Stephanie Farsht

Stephanie is a strategist and innovator who spent 16 years at Target Corporation developing "what's next" in omnichannel Target. Her focus was on driving new businesses and strategies that leverage innovative technology. Stephanie led and managed teams charged with evaluating acquisitions, joint ventures, partnership opportunities and developing relationships with key digital partners, VCs and early-stage startups. She initiated and executed numerous high-profile test and learn strategies focused on emerging business models such as flexible fulfillment, loyalty and alternative payments. Examples include the execution of REDCard Free Ship and Curbside. Most recently, Stephanie created and managed the first ever Digital Board for Target. These board members included high-profile serial entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, primarily in Silicon Valley.

Stephanie held numerous positions during her 16-year tenure at Target, including corporate strategy, merchandising strategy and financial planning and analysis. Many of her positions included starting new teams and functions as an intrapreneur. She also taught as an adjunct lecturer at Kellogg during the 2014-15 school year. Additionally, Stephanie taught Intro to Strategy as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota, Carlson. Prior to Target and teaching, Stephanie developed problem-solving skill sets from her management consulting and banking experiences.

Stephanie has served two terms on the board of American Refugee Committee (ARC), a $40 million international nonprofit organization that provides humanitarian assistance to millions of refugees. She has also served on the board of ACES, an after-school programming organization.

Stephanie has an undergraduate degree in economics and French from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and a graduate degree from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management.

Education

• MBA, 1997, Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
• BA, 1992, University of Wisconsin - Madison, School of Business

Academic Positions

• Adjunct Professor, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, 2008-2010

Professional Experience

• Numerous Positions in Innovation & Strategy, Target Corporation, 2001-present
• Board Member, American Refugee Committee (ARC), 2004-2010
• Board Member, ACES, 2003-2005
• Director, Corporate Development, Interelate, 2000-2001
• Associate, Mitchell Madison Group, 1997-2000
• Management Training Program, Northern Trust, 1992-1996