Cheryl met Vicci Rodgers during a luncheon in Chicago for the International Association of Business Communicators. The year was 1990 and Cheryl had just relocated to Chicago. Vicci had landed temporarily between whirlwind trips to clients around the country. She was weary and trying to determine how to juggle the challenges of her growing business. Cheryl listened astutely as Vicci talked about her most recent work, her “opportunities” and her need to find some qualified help. Boldly Cheryl said, “you need me.” The next thing Vicci knew, Cheryl was working herself into being the first full-time employee of The Rodgers Group. She also was working her way into Vicci’s life as a true confidant, business partner and friend.

They both graduated from the J-School at The University of Wisconsin-Madison. Having the same professors resulted in similar editorial marks and styles. But Cheryl’s attention to detail and organization couldn’t be matched. She was happy to let Vicci take the lead on client meetings, strategic direction and flying by the seat of her pants. Cheryl just kept the ship steady and the quality of work at top levels. They complemented each other at every turn. They depended on each other. And shared an unending trust.

Cheryl saw the company offices morph many times. She helped to interview and train an assortment of employees. She made decisions, along with Vicci, on what clients seemed like a good “fit” and what suppliers seemed worthy of our business. She bit her lip more than a few times about decisions Vicci made, but was always there, doing her job. When illness struck she continued to work. She didn’t want to lose that part of her identity and she never let down a client, or associate. She learned to juggle work and home, always putting her family first, as she should.

This web site tells much of Cheryl’s story as it relates to The Rodgers Group. She had a hand in every project and helped the firm earn a myriad of awards and recognition. She loved the approach to the site because she believed in the power of humor. Cheryl could laugh at herself and help all around her find a reason to take a lighter look at their own lives.

Cheryl will always be part of The Rodgers Group. Her presence remains in the outstanding work she completed, the relationships she forged and the respect she earned. We all are better because we knew her and are committed to staying the course as we move forward with the tools she shared and the love we will have for her always.

Here is more of Cheryl’s story …

Cheryl Posnansky (Twin Cities) and David Greene (Chicago) became best friends almost 18 years ago after being introduced by a mutual friend. Mike and Sharon Posnansky and younger brother, Neil, weren't thrilled to see Cheryl move south, but they were very happy to see her join David.

Cheryl, a writer/editor, and David, a lawyer, could debate on most subjects and find the right word for any situation, sentence or crossword puzzle. They cancelled each other out when they went to the polls and cheered on different Big 10 teams (Badgers vs. Wildcats). Their love for each other and for their daughters, Emily (12) and Miranda (9) was unconditional.

Cheryl was by far one of the Univ. of Wisconsin's finest examples of the consummate writer and editor. When it came to getting the story straight, organizing the information and making certain the grammar was dead on, you wanted Cheryl on your team. She spent a little time as a communicator at Josten's and Piper Jaffrey before relocating to Chicago (for David) and joining The Rodgers Group where she was a senior associate for the past 17 years.

Being good at what she did professionally was important to Cheryl, but it never came ahead of her role as a wife and mother. Whether it was organizing a carpool, scheduling doctors' appointments, planning a party or sleepover, going to see a dance or theatrical performance or just walking to the bus stop, Cheryl was happy.

Her faith was solid and she shared this with Emily and Miranda, and all others who wanted to learn. She respected and followed the Jewish traditions and the girls' Hebrew education works hand-in-hand with their regular schoolwork. She made it a point to know their teachers and took an active role in their schools. She also knew how important it was to take time to bake cookies, read a story, fix a photo album or stay in touch with a friend.

Cheryl didn't have to be the leader, even though she was generally the most knowledgeable and capable one in any situation. She was a team player. She supported her family and friends. She knew what was important when it came to making a difference in the lives of others.

She loved chocolate. Hated green vegetables. Grew to appreciate her mini-van. Enjoyed going to Las Vegas (or anywhere special) with David. Waited with anticipation for the family's annual trip to Michigan. Always bought the right gift or card. And seemed to come up with the perfect one-liner for any situation. Her humor was unique and memorable.

Cheryl made the most of each day, but she was nowhere near being done with her ever-present list of goals and to-dos. She wasn't going to let cancer stop her. She didn't have time for it. She beat it twice, when all odds were against her. Her final battle was the toughest of all.

Cheryl is resting now. Her pain is gone. But the essence of Cheryl will live on through Emily and Miranda and each life she has touched in her 44 years with us. Now it is up to those who knew and loved her to make the most of the gifts she has shared.

To read more about Cheryl, visit Our Personal Sides. You also can visit www.caringbridge.org and look for the pages on Cheryl Greene. This site is a place where you can share thoughts with Cheryl’s family, friends and loved ones. You can send messages to members of The Rodgers Group, or Cheryl’s family, by email: vicci@therodgersgroup.com

Cheryl was a passionate advocate in the cause of ovarian cancer awareness, research and care. She vigorously led “Team Greene” during the annual “Walk for the Whisper” fundraising event. Memorial donations may be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Illinois Division, P.O. BOX 3455, Lisle, IL 60532.