Carla Holmes

Associate Director of Professional Graduate Programs

Office: Gaylord Hall 3034
Email: carla.holmes@ou.edu

Education:
MA, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
BA, University of Missouri, Columbia

Accreditation:
Earned Accreditation in Public Relations (APR): Asserts professional competence; communicates professional expertise, plus personal and professional dedication and values; and reflects progressive public relations industry practices and high standards.

Highlights:
Solid education combined with business knowledge and qualifications that include:

Broad business experience with knowledge of corporate communication, branding, consumer behavior, cross-cultural communication social media marketing and strategic planning, as well as in-depth expertise in business operations and digital marketing strategy.
Understanding of the balance of theoretical insight and practical application to help others shape initiatives and bring ideas so life.
Experience managing teams of 30+ and PR agencies across the U.S. Instructing and onboarding agencies and internal constituents; speaking and leading group discussions.
Designing assignments that are challenging and that offers students the opportunity to apply theory, and to practice the skills critical for success in today's business world.
Evaluating performance and providing feedback in a constructive and motivating way.
Working as part of a team that is committed to excellence in both business and education

As an innovative and creative public relations professional, Carla Holmes, APR has been surprising companies and organizations with her unique approach to consumer marketing for more than 25 years. She led corporate communications and public affairs as the Chief Communications Officer for FINA, Oil & Chemical, Inc. where she was a member of the executive staff reporting directly to the CEO.

Prior to FINA, Holmes was Sr. Vice‐President at Fleishman‐Hillard International Communications in St. Louis, where she helped spearhead the McDonald’s Restaurant Co‐op account serving the Bi‐State Area for Missouri and Illinois. Holmes provided account management for Anheuser‐Bush Community Affairs Division, among a variety of others. Most recently, Holmes served as Head of PR, New Attractions/North America for Merlin Entertainment.