Kara Todd is the Director of Linux for IBM zSystems 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, Kara became manager of the z/TPF development team as well as taking an assignment as the zCloud Solution Manager. She went on to hold additional management roles in Hypervisor Performance Manager 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 feedback in Proof of Concepts, improving process and changing the way in which we work and do business. In 2017, Kara was the executive assistant to the General Manager of IBM zSystems and LinuxONE where she supported an office responsible for producing the world’s most advanced enterprise systems. 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. Prior to leading the Linux on zSystems business, Kara was the Program Director of the z/TPF development lab, with responsibility for leading the design, development, test, support and offering management of the highly scalable, highly secure, highly reliable and performant z/TPF platform.

Kara has served as the Management Advisory Team Lead for IBM Mid-Hudson Valley, is involved in community e-week engagements, and speaks at local women in technology events.

Kara received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Penn State University, a Master of Science in Information Systems Management from Marist College, and a PMP certification from the Project Management Institute.