Preston Cherouny does not describe his career in terms of big wins or fast moves. He talks about patience. He talks about learning. And he talks about showing up every day and doing the work. That steady approach has shaped his path from a small town in Connecticut to a role as former Chief Operating Officer at St. John’s Church in Washington, DC.
“I’ve learned that success isn’t about speed,” Cherouny says. “It’s about clarity and consistency.”
Early Life and Education That Shaped His Thinking
Preston Cherouny was born in Atlanta in 1965, but he grew up in Canton, Connecticut after his family moved there in the early 1970s. He attended local schools before enrolling at Avon Old Farms School, where he graduated in 1984. The experience gave him structure and discipline at a young age.
He went on to attend Skidmore College, graduating in 1988 with a BA in American Studies. He also played a season on the college golf team, an activity that would later become a source of reflection and balance in his adult life.
“Golf taught me patience early on,” he says. “You can’t rush a shot, and you can’t force outcomes.”
Starting a Career and Moving to Washington, DC
After college, Cherouny began working in Connecticut. These early roles taught him the basics of responsibility and teamwork. In 1992, he moved to Washington, DC, a turning point both personally and professionally. One year later, he married his wife, Merrell, at St. John’s Church.
They later welcomed two children, Grace in 1997 and Hayden in 1999. Family became a central part of how Cherouny defined success.
“My family and friends are everything to me,” he says. “They keep me grounded when work gets complicated.”
Finding His Place at St. John’s Church
In 2017, Cherouny joined the staff at St. John’s Church as Financial Secretary. What started as a finance-focused role quickly expanded. He later served as Interim Parish Administrator and eventually became Chief Operating Officer.
His responsibilities grew to include operations, staffing, facilities, and financial oversight. But he says the most important part of the job is trust.
“People don’t expect you to know everything,” he explains. “They expect you to listen.”
Cherouny became known for taking time to understand problems before acting. He often walks the building, talks with staff, and asks questions before making decisions.
Leadership Style Rooted in Patience and Honesty
Cherouny does not separate leadership from personal values. He believes humility and honesty matter as much as technical skill.
“I failed big time earlier in my career,” he says. “The real success was accepting that failure, forgiving myself, and trying to do better.”
That experience changed how he leads. When mistakes happen, he focuses on learning rather than blame. This approach has helped teams feel more comfortable sharing ideas and concerns.
“People bring better ideas when they don’t feel judged,” he says.
How He Approaches Work and Productivity
Cherouny’s workday starts early. He values quiet mornings and writes down short- and long-term goals by hand. He believes writing slows the mind and sharpens focus.
“I write things down because it forces me to think clearly,” he says. “If I can’t explain it simply, I’m not ready to act on it.”
He blocks time for focused work but stays flexible. Church operations often require adjusting plans quickly, especially when unexpected issues arise.
Lessons from Golf and Community Involvement
Outside the office, Cherouny is an avid golfer and a member at the University of Maryland Golf Course. He sees the course as a place to reset.
“When I’m overwhelmed, I walk,” he says. “The course gives me space to think.”
He also believes in giving back. In 2025, he donated to Avon Old Farms School to support teacher housing and contributed to Friends of the University of Maryland to help maintain the golf course.
“These places shaped me,” he says. “Supporting them feels like the right thing to do.”
How He Defines Success Today
Cherouny’s view of success has evolved. It is no longer about titles or outcomes.
“Success is in the work,” he says. “When you’re focused on the process, the rest takes care of itself.”
He believes balance is essential. Without it, progress does not last.
“This balance is everything,” he says. “Without it, I know I would fail again.”
Cherouny’s career shows that leadership does not need to be loud to be effective. His impact comes from steady effort, reflection, and a clear sense of what matters most.
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