Mary Ellen Smith

About Mary Ellen Smith

As an Independent Public Board Director, and Fortune 15 Global Senior executive, I have first-hand experience in propelling companies from strategic ideation through delivery realization. With over thirty years of strategic governance and delivery in fast growing technology software and hardware organizations, I\'ve championed successes at Microsoft, HP, NCR, AT & T and OPENLANE. Recognized for my collaborative, no-nonsense ability to work across highly complex and multi-faceted business models integrating organizations, business groups, and product lines while supporting fast-paced, growth at scale.I fuse strategic change and risk management across the ever-evolving landscape of technology including global digital transformation, generative AI, change management, operations, systems and compliance. Advising with a clear-eyed view of market opportunities, growth drivers, digital enablers, and calculated risk posture, I ask insightful questions, building go-forward direction among C-Suite and Board Directors actively advancing corporate strategy.

Experience

1. Board Director Audit & Risk Committees

   OPENLANE

   Jan 2019 — Present · Indianapolis, IN, US

   Previously KAR Global - NYSE: KARServe on Audit & Risk Management Committees, along with Advisory Team supporting the development of the global digital transformation. Advised during key M & As including Auction Frontier and Backlot Cars for cloud/digital capabilities, as well as the ADESA divestiture to Carvana - an all-cash transaction valued at $2.2B positioning KAR Global (now OPENLANE) as the premier digital marketplace provider for wholesale vehicles. Former Compensation Committee member.

Education

• Wright State University

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Logisitics, Finance

• Bowling Green State University

  BSBA, Dual Major - Operations Management & Procurement/Materials Management

• Stanford University Graduate School of Business

  Executive Programs

• Center for Creative Leadership

  Various Executive Programs

  2010 — 2012

Skills

• Program Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Cloud Computing
• Vendor Management
• Change Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Management
• Manufacturing
• Integration
• Six Sigma
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Product Management
• Business Planning
• Process Improvement
• Data Center
• Operational Excellence
• Leadership
• Operational Transformation
• Strategy
• E-Commerce
• Business Process Improvement
• Go-to-Market Strategy
• Business Transformation
• Sales Operations
• Enterprise Software
• Supply Chain
• Business Process
• Start-Ups
• Team Leadership
• Business Strategy
• Change Management