Terrie Johnson
Terrie Johnson is a seasoned IT leader with over 36 years of experience, including 33 years with IBM. She currently serves as the North America Hybrid Cloud and Data Service Line Leader at IBM’s Client Innovation Center, overseeing distributed teams across the U.S. and select locations in Canada. In this third-line management role, Terrie drives hybrid cloud and data service delivery, combining hands-on expertise in Agile coaching, Scrum, and project management with a strategic vision for organizational growth and transformation.
Throughout her career, Terrie has excelled in Agile coaching, team facilitation, and executive training, helping organizations implement Scrum and Kanban frameworks and successfully deliver complex Agile programs. Her leadership experience spans project management, program oversight, technical leadership, solution deployment, and business development across industries including telecommunications, healthcare, government, and petroleum. Terrie is recognized for her ability to build high-performing teams, mentor talent, and inspire collaboration across all levels of an organization.
Terrie holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge and a Master of Science in Project Management from The George Washington University. She actively contributes to the professional community as a former president of the Zachary (LA) Chamber of Commerce, Board President of the Global Geospatial Institute, and advisory board member for Louisiana State University and Baton Rouge Community College. Terrie is also an engaged member of the International Women’s Forum and participates in IBM Business Resource Groups and corporate volunteer initiatives.
• IBM Growth Behaviors
• Certified SAFe® 6 Scrum Master
• Hybrid Cloud Knowledge Leader 2.0
• Application Modernization with watsonx Code Assistant for Z Sales Foundation
• Agile Fundamentals
• ICAgile Certified Professional
• ICAgile Certified Professional - Agile Coaching
• IBM watsonx Essentials
• IBM Generative AI Sales
• Watson Discovery Sales Foundation V2
• Government Insights and Solutions (Gold)
• Watsonx.ai Technical Sales Intermediate
• IBM Delivery Central Platform Foundations
• +30 additional Certificates
• The George Washington University - M.S.
• Zachary (LA) Chamber of Commerce
• Global Geospatial Institute
• Louisiana State University Computer Science & Engineering
• Baton Rouge Community College
• International Women's Forum
• IBM Business Resource Groups
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to continuous learning and proactively shaping my own growth and opportunities early in my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from a mentor early in my career, who encouraged me to be curious and pursue knowledge that few others are willing to explore. Since then, I have intentionally shaped my professional growth and identity around that principle, taking ownership of my trajectory rather than waiting for opportunities or letting others define my path.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering my industry to be bold, curious, and adaptable, and to speak with confidence. Take initiative early in your career to shape your own path and create your professional identity, rather than waiting for it to be defined by others.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge—and opportunity—in my field right now is keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology. It requires constantly finding new ways to approach problems and being willing to challenge the status quo, positioning yourself as a disruptor rather than simply following established patterns.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are building strong, meaningful relationships within my organization, community, and with clients. I prioritize cultivating trust and leading with confidence in every interaction.
Locations
IBM Client Innovation Center
Baton Rouge, LA