Tara C. Smith

Background

About Tara C. Smith

My strongest asset is my natural ability to lead people in any context, using soft skills effectively, building consensus and organizational confidence, creating an intentional work environment where diversity is evident, employees thrive, and their unique perspectives and identities are valued. I am a leader of leaders, strategic thinker and visionary, always seeing the bigger picture to create durable change and impact systems. More specific key skills include: • Transformational, executive level leader with more than 21 years of experience in the public sector • Extensive expertise in the centralization of enterprise-wide government services for effective service delivery – including HR, contracting, budget, IT, facilities, fleet, asset management, mail services, and much more • Deep experience in the management of large and complex operations, asset management, continuous improvement, logistics and project management; certified by the Project Management Institute • Skilled strategic thinker and change agent - transforming strategic plans into real world solutions and measurable benchmarks; using human centered design and data to identify and solve multifaceted problems that drive organizational development • Experienced in the implementation of ERP systems for financial, procurement, and human resources modules, serving as decision maker on two different Executive Steering Committees and a competitive procurement selection committee • Significant experience in the oversight of large, public sector contract acquisitions and supply chain programs, overseeing the strategic sourcing of statewide contracts worth $2 billion in goods and services purchases per year, as well as the development and enforcement aspects of Small Business Enterprise programs • Extensive experience in the oversight of major capital construction projects and contracting, including Public Private Partnerships; overseeing a $1.2 billion capital program • Experienced in the oversight of large, complex facilities management and maintenance systems and programs, including security management and stewardship of the Washington state capitol campus • Highly skilled in developing leaders, mentorship, shaping organizational culture, and change management • Accomplished public speaker and communicator, both persuasively and inspirationally, with frequent connections to public officials, extensive community engagement, board members, etc. Dedicated mentor and advocate for social justice, equity, inclusion, and elevating diverse voices