Carolyn Hayden-Garner is a distinguished global executive with a career spanning over 35 years in leadership roles across some of the world’s most renowned companies, including CBRE, Northrop Grumman, and Tesla. Her journey began with the Dallas Independent School District, where she served as Executive Director of Payroll. Today, she stands as the highest-ranking African American female global executive at Tesla, overseeing payroll operations across the Americas, Europe (44 countries), APAC, South America, and Latin America.Carolyn’s career is marked not only by her corporate accomplishments but also by her unwavering dedication to community service and empowerment. She is the founder of Mothers Shut In, a nonprofit organization committed to uplifting women from diverse backgrounds and helping them build lasting legacies.For nearly a decade, she has led a 5:45 a.m. weekday prayer line, a testament to her spiritual leadership and deep sense of purpose.

An engaged professional, Carolyn has actively contributed to the Oracle Users Group for 20 years, having held leadership roles including President, Vice President of Financial Services, and currently Board Advisor. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was appointed and is currently serving as a National Board Trustee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Family is at the heart of Carolyn’s life. She is the proud grandmother of four—Paxton, Caysen, Preslyn, and Parker—who affectionately call her “MUH.” She is the mother of Rev. Thomas Hayden Garner (Taylor) and Cassie Renee Garner. This year, she and her husband Thomas will celebrate 39 years of marriage.

A woman of faith, Carolyn has been a devoted member of Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church for 35 years, where she also worked part-time as Financial Secretary for 15 years. Her giving expands globally, including providing technology resources in Ghana and securing ministry space in South Africa to serve marginalized communities.