Jena Carpenter Klatt, 38

Chief Operating Officer , Silver Creek Software , Boise, ID

June 10, 2025 | 3 min to read

SHORT BIO

Hometown: Boise, ID
Family/Community: Married, Soloist and Resident Company Member of Opera Idaho, Vanderbilt University Reunion Committee
Motto in life: The best leaders serve first.

Carpenter is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in the produce industry. Working alongside her family’s software company, she has helped wholesalers, distributors, growers, packers, and shippers improve PTI traceability compliance, inventory management and overall operations. Her expertise, problem-solving skills, and deep industry knowledge have guided many companies toward greater efficiency and regulatory success.

While earning her master’s degree, she worked part time at boutique organic grocery store, Alnatura, in Germany. After earning her master’s, she spent five years performing as a classically trained opera singer before transitioning into the world of ERP software. Upon returning to the U.S., she began working at Silver Creek Software in 2013 as a project assistant in ERP software implementations. Within a year, she led her first full project launch. Over the next few years, she progressed to head of sales and then chief business officer.

In 2019, she took the position of chief operating officer, where she manages department heads and ensures cross-departmental collaboration, tracks customer experience initiatives and project launches, oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the business, and helps identify and implement technological trends that can impact operations. She has served as a member of the IFPA Business Solutions Provider Roundtable since 2023.

Q: How did you begin working in the produce industry and why?

I have been involved in the produce industry for as long as I can remember — since I was old enough to answer phones and type. My parents founded Silver Creek Software in the early 1980s, and I naturally grew into the business. Over time, that early exposure sparked a deeper interest in both the produce industry and the role technology plays in supporting it.

Q: What is the one thing in your business that you are most passionate about?

Helping our customers grow. I genuinely enjoy identifying opportunities for process improvement and developing technology-driven solutions that support our clients’ growth, while preserving the unique strategic advantages that set them apart. Being part of their success stories is incredibly rewarding.

Q: What challenges and opportunities do you see for the future of the industry?

One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is the ability to adapt quickly enough to meet evolving consumer demands. Advancements in technology, automation and data-driven processes require significant investments of time, resources and capital. While these innovations present opportunities for efficiency and growth, they can be difficult for smaller companies to implement. The opportunity lies in finding scalable, accessible solutions that allow businesses of all sizes to modernize without losing the qualities that set them apart.

Q: What do you think consumers will desire in the future?

Consumers will continue to seek the highest quality products at the best possible value. Beyond quality and price, they will increasingly demand greater transparency about the foods they consume.

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?

Making time for two professions: opera and produce software. Both require a high level of dedication and discipline, yet nurturing both passions has kept me grounded, energized and focused. I’m also deeply proud of the work we’ve done to continuously identify and implement solutions that meet our customers’ evolving needs.