Sally Smith — Director of Engineering
MIT-trained engineer and strategist who builds and scales operational systems for high-complexity, global organizations. As a Senior Operations Executive at AWS, I've spent the past 9+ years building strategy and operations functions from the ground up, leading large-scale transformations, and driving operational excellence across organizations spanning tens of thousands of employees. My background combines deep technical training (MIT MS in Engineering Systems/Supply Chain, MIT MBA) with hands-on operational leadership across Amazon and Boeing, giving me a unique lens on how to design systems that scale while maintaining rigor and quality. Recent Work: - Created AWS Global Services' central strategy and operations function, establishing frameworks to support 26K employees across five business units generating $7B+ in revenue. Led a team of 650+ global employees managing a $150M+ annual budget, and drove a major reorganization that delivered 29% YoY OPEX reduction while maintaining service quality during rapid business growth. - Managed AWS global technical support operations with 2.2K+ employees, then was selected to take on an additional directorship overseeing frontline services operations supporting 16K employees and $2.2B in revenue. - Designed Amazon's WorkingWell safety program (featured in Jeff Bezos's 2020 shareholder letter), achieving 20-25% injury reduction and recognition as one of Ragan's Top Women in Wellness & HR. - Previously at Boeing, led a $150M+ production transformation for 777/777X manufacturing. My Approach: I thrive in ambiguous, high-stakes environments where building the right operating model is as important as executing it. I'm energized by global teams, cross-functional complexity, and the challenge of scaling operations while maintaining quality and culture. My leadership style centers on building systems that outlast my direct involvement - creating frameworks, developing talent, and establishing operational rigor that scales. Based in Nashville with extensive experience leading remote and globally distributed teams.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Cloud Computing and Health & Safety Operations Leader.
Location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Experience: 19 yrs 2 mos
Skills
- Strategy
- Operational Excellence
- Business Transformation
- Systems Engineering
- Organizational Leadership
- Business Integration
- Strategic Partnerships
- Customer Experience
- Operational Efficiency
- Continuous Improvement
- Change Management
- Environment, Health, And Safety (ehs)
Career Highlights
- Led AWS Global Services with $7B+ revenue.
- Designed Amazon's WorkingWell safety program.
- Achieved 29% OPEX reduction during transformation.
Work Experience
Amazon
Director, AWS Industries Strategy & Operations (1 mo)
Director, AWS Global Services Strategy & Operations Leader (3 yrs 4 mos)
Director, AWS Global Customer Service & Frontline Support (1 yr 4 mos)
Director, Wellness Services, Global Workplace Health & Safety (2 yrs 4 mos)
Director of Operations, Fulfillment (FC) Center General Manager (2 yrs)
Boeing
Director (Acting), 777 Future Production System Leader (5 yrs)
Amgen
Graduate Research Fellow (6 mos)
Raytheon Missile Systems
Lead Operations Engineer (3 yrs 10 mos)
Washington University in St. Louis
Nanotechnology Laboratory Assistant (8 mos)
Education
Master of Business Administration - MBA at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Master of Science - MS at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Master of Science - MS at University of Arizona
BS at Washington University in St. Louis