Viola is a Board Director, former CEO and President, thought leader and innovative strategist with over 35 years of experience in executive level management in corporate America and nonprofit organizations. She has a proven track record in successfully directing and managing engagements for multi-billion-dollar companies across the financial, manufacturing, technology, and professional services sectors. She has successfully launched start-ups drawing upon her expertise in strategic planning, business development, and fiscal management.

As President and CEO of Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF), Viola’s leadership resulted in the organization’s maturation into an industry leader for the development and advancement of Black professionals at senior and executive levels in the technology industry. During her 17-year tenure, the organization grew exponentially across the enterprise: 94% growth in revenue; an 80% increase in fundraising; 64% growth in membership; and enviable market relevance amongst technology professionals. These milestones were achieved by partnering with a portfolio of Fortune 100 companies to secure key sponsorships, grants, and programmatic funding; and the implementation of a marketing strategy which increased the ITSMF social media presence from 1,000 to 20,000 impressions monthly.

As a retired Partner from Ernst & Young, LLC’s Management Consulting practice, Viola’s 16-year career had her leading multi-million-dollar, multi-year, full-lifecycle technology development and implementation engagements. She was a key advisor to corporations such as Kraft Foods, RR Donnelley, FMC Corporation, Allied Van Lines, Comdisco, Continental Bank, and Boston Market. Viola managed complex team dynamics consisting of client employees, E&Y consultants, and third-party contractors with 200+ size teams.

Viola currently serves as a Board Director for Insight Global, a staffing company dedicated to empowering people through the value of opportunity. She is a member of the Audit Committee and an advisor to their DE&I executive team. Viola is also on the Advisory Board of AboveBoard, the first inclusive platform for executive hiring and board appointments that connects people to opportunities at leading companies.

Viola shares best practices with public and private companies as they develop strategies to attract, develop, and retain diverse employees in the technology industry. As companies strive to create DEI policies and collaborative work environments, Viola has become their confidant and advisor, sharing her thought leadership through personal and professional experiences.

Viola received a B.A. degree from Lake Forest College and holds a certification in project management. She is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD – certification pending) and the Women Corporate Directors Foundation.