Kara Todd leads enterprise organizations and partner with clients to deliver world-class, mission critical solutions, addressing key challenges in the market today requiring the most reliable, scalable, and secure platform in the world. She is currently the Director of Linux for IBM Z and LinuxONE, leading all aspects of the Linux business on the platform including design, development, test, support, offering management, and financial performance. Kara joined IBM in 2002 as a z/OS Software Support engineer, working with clients to resolve issues and improve quality across multiple components. In 2005, she moved to the project management office, holding multiple roles, such as z/OS V2.2 Program Manager, identifying client needs and leading software release execution and delivery. In 2012, she became manager of the z/TPF development team as well as taking an assignment as the zCloud Solution Manager. Kara went on to hold additional management roles including HPM for KVM development and Cloud Provisioning and Management for z/OS. Throughout her career, she has been a leader in transformation efforts, championing integration of Agile methodologies, utilizing Design Thinking, involving clients in end-to-end design via continuous delivery and proof of concepts, improving process and changing the way in which we work and do business. In 2017, she was the executive assistant to the General Manager of IBM Z and LinuxONE. In this appointed role, she led key initiatives and was immersed in all facets of IBM’s infrastructure business, including strategy, sales, finance, hardware and software development, offering management, and marketing. Most recently, she was Program Director of the z/TPF lab, with responsibility for leading the design, development, test, support and offering management on the platform. Kara has also served as Management Advisory Team Lead for IBM Mid-Hudson Valley, and is involved in community e-week engagements, and speaks at local women in technology events.