Chief of Staff to CIO at Box
Coraetta Smith has been the driving force behind technology, automation and operational advances that foster high growth and business maturity at well-known companies across diverse industries.
She currently serves as chief of staff to the Chief Information Officer at Box, where she leads strategic initiatives that align IT operations with enterprise goals. In this role, she drives cross-functional collaboration, develops operational frameworks, and ensures key initiatives deliver measurable business value as the company continues to scale.
Previously, as senior drector in the Office of the CIO at Zendesk, Smith launched the company’s first portfolio management function and built a Change Management Center of Excellence. She worked closely with the CIO and executive leadership to identify roadblocks and implement systems that supported Zendesk’s rapid growth to more than $1 billion in revenue.
As a consultant and interim executive, she has led major transformations at organizations including Fisher Investments, where she implemented programs that improved operational efficiency and customer service. During a sabbatical caring for her parents, she also launched Coraetta’s Couture Desserts, building a loyal corporate client base with her stunning and delicious creations.
In her nine years at Adobe Systems, Smith established the company’s first PMO, along with foundational practices in application support, release management and quality assurance. Her work enabled Adobe’s transition to a subscription-based model, and she contributed to the company’s growth from $2 billion to over $4 billion in revenue.
Earlier roles include IT Operations Manager at Fujitsu and Data Center Manager at Roche Bioscience.
Smith earned a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and an MBA in Global Management from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. A lifelong Bay Area resident, she is a passionate supporter of education and the arts. She has served as president of the board of directors for both the I.T. Bookman Community Center and the School of the Arts Foundation.