Veretta Schnackenberg
Beretta Schnackenberg is an accomplished IT and data transformation leader with more than 37 years of experience designing systems that help businesses operate more effectively. Her passion for technology began in high school, when a business class project sparked the realization that she could combine her interest in business with technology to build solutions that drive results. That insight led her to Purdue University’s Computer Information Systems program, where she developed a strong foundation in aligning business needs with technical solutions. Since then, she has built a career centered on solving complex problems, improving processes, and delivering measurable business impact.
Throughout her career, Beretta has specialized in data design, governance, and analytics—ensuring that organizations not only deliver systems on time and on budget, but also produce data that is accurate, reliable, and trusted. She is known for her ability to uncover opportunities that directly impact the bottom line, such as developing analytics that give companies visibility into vendor spending across systems, enabling stronger negotiations and cost savings. Among her notable achievements, she led the successful submission of more than 30,000 product records to the FDA within a tight regulatory timeline, ensuring business continuity and high stakeholder confidence through clean, trusted data.
A dedicated leader and mentor, Beretta believes that successful IT initiatives must also focus on developing people. She has consistently invested in her teams—empowering both direct reports and contractors to grow, lead, and operate independently. Influenced by mentors who helped shape her own career, she is committed to paying that forward by fostering confidence, capability, and leadership in others. Grounded in her roots as a farm-raised professional from Indiana, she brings a strong sense of discipline, responsibility, and balance to both her career and personal life, continuing to make a meaningful impact in her field and community.
• Purdue University
Bachlors, Computer Information Systems / Computer Technology
• University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business
Women in Leadership Certificate Program
• GLG
• Food Pantry Programs
• Backpack Programs
• Feed the Children Initiatives
• Emily's Closet
• 4-H
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors who have guided me throughout my career, my commitment to delivering results, and my focus on developing others. I’ve always believed that hard work and accountability are essential, especially when leading complex initiatives. At the same time, I’ve made it a priority to invest in my team—whether they report directly to me or are contractors—because when people grow and succeed, the entire organization benefits.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most impactful pieces of advice I received came from mentors who encouraged me to step into people leadership before I felt fully ready. A defining moment was when a mentor asked me to write and deliver a performance review for someone I was already mentoring. That experience helped me build confidence and showed me that leadership doesn’t happen all at once—it develops over time through experience and support.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to first define what matters most to them and recognize that balance is key. You don’t have to do everything at 100% all the time, and your priorities will naturally shift as your life and career evolve. Be intentional about when you pursue certain opportunities, whether that’s advancing your education or taking on new roles, and give yourself permission to adapt your path along the way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—is determining how and when to effectively leverage emerging technologies like AI. Organizations must ensure that both their data and their business processes are truly ready before applying advanced tools. There is a growing recognition that data must be treated as a critical asset, and the real opportunity lies in building systems that produce accurate, trusted data that can drive meaningful insights and decisions.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value supportive and caring leadership, paired with high expectations for quality and effort. I believe in being honest and transparent, and in taking the time to fully understand a situation before acting. Whether in my professional or personal life, I strive to create an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and empowered to do their best work.