finance and securities/capital markets law, as well as Oklahoma’s Best Real Estate Lawyer in 2021.