Wendy R. Harris
VP of Service Delivery, Government, Private and Education | Former CIO City of Memphis | CSM, PMP | Business Owner
Wendy Harris is a highly accomplished and visionary executive with a proven track record in driving digital transformation and leveraging technology to deliver strategic business outcomes. Wendy has established herself as a highly regarded authority in the field.
Wendy is known for her adaptive leadership approach and her ability to build high-performing teams. She is experienced in leading teams to design and implement successful projects, meet operational goals, and deliver rapid results. She fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture that encourages innovation and empowers her team to deliver exceptional results.
With 20 years in both the public and private sector, Wendy has held various leadership roles to include HR management, Project Management Director, IT Operations Manager, Deputy CIO, CIO, and Vice President of Service Delivery. Her expertise spans across diverse industries, including human resources, education, and government. She has successfully led large-scale initiatives and managed complex IT environments.
Recognized for her contributions to the industry, she has been invited to speak at conferences, served as a panelist in discussions on women in technology and IT leadership, and has written content for publication in GovCIO Outlook.
Wendy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Memphis. She is a member of the Project Management Institute local and international chapters and holds professional certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM). She serves as a board member on the Greater Memphis IT Council. She plays an active role in IT organizations dedicated to advancing STEM education, championing women in technology, and fostering digital excellence.
Alexandria (Alex) Smith
HCM Industry Executive Director, Government and Education @ Oracle | Former CHRO City of Memphis | SPHR, SHRM-SCP | Business Owner
Alex Smith is a seasoned expert in HR and Operations with over two decades of experience. She specializes in leadership and management coaching, developing strategic people initiatives, and spearheading organizational cultural transformations within the public sector. Alex has honed her skills in enhancing organizational capabilities and boosting performance, particularly through HR transformation.
Recognized as a leading HR influencer and thought leader, Alex's innovative work in modernizing government through cultural shifts, technology, and unique programs has been spotlighted in Forbes, American City and County Magazine, Governing Magazine, and CNBC.
Dedicated to community service, Alex actively contributes to the advisory council of 3SixtyInsights and the advisory board of Government Executive Media Group's RouteFifty. She also serves on the board of directors for the Soulsville Foundation.
Alex holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Duke University and a Master's degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota. She is SPHR and SHRM-SCP certified. She lives in Memphis and enjoys life with her two daughters.
Tai Cochran
CEO | Project Mastery Consultant | MA Ed. HD, PMP | Trainer | Business Owner
Tai Cochran is the CEO of HER PM, with over 20 years of experience in program management. She specializes in HR transformations through software implementations, policy creation, strategy, change management, process improvements, and training and has achieved remarkable success in this field. Since obtaining her PMP certification in 2017, she has excelled in the tech industry, demonstrating exceptional resilience in overcoming challenges often faced by women in male-dominated fields.
Inspired by her mother, who was a lead registered nurse for the North Carolina Department of Corrections, Tai founded HER PM. This pioneering company empowers women executives in demanding environments, ensuring the successful execution of their projects. Notably, HER PM has accomplished significant feats in the public sector, such as implementing Atlanta's first workforce management system, revamping a failing state project in just six months, and leading a major workforce management project for the city of Memphis.
Tai holds two master's degrees from George Washington University and an undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Winston-Salem State University. In addition to HER PM, she established ASK Academy & Consulting to offer project management and leadership master courses. She has strategically partnered with Prairieview A&M University’s continuing education department to offer PMP certification cohorts to adult learners.
Drawing on her extensive education, corporate experience, and John C. Maxwell's leadership principles, Tai has emerged as a prominent thought leader in project management and leadership. She has graced the stage at the Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Conference and contributed to influential blogs on projectmanagement.com.