Karla Shields

Karla Shields is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in workforce strategy and development. Currently serving as an Associate Director for Global Workforce Strategy in Talent Development at Cognizant since October 2020, Karla has successfully developed enterprise workforce strategies and expanded global apprenticeship programs in technology fields. Prior to this role, Karla served as AVP of Economic & Workforce Development and Dean of the School of Applied Science and Technology at South Piedmont Community College, where collaboration with business partners was key to positioning the College as a leading provider of education and training solutions. Additionally, Karla was the Executive Director of the Computer Technology Institute at Central Piedmont Community College, where the establishment and growth of the institute were driven by strategic leadership and collaboration. Karla holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management from Oklahoma State University.