Cheryl Donnelly

Cheryl Donnelly has dedicated her career to safeguarding lives through vaccination and enhancing the lives of individuals battling cancer worldwide. Currently serving as the Vice President of Global Vaccines Strategy & New Products at Merck & Co., Inc., Cheryl leads the strategic initiatives that enable vaccines to have a profound impact on public health both currently and in the future. 

Her contributions to the advancement of medicine, patient care, and equity have earned her recognition as a 2024 Luminary by the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association underscoring her commitment to making a positive difference in her field and her dedication to the betterment of society. Cheryl is a staunch advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and she actively drives transformational leadership and behavioral changes within the workplace. She serves as a mentor and ally to numerous individuals, both within and outside the pharmaceutical industry, empowering them to reach their full potential. 

Additionally, Cheryl serves as an Advisor on the Graduate Studies and Research Council at the University of Notre Dame. Cheryl earned her bachelor’s degree in international business at Villanova University and her MBA at Monmouth University. Her passion for learning and global education was ignited during her undergraduate years, when she had the life-changing experience of studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain, through CIEE.