Kathryn Garmes graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Mathematics from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Her career has primarily been in the telecommunications industry.

For 21 years of her career, Kathy worked at Tellabs a multi-billion dollar telecommunications equipment provider serving principally Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOC's). Starting as a programmer in 1981 and completing her tenure as Director of Software Development in 1999, Kathy was involved in the development of data switching products, network management and digital cross-connect systems. She was part of the team that secured ISO-9000 registration for Tellabs’ Illinois location. In the process, Kathy received ISO-9000 Lead Auditor training with TickIT.

In 1999, Kathy switched from product development into integration management. She managed the integration of Alcatel’s DSC Communications business in Europe into Tellabs' Digital Division. Once the integration was complete, she took over as on-sight manager of an 8 month-old acquisition. This was a telecommunications startup located in the northern suburbs of Boston that had remained as a stand-alone entity within Tellabs. She assisted in the integration of several other technology startup acquisitions made during the late 1990s. During the decline of the telecommunications market in 2001, Kathy had the responsibility of shutting down two facilities that had been acquired in the 1990's. Being involved in both the integration as well as the closing of several acquisitions, Kathy has a unique view on what makes for a successful integration.

Since leaving Tellabs in 2003, Kathy has been involved growing Prairie Resource Group in the area of program management. Her experiences at managing product and organizational developments provides her a wide knowledge base on how program managements skills can be applied to small product efforts as well as large programs.