Cindy, an ordained Anglican priest, has worked with Premier since it was first launched.
"When the letter arrived I thought it was a tax return!" she said. "I read the opening words and had to sit down with shock."
Cindy had a successful musical career, fronting the pop/folk group The Settlers. Their most successful record, 'The Lightning Tree' (theme tune of the British TV series Follyfoot), was a Top 40 hit in 1971.
She went on to host the forerunner of BBC Radio 2's Good Morning Sunday before venturing into commercial radio and pioneering religious broadcasting at LBC and Capital Radio in London.
During that time she presented programmes on Tyne Tees TV and ran the Media Awareness Project for the Mothers' Union, offering media training to the public, helping them to see through the spin in news and adverts.
In 1995, when Premier Christian Radio launched in London, Cindy was the first presenter to sign up and has since presented a variety of programmes including Premier Tonight, This is My Story, This is My Song and many more.
She then trained to become a priest-in-charge at St John the Apostle, Whetstone in London and recently retired from full-time ministry.
"There are so many people I know who deserve this honour more than me," she said. "I am so grateful to those who put me forward."
I hope I carry on working for Premier for a long time because it's become such a big part of my life. How amazing that I can share the news on the station's 21st birthday!"
Premier's chief executive, Peter Kerridge said: "Cindy is the ultimate professional and her dedication, faithfulness and irrepressible enthusiasm have been recognised in this award. It is a fitting accolade to a lifetime of broadcasting excellence."