Tanya Penny-Woods is the recently appointed Director of the Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (CESCM) at Howard University’s School of Business. In her visionary role, Tanya seamlessly integrates complex supply chain challenges and real-world applications into the academic environment, collaborating with esteemed professors and high-ranking executive leaders from diverse industries. Her focus is on equipping students with strong analytical skills and strategic business acumen essential for excelling in leadership positions within both corporate and governmental sectors.
Tanya held the position of Senior Vice President of Real Estate at Verizon Communications, overseeing a $2 billion budget and managing a workforce of over 3,000 employees and contractors. She also served as Verizon’s Chief Procurement Officer, where she was responsible for $35 billion in sourcing and planning activities, driving a significant $4 billion spend w1ith diverse suppliers. Her extensive leadership experience spans Corporate Finance, Financial Operations, and Telecommunications Network Planning.
Beyond her corporate career, Tanya is passionate about fostering growth among small and diverse suppliers. As CEO of TPW Associates, Inc., she currently provides consulting services to universities, hospitals, and government organizations, specializing in supply chain best practices and supplier diversity initiatives. Tanya also serves as the Chairman of the Advsory Board for the Redda Group, a strategic advisory and executive search firm.
Tanya is deeply committed to community service, actively contributing through several philanthropic organizations, including The Links, Incorporated and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is a resolute member of the Board of Directors for the Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County and the Woodmore Homeowners Association, where she also served as Treasurer for four years.
Education
• MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
• BA from Stanford University