Alison Rand

Professional Background

Alison Rand is a seasoned Strategic Design & Operations leader with a passion for innovating operational programs and creating efficient, scalable processes. Throughout her impressive career, she has demonstrated a unique ability to manage multiple programs while keeping a holistic, strategic perspective that allows for tactical execution of projects. Alison's expertise is underpinned by her belief that Design Operations (Design Ops) is crucial not only for design but also as a strategic lever for implementing design at scale. Her focus on managing change effectively has enabled organizations to adopt adaptive practices and cultivate a culture that supports diverse and equitable communities.

As the Chief Strategy Officer for Design Operations at SAP, Alison employs her in-depth knowledge of design and operations to spearhead innovative projects that drive organizational change. She is committed to fostering cooperative working relationships within teams and between departments, allowing for the development of flexible and resilient systems that enhance overall effectiveness and adaptability. Her contributions to design operations extend far beyond her current role, impacting the industry by nurturing environments where efficiency and innovation can flourish.

Education and Achievements

Alison Rand's academic background laid a solid foundation for her career in design and operations. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she developed critical thinking skills and a strong understanding of design principles that would inform her professional journey. Additionally, her studies at Istituto Lorenzo de' Medici provided her with a rich cultural perspective and enhanced her appreciation for design on an international scale.

Her achievements in the realm of design operations are impressive, marked by her previous role as Co-Founder at Forty Fifty, where she collaborated with a team to create meaningful initiatives that promote design best practices. Alison's role as a member of the Design Leadership Forum at InVision allowed her to connect with other innovators in the field, sharing knowledge and advancing best practices across organizations. As a former Strategic Operations and Organizational Design Consultant, she has successfully guided various companies in refining their operational frameworks to better serve their design and business objectives.

Each of her prior positions showcases a progression of increasing responsibility and influence, culminating in her impactful role as Senior Director and Head of Design Operations at InVision. In this position, she played a pivotal role in shaping the strategies that support design innovation and excellence. In her capacity as DesignOps Community Curator at Rosenfeld Media, she further contributed to the design community by curating content and resources that educate and inspire professionals.

Notable Achievements

In addition to her extensive career history, Alison Rand has made significant strides in establishing herself as a thought leader in the DesignOps community. As East Coast Co-Founder at DesignOps Assembly, she played a vital role in building a network of professionals dedicated to advancing the field of design operations. Her experience as Head of Design Operations at Automattic demonstrated her adaptability and visionary thinking in guiding teams through complex projects while ensuring high quality and strategic alignment.

Additionally, her tenure as Director of Program Management at frog and Director of Program Planning at Hot Studio highlights her extensive project management experience, showcasing her ability to oversee large-scale initiatives from concept to execution. Alison’s commitment to design excellence is evident in her previous position as Founder and Co-host at NCommon, where she created a platform for designers to connect, share experiences, and develop their skills.

Overall, Alison Rand embodies the spirit of servant leadership in her approach to design operations, always prioritizing community, collaboration, and change management as central elements of her work. Her passion for creating an equitable and diverse working environment speaks to her dedication and vision for the future of design operations. In a world where flexible systems are essential for thriving, Alison continues to lead the charge, making a positive impact on the industry and those who work within it.