Lara Palmer is a seasoned technology leader with over 30 years of experience in retail technology. As Senior Director of Enterprise Applications at Rack Room Shoes, Inc., she has been instrumental in driving the strategy, design, and operations of the company’s enterprise application systems, project management office, and support desk. Lara is also a key advisor with Zebra Technologies, where she provides valuable insights on enterprise technology solutions.

Known for her ability to deliver innovative solutions within scope and on budget, Lara excels in transforming processes and driving operational improvements that positively impact bottom-line results. Her leadership approach is centered on fostering cross-functional collaboration, transparency, and open communication, encouraging teams to break down silos and work together to achieve common goals. A proponent of continuous improvement, Lara is passionate about identifying root causes of challenges and solving problems at their core. Lara is the first female Senior Director of Technology at Rack Room Shoes, and under her leadership, the company has seen a cultural shift toward more collaborative, high-performance teams.

Lara holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Appalachian State University, and she is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). She has also completed the “Leading with Intention, Next-Level Performance program” at The Center for Intentional Leadership, Whitehead Manor Conference Center, Charlotte, NC. In recognition of her professional achievements, Lara was named a member of Footwear News’ class of 2024 Women Who Rock. Outside of her professional life, Lara enjoys competitive Bullseye Pistol shooting, where her precision and focus reflect the qualities, she brings to her leadership style.