Janie Waldron is a dynamic and accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and organizational transformation across a diverse range of industries including retail, automotive, construction, metals, and engineering products. As Chief Administrative Officer of SOLV Holdings, a billion-dollar platform company, Janie leads the optimization of enterprise operations, delivering high-impact results through innovative business strategies, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership development.
Janie brings a rare combination of hands-on operational expertise and forward-thinking strategic planning. Her background includes leading large-scale business units, executing complex acquisitions, overseeing due diligence and integration efforts, and building systems to support scalable growth. In her current role, she is instrumental in steering company-wide initiatives that support the creation and sustainability of innovative businesses across the SOLV Holdings portfolio.
In addition to her executive role, Janie serves as the Board Chair of QuikCut LLC, where she provides governance, oversight, and strategic direction to support the company’s growth and market development. Her previous board service includes leadership and advisory positions at American Landmaster, Ambassador Technology Innovation International, Goodwill Industries of Northeast Indiana, and the Mentoring Women’s Network Foundation, where she also served as Fort Wayne Board Chair. These roles reflect her long-standing commitment to both economic empowerment and community-driven leadership.
Before joining SOLV Holdings, Janie held key leadership roles at Ambassador Enterprises, a philanthropic equity firm. There, she led the consulting and sales division of the Ambassador Solutions Institute, helping organizations improve performance through tailored solutions. She also served as Interim CEO of BookShout, a digital e-book platform, where she oversaw business operations and guided the leadership transition process. Earlier in her career, Janie spent more than a decade in progressive leadership roles at Kohl’s Department Stores, culminating in district-level management with oversight of multi-unit operations, customer engagement, talent development, and merchandising.
Janie is also a certified executive coach and leadership development consultant. Her credentials include certifications in Gallup Strengths Coaching, MBTI®, DiSC®, NEO PI-R, and ProfilesXT, among others. She is a certified CliftonStrengths Instructor and has extensive experience coaching individuals and teams to align talent with organizational strategy. Her expertise in leadership training, succession planning, and employee engagement continues to be a key driver in the transformation of business cultures and performance outcomes.
Internationally, Janie has had exposure to global markets including China, further enriching her global business perspective. She has also delivered public speaking engagements focused on transformational service, talent optimization, and program implementation—reinforcing her ability to inspire, lead, and influence across all levels of an organization.
Janie holds an MBA from Huntington University and a BA in Business Management and Marketing from Indiana State University, where she was a member of the Chi Omega Alpha Delta Chapter. Her personal passions include family, competitive sports, reading, and travel.
A servant leader at heart, Janie is actively seeking additional board opportunities where she can apply her strategic insight and operational expertise to help businesses grow, innovate, and thrive. She believes in the power of collaboration and is committed to making meaningful contributions to organizations looking to navigate growth, build strong leadership pipelines, and enhance their long-term value.
Character: Janie Waldron is a purpose-driven leader who embodies integrity, resilience, and a strong commitment to empowering others and serving with excellence.
Knowledge: With over two decades of diverse industry experience and advanced certifications, Janie brings deep expertise in operations, leadership development, and organizational transformation.
Strategic: She is a visionary strategist who leads complex initiatives, guides acquisitions and integrations, and drives sustainable growth across multi-sector enterprises.
Communication: Janie is a skilled communicator and certified executive coach who inspires teams, aligns stakeholders, and delivers impactful presentations that drive engagement and results.