Prior to joining the Dallas Regional Chamber, Cheves led Southern Methodist University’s efforts in fundraising, marketing, communications, and community engagement. He spearheaded SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow—a $1.656 billion campaign that surpassed its goal three years early and stands among the largest in Texas higher education history. Cheves also directed SMU Unbridled: The Second Century Campaign and helped secure the George W. Bush Presidential Center for the SMU campus.

Earlier, he served as Vice President for Advancement and Public Affairs at Pepperdine University, where he created the university’s first Office of Marketing and modernized its advancement operations.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cheves is deeply involved in civic life across North Texas. He serves on the boards of Broadway Dallas, the Dallas Assembly, the Dallas Council on Foreign Relations, the Texas Lyceum, the Circle Ten Council of Scouting America, and the Honorary Board and Men’s Advocacy Group of New Friends New Life. He is also an elder at the Preston Road Church of Christ.

A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Cheves earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from Abilene Christian University and a Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and has worked with the Texas State Legislature.