Cathy C. Smith
Founder & CEO of Chameleon Consulting
Brings over two decades of experience in leading technology and digital transformation initiatives for a wide range of industries. Her adeptness in crafting secure enterprise solutions, spanning systems, applications, and cloud platforms, underscores her leadership in the adoption of emerging technologies and managed services.
With a Master of Public Administration in Management from NYU, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from William Paterson University, and further education in Digital Business Transformation Management, Artificial Intelligence, Project Management, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Customer Experience (CX), Digital Marketing and Executive Board Leadership, Cathy’s academic achievements provide a solid foundation for her professional expertise.
As a published author, Cathy has imparted her visionary perspectives on digital innovation through renowned works such as “How to Become a Digital Leader – A Roadmap to Success,” and her contributions to the cybersecurity book “The Cyber Elephant in the Board Room: Cyber-Accountability with the Five Pillars of Security Framework” (ForbesBooks Publisher). Her leadership acumen extends to founding Women in Tech NJ & NY, an influential organization that has empowered over 1,000 members, fostering a thriving tech community.
At Chameleon Consulting, Cathy leverages her financial services background in IT delivery, transformational leadership, and technology enablement to offer innovative solutions focused on digital transformation, cybersecurity, AI governance, and emerging technologies. Her approach is characterized by a commitment to staying adaptive and responsive to evolving market trends.
Cathy’s professional journey was greatly shaped by her early career stint at the Small Business Administration (SBA), where she gained invaluable experience spearheading economic development initiatives across the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sacramento, California, and New England states. In this pivotal role, she drove significant positive change and made lasting contributions to local communities, experiences which seamlessly transitioned into her subsequent career in the banking industry.
Historically, she held governance roles such as Board Chair at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) – Dean’s Executive Advisory Board, Chairwoman for the Department of Labor – Passaic County Workforce Investment Board, Governmental Affairs Committee Member for the Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce and Board Member for the New York University Alumni Association.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cathy is also an accomplished classical soprano, with performances in notable venues including the Opera Theatre of Montclair, the Assisi Performing Arts Foundation in Italy, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Her engagement in music and community service illustrates a dedication to enriching lives beyond her consulting practice, showcasing a unique blend of creative talent and business acumen.
She values spending quality time with her five siblings, eleven nieces and nephews, as well as other beloved family members, fostering strong connections and treasured moments together.
