Terra Vanzant-Stern, PhD, PMP, SPHR/GPHR, is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt and CEO of SSD Global Solutions, Inc. (Smart Simple Decision Making). She is an expert in Lean Six Sigma, process improvement, problem solving, and leadership with several published books, including Lean Six Sigma: International Standards and Global Guidelines and Leaner Six Sigma – Making Lean Six Sigma Easier and Adaptable to Current Workplaces. Her work also extends to Design Thinking and Employee Engagement, where she offers training and certification as an Employee Engagement Coach.

Dr. Stern is a USAF veteran and holds multiple professional certifications including PMP, SPHR, GPHR, and Quality Engineer. She has served on non-profit boards such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Colorado Lean Network (CLN). Her industry experience includes executive coaching, facilitation, and leading Kaizen rapid improvement events for organizations like Tennessee Valley Authority and Southern California Edison.

She has contributed to academic program development at institutions like George Washington University and Metropolitan State University, where her Lean Six Sigma book is used as a course text. Formerly, she has held leadership roles including Chair of the ASQ Lean Enterprise Division and Strategy Chair of the Colorado Human Resource Association.