Tara Zochert

About Tara Zochert

I am a strategic executive leader who has spent my career guiding organizations through complex challenges, operational transformation, and high-stakes environments.My professional journey spans healthcare, higher education, entrepreneurship, and financial services. Across each sector, I have been trusted to build systems from the ground up, lead multidisciplinary teams, and deliver measurable results during moments that require decisive leadership.During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was recruited by the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh to design and lead the university’s operational pandemic response. The systems my team developed became a national model for universities and received recognition from the U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome Adams. I later collaborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to co-author seven public health publications distributed nationally.My leadership has also been recognized through the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence and a national service award presented by former U.S. President Barack Obama.Today, I serve as Vice President within the financial services industry, where I continue to lead teams, guide strategy, and drive operational performance. Throughout my career I have built a reputation for visionary leadership, strong partnerships, and the ability to connect people, ideas, and strategy to create meaningful impact.I am particularly passionate about roles where strategy, leadership, and innovation intersect—places where complex challenges require thoughtful design and collaborative leadership.

Experience

1. Vice President of Bmo Financial Center

   BMO U.S.

   Oct 2025 — Present

Education

• Minnesota State Community and Technical College

  Associate of Science - AS

  2004