Heather Bishop

About Heather Bishop

As a seasoned IT Program Manager with over 18 years of experience, I have had the privilege of leading high-impact projects that drive innovation and efficiency across organizations. At the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), I successfully managed an $18 million contract, overseeing the lifecycle of hardware and services with a focus on quality, timeliness, and compliance. My role required not only deep technical expertise but also the ability to align diverse stakeholders towards common goals.I am a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), demonstrating my commitment to excellence and continuous learning. My technical project management experience spans various technologies and platforms, enabling me to deliver strategic and technically sound solutions. For example, in my previous role, I implemented the networking environment for Boston Soccer/FIFA 2026 in Gillette Stadium. My approach to project management is both proactive and collaborative. I excel in fast-paced environments where I can lead cross-functional teams to deliver results that exceed expectations. Whether it’s improving processes, driving innovation, or managing complex projects, I am passionate about creating value and achieving positive outcomes for my clients and stakeholders.Looking forward, I am excited to continue leveraging my expertise in IT consulting, professional services, and service delivery to take on new challenges, particularly in emerging technologies or digital transformation initiatives. My goal is to contribute to projects that not only meet organizational objectives but also pave the way for long-term growth and success.

Experience

1. Program Manager

   Teacher Retirement System of Texas

   Apr 2025 — Present

   Driving enterprise-wide AI strategy for TRS to optimize operations, strengthen fraud detection, and improve member services. Managing full lifecycle of AI initiatives for a state agency, from concept development through deployment and optimization. Coordinating cross-functional teams across IT, data science, and business units to implement regulatory-compliant AI solutions. Guiding vendor selection, contract management, and oversight to ensure effective AI program delivery and adoption. Partnering with state agency stakeholders to align AI capabilities with policy requirements, operational goals, and public trust. Integrating emerging AI technologies into TRS’s transformation roadmap to drive innovation and ensure responsible adoption.

Education

• University of Texas at Austin

  Bachelor of Arts, Business/Managerial Economics

• The University of Texas at Austin

  Bachelor's degree, Business/Managerial Economics

Skills

• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Program Management
• Salesforce.com
• Virtualization
• Cloud Computing
• Pmi Certification
• Pmp
• Enterprise Software
• Project Management
• Data Center
• Solution Selling