Andee Harris
VERTEX Board Member
Andee Harris is a proven CEO with over 30 years of extensive experience in technology and professional services across diverse sectors, including Financial Services, Healthcare, Consumer Tech, and Industrials. At the helm of Challenger Inc., a premier sales training and enablement platform, Andee established herself as a dynamic commercial leader known for her strategic acumen and ability to scale businesses.
In September 2024, Andee achieved her third successful exit as CEO when she sold Challenger Inc. to its largest competitor, delivering substantial returns to investors. Previously, she spearheaded HighGround Software, culminating in one of Chicago’s most significant tech exits to Vista Private Equity in 2018.
As a board member of Pavion, a leading fire safety and security company, Andee played a pivotal role in steering the organization’s remarkable growth from $100 million to $850 million in revenue within four years, utilizing both organic strategies and mergers and acquisitions. Collaborating closely with the CEO and CMO, she provided guidance during a major ERP integration and brand repositioning while serving on the compensation committee.
In her capacity as Chair of the Board for Assisi Pet Care, a European supplier of natural pet treats and pet food, Andee led due diligence efforts and succession planning for key executive roles, in addition to identifying strategic M&A opportunities.
As a board member of ConData, the leading freight & parcel audit recovery services provider in the world, Andee has contributed to identifying M&A targets and shaping the development of an AI tool to enhance the audit process as well a working on a succession plan with the team.
Renowned for her innovative approach, Andee is a master at connecting data and people to clear pathways for success. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Kellogg School of Management, imparting her entrepreneurial insights in the course “Launching and Leading Startups.” Andee is a respected thought leader in technology and business, recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business, The Woodmark Foundation, and numerous CEO publications for her expertise in market share growth, business development, multi-channel marketing, and revenue management.
Education & Certification
B.A. Organizational Studies, University of Michigan
Associations
Adjunct Professor at Northwestern Kellogg School of Business