Vicki Watson, Director IT Business Operations
Professional Overview
Vicki Watson is an experienced IT leader with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and strategic business alignment. As the Director of IT Business Operations at Dean Foods, she is responsible for overseeing the company's critical technology infrastructure and ensuring the seamless integration of IT initiatives with broader organizational objectives.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Vicki has served as the Director of IT Business Operations at Dean Foods since 2013. In this role, she is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the IT department, including budgeting, resource allocation, and project management. She works closely with cross-functional teams to identify and implement technology solutions that enhance productivity, drive cost savings, and improve the overall customer experience.
Under Vicki's leadership, the IT Business Operations team has achieved significant milestones, including the successful migration of the company's legacy systems to a modern, cloud-based infrastructure. This initiative has resulted in improved system reliability, increased data security, and more efficient resource utilization, ultimately contributing to Dean Foods' competitive advantage in the dairy industry.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Vicki held the position of Senior Business Relationship Manager at Dairy Farmers of America, where she served for over 35 years. In this capacity, she was responsible for bridging the gap between business requirements and IT solutions, ensuring that technology investments aligned with the organization's strategic priorities.
Throughout her career, Vicki has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development and industry engagement. She has actively participated in industry conferences and forums, sharing her expertise and collaborating with peers to drive innovation within the dairy sector.
Academic Background
Vicki holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee, Johnson City. Her academic record reflects a strong foundation in information technology, data analytics, and project management.
Areas of Expertise
- IT infrastructure management
- Business process optimization
- Project management and implementation
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
- Strategic planning and execution
- Dairy industry domain expertise
Professional Impact
Vicki's contributions to Dean Foods have been instrumental in driving the company's digital transformation initiatives. Under her leadership, the IT Business Operations team has successfully implemented a robust cloud-based platform, resulting in a 25% reduction in annual IT maintenance costs and a 15% improvement in system uptime.
Vicki's ability to bridge the gap between business and technology has earned her recognition within the industry. She has been invited to speak at multiple industry events, sharing her insights on the importance of aligning IT strategy with organizational goals.
Conclusion
With over 35 years of experience in the dairy industry and a proven track record of driving operational excellence, Vicki Watson is a valuable asset to Dean Foods. Her strategic vision, technical expertise, and collaborative approach position her as a trusted advisor and a key contributor to the company's continued success.
