About Cheryl

Cheryl Baswell Guthrie grew up in Huntsville and has raised her family and built her small business here. Cheryl’s desire to serve the residents of North Alabama run deep. Her grandfather, Edward deGraffenried , represented Alabama in the United States Congress. Her father, Avery Baswell, Jr., served in Huntsville as an engineer in missile defense for over twenty years. Her mother, Grace deGraffenried Baswell taught in the Huntsville Public School System for more than twenty years.

Cheryl attended Mountain Gap Elementary School and graduated from Grissom High School in 1978. She holds a degree in Finance from Lindwood College in St. Charles, Missouri and law degree with Magna Cum Laude Honors from South Texas College of Law. She returned to Huntsville from law school to build several successful businesses and to serve the community that was her childhood home.

Cheryl’s family and faith play central roles in her life. Cheryl is married to Retired U.S. Coast Guard Officer Rusty Guthrie, and has one son, Rylan Guthrie, who is a college student at Mercer University seeking an engineering degree. She and her family are active members of Willowbrook Baptist Church in Huntsville.

The Huntsville Times says, “Republican Cheryl Baswell Guthrie has worked tirelessly to help local faith groups...” Cheryl volunteers with nearly a dozen Christian and non-profit organizations in the region, including founding “Passion in Action,” a group that pairs local senior citizens with children in need of mentoring in addition to helping Christian organizations get access to grants and scholarships. She also has worked with local several Northwest Huntsville churches to establish senior centers.

Cheryl has a keen insight into the needs and pressures of the small business world. Aside from owning several small businesses, Cheryl has extensive experience in a number of industries, including finance, real estate, health care, new business development, and law. She currently practices law in Huntsville, and also serves as Director for nearly a dozen profit and nonprofit corporations.