In this episode of A Seat at the Table: Conversations on Leadership, Equity and Innovation, Dr. Lynette Fraga hosts a conversation with Cheryl Oldham, the Senior Vice President of Education Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Vice President of the Center for Education and Workforce at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Together, they discuss Oldham’s professional journey, and how mentors have shaped the trajectories of their respective careers. Oldham offers insights on the national conversation around workforce development, and how COVID-19 has impacted how employers are reprioritizing the child care needs of their employees. Dr. Fraga and Oldham also discuss the workforce of tomorrow, and how public policy can play a role in creating significant change to support both the child care workforce and working families. 

About Cheryl Oldham:

Cheryl Oldham is the Senior Vice President of Education Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Vice President of the Center for Education and Workforce at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. In her current role, Oldham connects business leaders with education and training experts, helping them work together to strengthen the American workforce. 

Oldham has 20 years of experience in public policy development and government relations, including serving for 8 years in President George W. Bush’s administration, where she was chief of staff to the Under Secretary of Education and Acting Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education. During her time at the Department of Education, Oldham oversaw programs and policies, including vocational and adult education, postsecondary education, and federal student aid.  

Oldham started her career working in the Texas Office of State-Federal Relations in Washington, D.C., handling policy matters under the umbrella of health and human services. She then served in the White House as deputy associate director in the Office of Presidential Personnel and as associate director in the Office of Cabinet Affairs before moving to the Department of Education as White House Liaison in January 2003. 

Oldham lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her two sons, Jeffrey and Dylan. 


Subscribe to this special series of intimate interviews to hear how other leaders are creating space for all types of voices to be heard. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you stream. This podcast is a production of Child Care Aware® of America.  

Learn more at www.childcareaware.org/thetable.  

Music for A Seat at the Table is Retro Groovy by EightBallAudio.

Show Notes: 

• Learn more about the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/ 
• Explore the U.S. Chamber of Commerce America Works initiative: https://www.uschamber.com/america-works 
• How Child Care Resource & Referral agencies can partner with local Chambers
• https://info.childcareaware.org/blog/child-care-collaboration-foundational-support-for-the-workforce-of-tomorrow 
• Take action on child care in your community: https://www.childcareaware.org/our-issues/advocacy/take-action/