Sheila Talton is an innovative global leader and Big Data strategist with more than 30 years of experience in helping organizations increase value, build successful businesses within larger companies and expand into emerging markets. She develops bold initiatives, whether through public/private partnerships, melding company strategies with governmental objectives, obtaining buy-in for consulting services within technology product companies, or breaking down silos to build services around products to create solutions that increase customer value.
Her experience in governance extends to corporate, civic and not-for-profit sectors; currently serving on the boards of Deere & Company (NYSE: DE), OGE Energy Corp. (NYSE:OGE), Northwestern Memorial Hospital Foundation, The Chicago Network, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Chicago Urban League and Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY). She served for 10 years on the board of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, six years on the Wintrust Financial (NASDAQ: WTFC) board and for five years at Acco Brand Corporation (NYSE:ABD). She was a founding member and chairperson of the Information Technology Senior Management Forum, where she continues to serve on the advisory board. She also served on the advisory committee to the board selection committee for Agenda, a Financial Times company.
Ms. Talton has had significant tenures at many technology pioneers like Cisco Systems, EDS, Ernst & Young, as well as founding a consultancy that was an early leader in communications network integration. Built significant businesses both within large enterprises and as independent start-ups, as well as expanded opportunities for companies moving into emerging markets.
Among her milestone achievements are:
- Development of Cisco Systems’ advisory services consulting practice as a profitable, global business unit
- Creation of a global strategy for Cisco in China, Brazil and Mexico, including public/private partnerships with local governments
- Launch of a $6 billion solutions consulting practice at EDS
- Acclaim as a network integration consulting leader as CEO of Unisource Systems
Ms. Talton is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program of Harvard Business School and Northern Illinois University.
