VP Business Intelligence  ·  Portland, Oregon  ·  Remote

Heather C. Penner

Data leader with a track record of building high-performing BI teams, and translating complex questions into clear answers with actionable strategy.

The AI Bot that helped me build this file gave me a tag line I like:
Rooted in operations, fluent in data.

View Experience  ↓

I'm a senior data and operations leader with over twenty years of experience spanning business intelligence, operations management, HR, and startup growth. I've grown multi-faceted teams and led teams through acquisition.

My career is guided by a belief that the best decisions are grounded in reliable data and clear thinking.

My roots are in Portland but I currently work remotely with a team spread across the globe.

VP, Business Intelligence Jun 2020 – Present
Community.co  ·  Remote

Lead a team of business intelligence professionals responsible for maintaining the company data warehouse, building dashboards that increase data visibility, and delivering in-depth reporting and analysis. Partner closely with internal stakeholders across the business to leverage data in support of data-driven strategy.

Business Analyst Nov 2019 – May 2020
Community.co
Business Operations Consultant Aug 2015 – May 2019
Self-Employed  ·  Portland, Oregon

Provided tactical and strategic operations consulting to growing companies across a range of industries. Helped clients develop stability and profitability by improving workflow, managing revenue flow, and streamlining everyday operations. Hands-on experience included account management, project management, AR/AP, HR, contract writing, and client negotiation.

HR Business Partner – Remote Locations Mar 2013 – Feb 2014
Walmart eCommerce  ·  Portland, Oregon

Supported all Global eCommerce employees working outside of the San Bruno headquarters. Leveraged technology and organizational awareness to close the geographical distance between remote workers and the broader organization — drawing on personal experience as a remote professional within a large enterprise.

Senior Manager, Project Management Jan 2012 – Mar 2013
Walmart eCommerce (Walmart Mobile)  ·  Portland, Oregon

Joined Walmart through the acquisition of Small Society. Managed a team of six project managers and led bi-weekly leadership status and product review meetings. Oversaw daily operations of the Portland office, including an office relocation and build-out, while contributing to business strategy planning during a critical post-acquisition transition period.

VP, Business Operations Apr 2009 – Dec 2011
Small Society  ·  Portland, Oregon

One of the initial key hires and a part-owner of a boutique iOS app development agency. Managed company growth, profitability, and client relationships throughout the product lifecycle. Launched several high-profile iOS apps, including early apps for Starbucks and Whole Foods. Defined all company policy, oversaw accounting, and established a project management team. Played an integral role in the company's acquisition by Walmart in January 2012.

Business Intelligence

  • Data Warehousing
  • Dashboard Development
  • Business Reporting
  • Data Strategy
  • Data Analysis
  • Analytics & Insights
  • Business Analysis

Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Google BigQuery
  • SQL
  • DAX
  • Matillion ETL
  • Cursor AI

Leadership

  • Team Building & Mentorship
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Remote Team Management
  • Executive Presentations
  • Executive-level Communication
  • Meeting Facilitation

Operations

  • Business Operations
  • Project Management
  • Program Management
  • Process Improvement
  • Operational Planning
  • Contract Negotiation
  • AR / AP Management

Strategy

  • Data-Driven Strategy
  • Strategic Planning
  • Critical Thinking
  • Startup Scaling
  • M&A Experience
MBA, International Business 1998 – 1999
Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
BA, Psychology 1991 – 1995
Williams College

I'm always open to thoughtful conversations about data leadership, strategy, and building great teams. Feel free to reach out.